Wrapped in Hope: a breast cancer survivor’s story

Garnet Hill has partnered with National Breast Cancer Foundation to bring you stories of hope during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is Berniece’s story.

Berniece — a mother of six kids — was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 38. Her mother was the first person she told. “She would talk to me in a slow, stern, but gentle voice and remind me of how strong I was, and had to be, in order to beat cancer,” she said. “I needed to survive no matter what.”

She made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy and promised she would never sugarcoat chemotherapy — she cried every day she had it and also struggled with “chemo brain.” Berniece turned to her family and faith on the good and bad days. “Breast cancer has strengthened and challenged me to be my best self,” she said.

Today, Berniece is working toward a degree in Human Services and enjoys spending free time with seniors and kids alike, because life is “about touching as many people as you can with kindness and love.”

For women going through treatment,
Berniece offers the following three pieces of advice:

1. Now is not the time to neglect yourself — take time to focus on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
2. Stop worrying that every ache and pain is a sign of cancer. Stay positive in the face of fear.
3. Make plans to celebrate your survivorship: Pray and keep the faith!

Garnet Hill is proud to partner with National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) to further its mission of Helping Women Now®. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re donating 5% of Cashmere Wrap sales (up to $15,000) to the foundation.

National Breast Cancer Foundation is firmly committed to Helping Women Now® and ensuring that no one navigates breast cancer alone. NBCF provided a patient navigator for Berniece who helped and supported her every step of the way.