A few posts ago, I invited women and men to write and share how their breast cancer experience was the impetus for a new beginning in their lives. Toni was the first to respond. Her letter follows as today’s guest post.
My name is Toni Turchi; I reside in Aurora Ohio with my husband and ten year old son. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) on March 7, 2011.
TNBC accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancer diagnosis. Unlike most breast cancer patients, TNBC has no preventative therapy (adjuvant) following the standard regimen. Seventy percent (70% ) of us will lose our lives within two to three years. There are; however, 20-25% of us that will beat all odds. I have every intention of the later placement.
I’ve had 4.5 months of chemo, a double mastectomy and 30 rounds of radiation. TNBC treatment was complete on November 7, 2011. This past year has been the most challenging time of my life and I’ve accepted my situation.
In some ways, cancer is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ve grown in so many ways and had it not have been for this adversity, I might never have experienced the beauty of humanity in the way that I have. Cancer has put “skid marks” in my life and has forced me to live for this moment of this day (something that I’ve always strived for).
I’ve discovered what really matters in this lifetime. It’s not money, not materialistic “stuff”, not accomplishments, and certainly not what status you are in society. All of this becomes irrelevant when you’ve been diagnosed with cancer….especially one with no cure! I’ve never questioned God because I know (with clarity) that He’s simply in the process of redirecting my life so that a greater purpose might be accomplished.
I’ve watched many women endure chemo and I’ve lost two close friends [to this disease] within the past two months. I can’t just sit back and “hope” that one day there might be a cure. One in eight people annually are diagnosed with breast cancer. We MUST find a way to prevent this disease.
Someone has to be Toni Turchi and I’m grateful that it’s me. I will use the setback of this adversity (TNBC), and take my greatest leap forward.
The Toni Turchi Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) will launch on April 2, 2012. I will serve as an advocate for the foundation’s mission utilizing my guided vision and committed efforts with one goal in mind……….finding a cure for this disease that is taking the lives of thousands. If they can find a vaccine for the 1950’s polio epidemic, then why can’t we put a stop to this horrific disease?
That is why I’ve decided to join forces with Dr. Vincent Tuohy, an immunization scientist at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland Ohio. Dr. Tuohy has recently become highly recognized for [what is believed to be] the first time vaccine to PREVENT breast cancer……not treat it, but prevent it. Over the past two years, Dr. Tuohy has tested this vaccine on mice and has achieved a 100% success rate. The next step…..is testing on humans. For that we need funding. All of the TTF’s proceeds will be distributed to Dr. Tuohy’s cause at this time.
It is my hope that breast cancer will [one day soon] become obsolete. Won’t you join forces with me in helping put a stop to this unnecessary disease? It’s been 30 years and we’re still racing! There is no time to waste.
Toni Turchi
www.toniturchifoundation.org
