2020 Models: AJ

December 1, 2020

37, diagnosed at 34

No family history, no known genetic mutation

AJ found a lump on her breast that was sore. Because she and her husband were planning to add to their family of two young boys, she wanted it checked first. Her doctor wasn’t too worried but sent her for a mammogram, which led to further testing and a diagnosis of stage 1 triple negative breast cancer. Her lumpectomy did not achieve clear margins, so she opted for a bilateral mastectomy. After chemo, she carefully considered and decided against radiation. AJ’s kids are her life, and she was determined not to let cancer change that as she went through treatment. “I was at every performance, every game, every school meeting.” Her nurse navigator introduced her to H4TG; the two hit it off and are now co-facilitators of the Chester support system. Despite claiming to have no musical talent, AJ loves music, and always finds herself bobbing her head, toe-tapping, or dancing to songs. “H4TG is my perfect song. After a meeting I feel like I’m on top of the world! I want to spread the H4TG love and give back what it has given me.” AJ says the 1920s helped women discover their strength and independence to create the lives they wanted – just as cancer has done for her.

Archives

Archives

Recent Post

© 2025 Here for the Girls, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity
EIN 26-0606190
3709 Strawberry Plains Rd., Suite D
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Contact us at info@hereforthegirls.org

Our team is ready to support you, and the best way to get in touch is by emailing support@hereforthegirls.org. While we do not offer crisis services, we are committed to providing a trauma-informed environment and can guide you toward appropriate support. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger; Go to your nearest emergency room

For non-emergency support, consider these options: Contact your primary care provider for a referral to mental health services; Use SAMHSA's treatment locator at findtreatment.gov to find local providers; Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for treatment referrals
cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram