Meet Isabel, a devoted mother of three daughters and a woman whose life was turned upside down by a single decision—one rooted in love, fear, and faith.

“I’m 47 years old and had never had a mammogram,” Isabel shared. “But on December 31st, I went in for a regular check-up and told my doctor how my 22-year-old niece had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I was scared, but something told me it was time.” Her doctor didn’t hesitate. “We might be able to get you in right after this appointment,” they said. Isabel took a deep breath and responded, “Perfect. Let’s just do it.”

That decision became the start of a journey she never imagined. Just two weeks later, Isabel received a call asking her to return for more imaging. At first, she chalked it up to protocol—it was, after all, her first mammogram. But the follow-ups kept coming. Another call. More imaging. Another ultrasound. On January 16, she was asked to wait after her scans while the doctor reviewed everything. “I was called into a room and told I needed to see a breast specialist. There were multiple abnormalities. They handed me all my images. That moment was terrifying.”

By the following week, Isabel had met with two different specialists. She ultimately chose Penn Medicine, where testing continued—this time including a biopsy. On February 10, 2025, she received the diagnosis that changed everything: Stage 1, Grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ).

“The hardest part for me was accepting it,” Isabel said honestly. “I had so many thoughts and emotions, but I kept praying. I kept reading. I kept walking. That’s how I stayed positive—by leaning on my faith and my family.”

Her three daughters, her husband, and her belief in God have been her anchor. She remains grounded in gratitude and purpose, even on the most difficult days. “I love going for walks, just spending time with my family. My hope is to not only be cancer-free—but to help other women through the journey too. If I can share one thing with others, it’s this: Your faith will help you through this. Don’t be afraid to take that first step.”

To support Isabel as she navigates treatment and daily life, the Fightstrong Foundation provided ShopRite, Costco, and Uber gift cards, giving her family one less thing to worry about. Whether it’s getting to appointments or filling the fridge, we wanted Isabel to feel supported in both small and meaningful ways.

She took a bold first step when she said, “Let’s just do it.” That decision may have saved her life—and inspired many others to take their own first step, too

We love you and we are always here for you! Our prayers for you are louder than ever!