Sharon's story:  Since my maternal grandmother died of breast cancer at 59, I received mammograms at an early age.  I was often called back for a second round of mammograms or told to come back in 6 months. This went on for more than 15 years. So in November 2009, I was once again called back, but this time they decided to give me an ultrasound and an MRI.  I was diagnosed with an invasive cancer in my left breast.  I was actually relieved to hear the news; finally something was going to be done.

Dr. Nancy Cappello and Sharon at St Vincent's Breast Cancer Luncheon

In January of 2010, I found out about the CT density notification legislation that became law on Oct 1, 2009. This bill included offering extensive screening for dense breast tissue using an ultrasound and or MRI.  I then realized why after all these years the radiologist decided I needed more tests. If not for Nancy Cappello and the legislation she pushed for I may still be walking around having my standard mammograms thinking I was safe and cancer free. I had stage 1 cancer. This law saved me from a future diagnosis at a higher stage and maybe having a shorter life span.

I always wanted to meet Nancy. I was very excited she was speaking at St. Vincent's Breast Cancer Luncheon. What an honor it was to finally meet her.

I have tears in my eyes writing this. Thank you Nancy.

Sharon represents the thousands of women with dense breast tissue who may need more than mammography to detect their cancer.  This is the reason why I started this life-saving work to educate the public about the risks and screening challenges of dense breast tissue.