Breast Cancer Awareness Fund in Memory of Martha Dickinson

I believe that creating awareness, getting to know your family history, and routine screening play key factors in the fight and prevention of breast cancer. I lost my mom in my senior year of high school due to metastatic breast cancer that went into her bones. She was a fighter and taught her 2nd grade class until treatments became too much. Fortunately, technological advances have drastically improved the prognosis of those diagnosed with breast cancer. I want to carry on her legacy of learning. In addition, I developed the courage to go through genetic testing, which was not routinely done when she was diagnosed. Knowledge truly is power. I found out I am BRCA2 positive and underwent the preventative surgeries to drastically reduce my risk. I am very passionate about others understanding the preventative measures they can take in order to detect it early as well as reduce their risk. This fund will support the Breast Cancer Awareness in Memory of Martha Dickinson annual $500 scholarship to a high schooler or undergraduate in Maryland who's life has been impacted by the diagnosis or passing of a loved one with breast cancer.