I am a 47 year-old mother, wife, friend, aunt, sister, daughter, licensed clinical social worker, entrepreneur, and enduring quite a journey. I enjoy using my energy and positivity to help others.
I live with a rare genetic syndrome called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome or LFS. Li-Fraumeni Syndrome is linked to a mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. This mutation means that Courtney has a higher risk of developing cancer over her lifetime. “I was diagnosed with LFS at the age of 36,” says Courtney. “This diagnosis came after multiple health crises that impacted me and my family. As a young woman, I had multiple breast tumors removed along with a tumor on my knee. It turns out, LFS was a factor in the growth of the cysts.”
My father passed away in 2007 after battling myelodysplastic disorder (MDS) and leukemia. At the time of his death, Courtney's older sister, D'Ana, was battling cancer as well. In 2011, doctors diagnosed Courtney with breast cancer. At the time, her sister received yet another breast cancer diagnosis. “Doctors recommended I undergo genetic testing, and that’s when both my sister and I discovered we were living with LFS. We both tested positive for the gene mutation.”
My sister passed away in 2017. Every six months, Courtney undergoes an MRI to catch any new cancer in its earliest stages. I was fortunate with the help of my sister, and others to be a part of starting the 501(c)3 organization, Living LFS. Individuals with LFS have approximately a 50% chance of developing cancer by age 40, and up to a 90% chance by age 60. Females with LFS have nearly a 100% risk of developing cancer in their lifetime due to their markedly increased risk of breast cancer. I am constantly educating my self as well as my doctors.
I believe that for me learning to love myself and my body is a daily journey for me. I take so much pride in also being a part of an organization that really cares how the clothing and items we put in and on our body make us feel. The women and men who are a part of savvi have become my family. There are many things in life that I can’t control but I can control that where I spend my money and making sure that care about being an ethical and moral company. With living LFS and Savvi I can truly say I have surrounded myself with the most amazing people who exist.
