Leann’s Voice of Hope and Support - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Leann Kass & Family, Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story
Approaching her 8th anniversary of being cancer-free, Leann Kass is inspiring us all with her journey, her transparency, and ultimately, her voice. She is a vigorous mama, encouraging communities on all platforms through her ability to openly talk about beating breast cancer at a young age, but also about the emotions that she faced, and how to help friends or family members who may be fighting the battle she was, not long ago.
This is her Survival Story.
Leann running a 5K Fun Run the night before she started chemotherapy
“The thing about beating cancer is it’s never really over; not only is each day a blessing and new beginning in itself, but it’s also a constant reminder of what you overcome. No matter how long it’s been since you’ve been in remission, that fear and those dreadful thoughts of that “little something that feels off”, Leann Kass.
It’s been almost 8 years… “On the one hand, it seems like a lifetime ago and on the other, I can still vividly remember the pain, tears, and heartbreak I experienced the day I got my biopsy results over the phone. That moment in time that phone call will forever be engrained into my memory and the person I have become on the other side of this disease.”
As a light to us all, Leann expresses how her story quickly shifted from a married, 29-year-old mother to a 3-year-old boy with her whole life ahead of her, to being stopped in her tracks upon diagnosis. Reflecting on her journey, Leann is still both thankful and afraid.
“As you go through remission after surviving the grueling surgeries and chemotherapy you begin to live your life in small increments. Every checkup appointment where you’re given the all-clear means you can take a deep breath and live freely for the next 3-6 months before your next checkup. As the day approaches for those check-ups the reality of your life being turned upside down again in a matter of minutes puts the most imaginable weight on your heart. Although being 7 (now nearly 8) years cancer-free is a celebration it’s very scary. The further away you get from living through the treatments, recovery, and 100s of doctor appointments the more you want to move forward with your life, but the thoughts of cancer coming back are never far away.“
Leann’s first time wearing a wig in public
Leann advocates for early detection and “how to best support others who might someday be in these same unimaginable shoes”.
“Even though I had a significant family history of both breast and ovarian cancer I still thought I had many years ahead before I even had to wonder or begin pre-monitoring for the possibility or risk of being diagnosed.”
Understanding that everyone’s battle is different, Leann bold shares how readers can support the journey of those that have been recently diagnosed and advice is you are in the shoes she once wore.
“Remember that we need to be respectful of each person’s journey and how they deal with the diagnosis; some want to talk and share, others don’t. So, the best piece of advice I can give you is to ASK WHAT THEY NEED. It could be as simple as a door dashed dinner, watching their kids for even an hour so they can rest and not feel guilty for resting and taking care of themselves, doing a load of laundry, or even just a shoulder to cry on. It’s amazing just how far even the simplest gesture can go with someone who is knee-deep in a fight for their life.
First hair cut post chemo
The second piece of advice is to never hesitate when it comes to your health or the health of someone you know. Go with your gut, get a 2nd or 3rd opinion, and advocate for your own health and treatment plans. Also GO TO the doctor for checkups, testing, or any concern for even the smallest thing that feels off. Early detection is the best chance at increasing your odds of survival.
The third and last piece is to love and live. Recent unprecedented times have shown us all how precious life can be and how important it is to hold your family tight. Fears come and go so don’t let the fear stop you from living. That’s the biggest lesson I have taken from all of the tragedies I have endured over the course of my life. I’m so incredibly thankful to be overcoming my fear and sharing my story with the hopes that it gives anyone struggling the strength to keep placing one foot in front of the other.”
Let’s rise together as we support, encourage, and virtually hug each other—especially on the days when we need it most.
Leann continues to serve as a voice and a listening ear for any and all who find themselves in need of support in her community and I commend her for her strength, tenacity, and bravery. If you would like to share your story with my viewers, I’d be honored.