My name is Tina Marie Vucci and I'm 44 years old. I found a lump the size of a pea in my left breast and it grew for 2 years. It was then the size of a golf ball and I had 3 the same size in my lymph nodes. It was 3rd stage breast cancer at 33 years old.

I had a radical modified mastectomy and all my lymph nodes removed. I opted for a study for chemotherapy, which was triple the amount and 19 radiation treatments. I was on a very dark path at that time and continued living that way for some time. I was unable to have reconstructive surgery because of my circumstances. I am now 12 years cancer free and I was presented with the chance to have reconstructive surgery, but because of all the radiation, it would be a lot of surgeries. I decided this is me, with one breast, and it's okay.

Today, I live life and show up, and I belong to some wonderful nonprofit organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Pink Heals Guardians of the Ribbon – Cape Fear Chapter, and Lump to Laughter. I help others today and my journey is a very positive one now. I have turned my life around. God saved me because he had a purpose for me and I believe it is to help others the best I can and share my story to inspire others as well.