In late 2008, I discovered a couple of tiny lumps in my right breast and went in for a routine lumpectomy. My doctor removed a couple of nodes and informed me the pathology results showed I had breast cancer. I had no family history of breast cancer, I exercised and ate healthy—how could this happen to me? I was completely terrified and spent the entire weekend after surgery crying with my husband. As a mother of two, I had too much to live for and a lot more living to do! At 44 years old, I began my battle against triple negative breast cancer with multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. After I finished, I got involved with Dr. Vahdat’s successful TM clinical trial. During that time, I created the website, “Thrive-Lifestyle” to offer inspiration and support to others facing their own battles. A portion of the proceeds from bracelets we sell bearing the word “Thrive” engraved on stylish and inspirational pieces, as well as medical alert style tags, go to help fund cancer research. The accompanying tags also contain wildflower seeds and helpful information that serve as a reminder to those impacted by breast cancer that a positive attitude, and hope, can make a lasting difference.

Hilary Callaghan was diagnosed with, and treated for, triple negative breast cancer and has been participating in Dr. Vahdat’s successful TM trial for nearly three years. Her husband Paul Graham, being inspired by the results of the trial, created his own crowdsourced fundraiser to support Dr. Vahdat’s efforts to procure the funding necessary to complete the third phase of her trial. Paul invited friends and family to join him on a sponsored climb of Slieve Donard and Slieve Commedagh mountains (the 1st and 2nd highest mountains in Northern Ireland, respectively) on February 26th, 2017.

In the spirit of the luck of the Irish, Paul surpassed his fundraising goal of $10,000. He likened the climb to their own cancer journey by saying they were “faced with a mountain to climb, horrific conditions to endure at times, but with the support of family, friends, doctors and the good people of the community, they made it through” and found Dr. Vahdat’s trial. As they began their final descent of the mountain, the rain subsided and Paul likened the rainbow that appeared to Dr. Vahdat’s treatment as a reminder to keep looking forward to brighter, sunnier days.

When I heard I had Stage 3 triple negative breast cancer I was shocked—scared I wouldn’t live until Christmas. I had chemo, a mastectomy, radiation and a reconstruction before I heard about a trial that was allowing women to live longer than anyone expected: 5, 8, a growing number of years. I was determined to join the trial and help move the drug to wider availability so it could reach more women with late-stage cancer. It’s been 7 years since my diagnosis, and after 4 years on the trial with no side effects, I am considered cured by breast cancer researchers. I was there to see both my children get married, and for the birth of my two grandchildren. I’m breaking through cancer by continuing to give hope to newly diagnosed women on several breast cancer hotlines, because when they hear I’m still here 7 years later, they think wow, that could be me, too.

When I heard the words “breast cancer,” I panicked. When I heard the words “triple-negative,” “aggressive,” “high risk of recurrence,” “deadly,” it got much worse. A team of excellent doctors and nurses guided me through chemo, surgery and radiation, but when my treatments were finished, (and contrary to what I expected), I felt sad, scared and fearful of my cancer recurring. When I found Dr. Vahdat and the TM team, I found real hope. I feel so very lucky to be a part of this amazing study. I travel to Manhattan every month so they can check my blood and while it is difficult at times, I am healthy, I feel great and I’ve even moved to be closer to my grandchildren. Life has continued on wonderfully. I hope this treatment can be extended to thousands more women so they can live healthy, cancer-free lives.

I was 55 years old when I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. My youngest son had just entered his first year in college, and my older son was starting his new business. After chemo, surgery, more chemo followed by radiation, I had my final meeting with my oncologist. At first, he said there were no post-treatment medications for triple negative breast cancer patients before he remembered the success of Dr. Vahdat’s program. I called immediately and got an appointment to meet with Dr. Vahdat and her team. I began taking the TM medication approximately 5 and a half years ago and so far—so good. The experience has been amazing and the comfort of my physical exam with Dr. Vahdat every four weeks has been invaluable. I feel so grateful for my oncologist, Dr. Citron, and Dr. Vahdat and her team. Being part of the study has allowed me to break through this difficult time and look ahead with confidence to what I hope will be a long, healthy life to enjoy with my children and grandchildren.

This Saturday is World Cancer Day, a vital global initiative created to spread awareness and inspire action in our fight against the disease. And you can take part. Tell friends and family about Dr. Vahdat’s breakthrough research and encourage their support–or even make a donation of your own. Already have? Thank you! We hope you’ll take part in this special day by adding to your support and bringing us closer to our goal.

Dr. Vahdat was featured on Spectrum News NY1 on January 4th with Rachael Rothman, one of her patients who has benefited from the groundbreaking copper depletion treatment. See how this treatment has made a real difference in Rachael’s life and how your donations will impact the lives of others battling breast cancer: http://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/health-and-medicine/2017/01/4/copper-toned-research-trial-offers-new-hope-in-finding-a-cure-for-cancer.html

On this page, you will find project updates and progress details, as well as patient testimonials both past and present as they become available. Please be sure to check back here often to see how your donations are making a real difference in the lives of women who desperately need it.