South Florida resident Maria Velez survived breast cancer after a mammogram in 2022 revealed she had the disease. Her sisters had previously been diagnosed, prompting her to monitor her health closely.
Velez underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She said her family helped her through difficult days as she was preparing to become a grandmother, and she worried about whether the cancer might return.
Velez said she had to leave her work as a sonographer a year later because of complications during her cancer journey. She had worked as an ultrasound technician for 17 years. After one of her sisters was diagnosed, Velez committed to helping the American Cancer Society. Her account emphasizes the value of support from others; the society says one in eight women develop breast cancer.
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