I have had lumps removed since I was 27 years old. I have a family history on both sides of the family. I'm married with young children and felt that a benign fibroid was changing. I knew I wasn't due for a mammogram because it was less than my 2 year routine check. My PCP thought it was still benign but referred me back to Betty Ford for further investigation. I had a mamm and ultrasound and discovered that my fibroid was still benign, but they found calcification that looked suspect. I had a core biopsy on both lesions, one on the lateral (side) of my left breast and one in the posterior (back) of my left breast. One week passed and I received the call. I'll never forget that day. I was told I had DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) which is an early detection, but because of my family history and personal past biopsies, was advised aggressive treatment.

I had a mastectomy of my left breast to avoid chemo and radiation. It was emotionally devastating, to say the least, but I was unwilling to display weakness in front of my children. I took my strength and gave it super power! I invented a product to help comfort women like me and women whom went through worse. I invented THE CUSHY, a seatbelt device that comforts any breast surgical site to avoid the unpleasant feeling of the shifting and rubbing that brought me to tears at times while driving. I was granted $5,000 to jumpstart production and I'm doing well. Mind, body and soul. I am a daughter, sister, mother, friend and now advocate for the cause. It has given me purpose and I'm so proud to be a survivor! Thank you for allowing me to share

~Danylyn