Carol Cote

Breast Cancer Survivor since 2020

While the world was worried about Covid in the summer of 2020 I was not. As I was about to turn 50 and my offices were empty I decided to get my first mammogram. At first it all seemed routine, with dense breasts I was told to expect a follow up mammogram right away. After a sonogram and biopsy I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I decided to take my body back. This was the beginning of my fitness journey as well.

It was a small tumor so there was no need to worry.  My genetic test revealed that I was BRCA 2. That is when things my life started to change. My course of treatment was a double mastectomy, which forever changed my life. I went to therapy, but running became my favorite therapy. For the first time I could run, because now I was aerodynamic.

As the world got back to a new normal from the pandemic, I was able to go to my first ever American Cancer Society Event, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. The ‘Sea of Pink’ told me I was not alone, and that there was a movement for survivors and their families. So today I have a home at ACS working with people that understand the importance of the research and the programs that ACS supports. I am proud to be a marathon runner, avid ACS supporter, 3 time Pacesetter, and Voice of Hope for American Cancer Society.