The journey of Tracy Milgram: From previvor to founder of BRCAStrong
Tracy is a breast cancer previvor and founder of the BRCAStrong, a non-profit supporting women affected by breast and gynecologic cancers regardless of genetic predisposition.
Discovering my BRCA status
At just 18 years old, life was brimming with possibilities. I was a typical teenager navigating school, friendships and dreams for the future. But a routine self-breast exam in the shower changed everything.
In my family, the shadow of የጡት ካንሰር loomed large: My grandmother and her three sisters were breast cancer survivors (one passed away in her 40s) and I grew up knowing how much it had shaped their lives. When I felt a lump during that self-exam, I visited my OB-GYN, who sent me for a mammogram given my family history and referred me to a breast surgeon for a lumpectomy. I was also introduced to genetic testing at that appointment, which was at the time a relatively new frontier in medicine. That was the moment I began my journey into the world of BRCA mutations.
Two of the most well-known genetic mutations in cancer are found in the BRCA1 እና BRCA2 genes. After three years of routine appointments with my OB-GYN and two more lumpectomies (all of which were benign), I underwent genetic testing and learned that I carried the BRCA2 genetic mutation at 21 years old, which significantly increased my risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It was a revelation that changed everything. While others my age were focused on college and living carefree, I was grappling with life-altering decisions about my health and future.
Finding out I carried the BRCA mutation wasn’t a death sentence; it was a call to action. I decided early on that I wouldn’t allow fear to dictate my life. Armed with knowledge and support, I underwent a preventative double mastectomy—a decision that would protect me and inspire others.
The birth of BRCAStrong
The seed for BRCAStrong was planted in one of the most unexpected ways. At the heart of its creation was my daughter Gabriela, just seven years old at the time, whose words gave me the inspiration I didn’t realize I needed.
One afternoon, she looked at me with her bright, curious eyes and said, “Mom, you’re like a butterfly. You went through something hard, and now you’re helping others fly.” Her words stopped me in my tracks. It was such a simple yet profound comparison, beautiful, resilient and ever evolving.
In that moment, I realized the transformation I had undergone through my own journey and how it wasn’t just for me. I felt compelled to help others navigate their own metamorphoses. My daughter saw how I changed after my double mastectomy, and we both decided more women needed help like me. More women deserved to be comfortable in their own skin as we accept a new “normal.” That was the birth of BRCAStrong—a space where individuals impacted by hereditary cancer could find their wings, just as I had found mine.
Much like a butterfly symbolizes hope and change, BRCAStrong has become a symbol of strength, community and empowerment. Gabriela’s insight continues to fuel my passion and reminds me that even the smallest voices can spark the biggest movements.
Empowering through action
One of my proudest accomplishments is witnessing the ripple effect of BRCAStrong’s impact. Whether it’s a previvor feeling seen and supported, a survivor finding their voice or a family understanding the importance of knowing their genetic risks, these moments reaffirm why I began this journey. From providing pre-mastectomy and gynecologic care packages to initiatives like In REAL Life, created in memory of La’Kesha Gordon, to offering post-mastectomy bras, each story embodies the heart of our mission to empower and uplift.
Looking ahead
As BRCAStrong approaches its 10th anniversary next year, I am filled with gratitude. This organization is not just about me; it’s about the thousands of lives we’ve touched and the community we’ve built together. I stand today as a mother, a founder and a proud 20-year breast cancer previvor, ready to keep breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be BRCAStrong.
My journey has taught me that knowledge is power and community is strength. To anyone reading this, I encourage you to learn your family history, understand your risks, and, most importantly, advocate for your health. Together, we are stronger, braver and more resilient.