Personal Stories

The Breast Cancer Commemorative Coin Program has a special meaning to many of us at the United States Mint. Here are some of our stories.

• 

  Maria G.
  Historian

  When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, my mother had already survived breast cancer twice — once in the 1970s and again in the 1980s. The medical advances and treatment methods for my own treatment were almost light–years apart from hers. I wish the same improvements in detection, treatment and high survival rates for all those currently diagnosed and for those to come. This coin represents a commitment to defeat this cancer in our lifetime.

• 

  Cathy O.
  Marketing Specialist

  My mother passed away in 1982 from breast cancer at the young age of 50. Her diagnosis and ultimate loss impacted our family very deeply, but I feel in my heart she is always looking out for us in our life journeys. Thirty years ago doctors did not have the type of medical testing and treatments they do today. Knowing I am at high risk, I monitor my health closely and take preventative measures. I am hopeful with the many medical advances made over the past three decades, that if I am diagnosed with breast cancer, it will be detected early, the proper treatment will be available, and with the support of family and friends, I will see it through.

  I have worked at the U.S. Mint more than 27 years, primarily in sales and marketing. Of all the coin programs I have worked on or with over the years, the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program has a very personal meaning to me. I look forward to the launch of this program and hope that the surcharges raised from this program continue to help advance the medical monitoring and treatment for this type of cancer … and maybe someday … lead to a cure.

• 

  Maxine B.
  Metal Forming Machine Operator

  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012. After going through a lumpectomy and radiation, and having to deal with complications, I went through depression – I was angry and scared. Then I found a support group – ladies who had gone through or were about to go through the same journey that I was on — who offered me great comfort and support as only a “sisterhood” could. Three years later, the cancer was back. We decided to act aggressively and remove the breast entirely. I mourned the loss of something so uniquely feminine. Through the support of this “sisterhood” and my family and friends, I learned that there is so much more to me than this life–changing experience. So here I am today, getting through this with a brighter outlook. I see my strengths, but I also know my boundaries. I have learned through the simple things in life. I am appreciative of the support systems that helped me along the way and if I could help one person with the advice that early detection is beneficial and smart, then I’ve done my job!

• 

  Deborah H.
  Chief of Diversity Management and Civil Rights

  My Mother died of breast cancer when I was only nine years old. The loss of her at such a young age was very rough and it changed my life instantly. Fast forward to today, and now another close family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is going through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. I see her struggle and it brings back tearful memories.

  However, I am grateful that although there is no cure, the treatment for breast cancer has improved dramatically since my mother’s diagnosis. Now there is hope and a breast cancer diagnosis is not automatically a death sentence. Early detection is critical — please do it for yourself and for those who love you!

• 

  Victor T.
  Lead Accountant — Financial Department

  Thirty years ago my family lost my aunt to breast cancer. Never did I think it would affect my life again, but two years ago another close family member was diagnosed. I tried my best to support them during that difficult time. This disease not only takes an emotional toll on a family, but also a financial one. Treatment costs can escalate quickly, and I needed to find a way to help out, so I created t–shirts and with the help of family and friends, we sold over 100 shirts in her support. Today, my family member is cancer free!

  I was so proud to hear that the U.S. Mint was going to produce a coin dedicated to breast cancer awareness and to help fund its research. If the funds raised from this coin can save one life it is well worth it.

• 

  Sandy M.
  Chief of Procurement

  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Having gone through chemotherapy 20 years earlier to battle a very rare type of cancer at the age of 24, I knew the horrors I was facing with the treatments, but telling my children that their mom had cancer was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. We are supposed to be the ones taking care of our kids, not the other way around.

  Through the love, care, encouragement and bravery of my kids, my family, my friends, my chemo angels, my community, my cancer team, and a few very special people in my life, I was able to fight and survive this awful disease. They gave me the strength, the support, the tough love and the humor when I needed it the most. The first thing I think of when I hear or talk about cancer is courage. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to fight and survive. I consistently wear reminders, whether it be a bracelet, a pendant, a pin, one of the many cool t–shirts I received, to remind me of that battle. I am a two–time cancer survivor. This coin is extremely personal to me, as a reminder of what I have been through and how much we need to find a cure for cancer!

• 

  Sharon M.
  Public Affairs Specialist

  Seven years ago, I heard the words that changed my life — you have cancer. I was only 35, lived a healthy lifestyle, and had no family history — so that diagnosis was like being hit by a big truck on a dark highway. I had three beautiful girls who were just eight, four, and one years old … how was I supposed to take care of them? That time was filled with fear, worry, anger and sadness. I may have lost a breast, but I have a wonderful husband and a fantastic support system of family and friends who helped take care of me and my family while I underwent nine surgeries over 17 months.

  Working on this program will be one of the greatest highlights in my 17 years at the U.S. Mint. I was lucky enough to win my fight against breast cancer, but I must still remain vigilant to ensure it never returns. I was so pleased when this coin legislation passed, as the surcharges from this program will benefit cancer research. This is important to me because I never want my daughters to have to go through what I have. Only through research will we be able to beat this disease once and for all.