CHICAGO’S QUILTED NORTHERN SOFT & STRONG® CHAMPION – KIMBERLY MCBRIDE

Kimberly McBride attended her first Susan G. Komen event in May 2002 and walked 60 miles in memory of her grandmother who died of breast cancer at the age of 52. Since that time, she volunteered at numerous Komen events. In spring of 2008, Kimberly herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. Here is her personal and heartfelt story about diagnosis, treatment and the journey she has taken.

“When I turned 35 my gynecologist recommended I get my baseline mammogram. My Grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 and lost her battle at 52. I’ve always been diligent about my health and regular doctor checkups, so I made sure that before my 36th birthday, I had my mammogram. It was easy. Much easier than I thought it would be. I received a call saying that doctors were seeing something suspicious and they wanted me to get retested. One mammogram and one biopsy later, I sat at my desk at home waiting for the results. The doctor called and told me that what they found was Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. From there my life was changed forever. It was the earliest stage of breast cancer and because I found it at that stage, my prognosis was excellent. I had a lumpectomy in June and at the end of September 2008, I wrapped up 7 weeks of daily radiation.

I do not know if I will ever look back and say I wouldn’t change my cancer diagnosis, however, I am determined to see the good in this whole situation. One thing that has really changed is my self image. For starters, my breasts, which have always been the biggest, or smallest in my case; source of disdain for my body, are now the body parts that I treasure the most. I am really proud of them for putting up with all of this! I am also feeling good about myself and the rest of my body. I have held up well. I completed a triathlon shortly after my surgery and am still running and feel very strong. Women are hard on themselves. It is so accepted to criticize ourselves and not accept ourselves as we are. I would love to see that improved in our society. We really need to love, nurture and appreciate our bodies.

I am 37 years old. I am married to the only man who could ever put up with me and I love him with all of my heart. I was born and raised in a western suburb of Chicago and recently moved back to the same city. I love it! I am a pharmaceutical sales rep working in Chicago. The most important roles in my life are that of a wife, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. I know how many people have heard my story and I want to make sure that I am making an impact along this journey. I don’t ever want this experience to be in vain. I want more people to realize how important early detection is. I want more people to feel support in their diagnosis and treatment.

I am a breast cancer survivor!!! It has been a crazy bumpy road, and I am learning every step of the way.”

Kimberly is involved with Susan G. Komen because she is proud to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to supporting women going through this devastating illness.

Georgia-Pacific is proud to call Kimberly McBride a Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champion.