Breast cancer at 26: LaShae’s journey
26-year-old LaShae was studying cancer prevention, striving to make the world a better place. A University of Miami PhD student, she focused on exercise and diet for cancer prevention. The former FIBA basketball player on the Olympic track enjoyed powerlifting, staying active throughout her studies. She never expected to receive a breast cancer diagnosis of her own at such a young age.
“This diagnosis was shocking and deepened my understanding of my own condition which I had been studying,” LaShae said. “Despite my knowledge, grappling with the emotional fallout was challenging.”
LaShae had always dreamed of becoming a mother. Life-saving treatments like chemotherapy could pose risks to her fertility, and unfortunately, her insurance did not cover onco-fertility. With treatment starting soon, the clock was ticking. “You have to make a split-second decision about whether or not you do want to have kids,” she said. As a young adult studying without a full-time career and established savings, the cost of fertility procedures was difficult to face. But cancer shouldn’t have to mean giving up on your dreams.
Livestrong Fertility stepped in, providing discounted preservation services and free medications to lift the cost burden of the procedure. “The compassionate guidance of a Livestrong Fertility navigator, who was both calm and reassuring, truly made a difference,” LaShae said. Soon, she had 24 eggs retrieved and frozen, giving her the hope to build a family of her own in the future. “I don’t think I would have those 24 eggs if it wasn’t for Livestrong,” she said.
LaShae continued to powerlift throughout her treatments, exercising true grit. “Being an athlete helped me push through tough situations, mental and physical,” she said. She encourages thousands through her Instagram account, @strongaftercancer, where she shares fitness videos and talks candidly about her own cancer journey.
Last month, LaShae was officially declared cancer free, ringing the bell in celebration. As she continues her studies, the work means even more. “You’re a lot more passionate knowing it’s going to directly impact you,” she said.
Because of the generosity of supporters like you, LaShae can spend a future holiday season with a child of her own. As we approach 2025, Livestrong Fertility looks forward to bringing aid to hundreds more young adults, their hopes of parenthood made possible.
