In Brooklyn, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds each October, personal stories emerge that highlight the struggles and triumphs of those affected by the disease. Behind the statistics and awareness campaigns, real individuals face the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, often while managing everyday responsibilities. Three residents shared their experiences of strength, vulnerability, and the importance of community support as they navigate their journeys with breast cancer.
Kristina Teschner: A Journey of Self-Advocacy
For Kristina Teschner, a resident of Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, the journey began unexpectedly at age 44 during a routine mammogram. The results revealed stage zero DCIS breast cancer, a diagnosis that brought overwhelming fear. “I caught this extremely early,” Teschner remarked, reflecting on their emotional response to the diagnosis.
Teschner, who identifies as non-binary, faced additional hurdles in a medical environment traditionally focused on women. “The assumption was that I am a woman who connects femininity to my breasts,” they explained. Teschner felt the need to advocate for their own preferences when it came to treatment, ultimately opting for an aesthetic flat closure instead of reconstruction.
The surgery confirmed the best possible outcome: the cancer had not spread. “It was my first and last mammogram, and now I am cancer-free,” Teschner stated. Yet, the aftermath of their experience remains complex. “People think, ‘You’re good now,’” Teschner said, highlighting ongoing financial and emotional challenges. “It’s not just about surviving cancer; it’s about reclaiming who you are in the process.”
Sonaya Handberry: The Fight for Life
In East New York, Sonaya Handberry received her diagnosis just weeks before her 40th birthday. On June 30, 2023, she learned she had stage two metastatic breast cancer. “I never saw it coming,” she recalled, noting that she is the first in her family to be diagnosed.
The diagnosis prompted a swift transition into a new reality filled with chemotherapy and its side effects, including fatigue and hair loss. Despite these challenges, Handberry draws strength from her family and friends. “I can’t really leave the house because of my vulnerable immune system,” she said, emphasizing the importance of her support system during this time.
Therapy has also played a crucial role in her journey. “It’s been a safe space for me to unload all my thoughts and emotions about the diagnosis,” she explained. For Handberry, Breast Cancer Awareness Month symbolizes the ongoing fight against the disease. “Hopefully, next year I’ll be saying I’m cancer-free,” she expressed, highlighting her determination and the strength of the community surrounding her.
Chloe Effron: Resilience Through Community
Graphic designer Chloe Effron experienced a dramatic shift in her life when she was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer at the age of 33. “We first noticed a lump at the end of July, and then in the first weeks of August, I was diagnosed,” she shared. The rapid progression of her condition has involved numerous medical appointments and treatments.
Effron credits her family and community for their unwavering support. “My brother Max has been my ‘remote caretaker,’ managing my finances, insurance, and scheduling,” she said. This support network has been instrumental in helping her navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of her diagnosis.
During her treatment, Effron learned the importance of accepting help. “It’s really hard to take and accept help, especially when you’re trying to be independent,” she noted. “But it’s helpful to others too.” She has also inspired others to prioritize their health, as friends have reached out to schedule mammograms after learning about her experience.
As Effron continues her journey, she remains focused on the present and the support of her loved ones. “I didn’t even realize I had a village until my village appeared around me,” she reflected.
The experiences shared by Teschner, Handberry, and Effron illustrate the resilience of individuals facing breast cancer in Brooklyn. Their stories highlight the importance of community support and self-advocacy, emphasizing that the journey extends beyond mere survival. Each narrative serves as a reminder of the personal battles fought daily in the face of this disease, as well as the strength that comes from shared experiences and support.
