October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in Brooklyn, the occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the real-life battles faced by residents affected by this devastating disease. Behind awareness campaigns and fundraising events lie personal stories of strength, vulnerability, and community support, as individuals navigate the complex journey of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Resilience and Identity: Kristina Teschner
Kristina Teschner, a resident of Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, recounts their experience following a routine mammogram at the age of 44. The result was an unexpected diagnosis of stage zero DCIS breast cancer. “I caught this extremely early,” Teschner stated, recalling the emotional turmoil that accompanied the diagnosis.
Despite the early detection, the news proved to be shocking. “It was terrifying,” Teschner remarked, reflecting on the realization of their mortality. The diagnosis arrived at a time of personal exploration regarding their gender identity as a non-binary individual, which added complexity to their experience in a traditionally female-centric medical space.
“The assumption was that I am a woman who connects femininity to my breasts,” Teschner explained. Their medical journey accelerated quickly, with a diagnosis in February and subsequent consultations. Initially, Teschner opted for a “deep flap” reconstruction, but as they researched further, they questioned whether that was the right choice.
“I basically wrote my team an email and was like, ‘Change of plans,’” Teschner said, opting instead for an aesthetic flat closure, which does not involve reconstruction. The surgery confirmed that the cancer had not spread, leading Teschner to declare, “I am cancer-free.”
The physical healing brought newfound freedom, but Teschner emphasized that recovery remains a complex process. “People think, ‘You’re good now,’” they said, sharing their ongoing financial struggles. “I still need help.” Teschner hopes their journey will broaden the understanding of recovery, stating, “It’s not just about surviving cancer. It’s about reclaiming who you are in the process.”
The Fight for Survival: Sonaya Handberry
For Sonaya Handberry, the diagnosis came just weeks before her 40th birthday. “I found out I had breast cancer on June 30, 2023,” Handberry shared. The news was particularly jarring for her, as she is the first in her family to receive such a diagnosis, and it was not genetic.
Describing her experience, Handberry noted the swift toll chemotherapy took on her body. “After my first round, it instantly took a lot out of me,” she said, detailing feelings of fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Despite these challenges, she remains determined not to succumb to despair.
“My core circle of family keeps me grounded,” Handberry explained, emphasizing the importance of support during her treatment. She also credits therapy for providing a safe space to process her emotions. “It’s good to have a therapist to help you navigate through the process,” she said.
Handberry views Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a testament to resilience. “It’s all about the fight,” she expressed, with hopes of declaring herself cancer-free next year. “I didn’t even realize I had a village until my village appeared around me,” she added, highlighting the community support that has emerged during her journey.
Community Support: Chloe Effron
Graphic designer Chloe Effron’s life took a dramatic turn over the summer. “We first noticed a lump at the end of July, and in the first weeks of August, I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she recounted. By the end of August, the diagnosis was stage four.
Effron describes her experience as a whirlwind of doctor visits and treatments, but she finds strength in her community. Her brother Max, who lives on the West Coast, has taken on the role of “remote caretaker,” managing her finances and appointments. “I feel really fortunate for my family,” she said, noting the vital support from her partner and local relatives.
A support page set up by her sister-in-law has allowed friends to assist with meals and provide companionship during treatment. “It’s everything I could have asked for,” Effron expressed.
Max highlighted his sister’s resilience throughout the ordeal, stating, “She’s been in the right attitude through the whole thing.” Effron’s determination to celebrate milestones, such as her recent birthday, is a testament to her spirit. “Her birthday was a few weeks ago. She literally got out of the hospital after being there with a fever and went straight to her birthday party,” he shared.
Despite the ongoing battle, Effron emphasizes the importance of community and accepting help. “It’s really hard to take and accept help, especially when you’re trying to be independent,” she acknowledged. Yet, she believes that accepting support is beneficial for both the giver and receiver.
As she navigates this challenging journey, Effron has witnessed positive changes in her peers, with many scheduling mammograms after hearing her story. “I’m 33, and it seems like starting screenings earlier isn’t a bad idea,” she noted.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the personal struggles faced by individuals like Teschner, Handberry, and Effron. Their stories reflect the complexities of recovery and the strength found in community support, illustrating that the fight against breast cancer extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment.
