I don't normally share personal stories on LinkedIn, but October is Breast Cance
By Justine Gravino Kickham · October 16, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
I don't normally share personal stories on LinkedIn, but October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this disease has knocked on our family's door not once, but twice. So I'm breaking my own rule, because my mom deserves to have her story told.
Round One: In 2007, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a lumpectomy, followed by radiation, and took medication for five years to help keep it at bay. She fought. She won. Life moved forward. Then came the blindside. At her eight-year checkup, while she was experiencing unexplained pain in her shoulders and hips that no one could diagnose, we received devastating news: multiple myeloma. The doctors told us she might have three months to live.
Three months: I remember thinking — my mom will never see me get married. She'll never hold my children. She'll never get to be there for the moments that matter most. To make it worse, she wasn't responding to any of the chemotherapy treatments. So we made a decision as a family: if this is the time we have left, were going to make every second count with her doctors blessing, we took a family trip to New York City and then something remarkable happened. When she came back from that trip, her numbers had drastically changed — for the better. Against all odds, she became a candidate for a stem cell transplant at Duke University. That was almost nine years ago.
Round Two: Just when we thought the worst was behind us, the breast cancer returned. This time, it required a mastectomy. And as if the timing couldn't be more challenging, my mom went through reconstructive surgery right before my wedding. Let me say that again — this woman was recovering from reconstructive surgery and still showed up, still smiled, still made sure my day was perfect. That's who she is. Here's what I know to be true: Cancer is brutal. It is relentless. It doesn't care about your timeline, your milestones, or your plans but so is my mom. I am endlessly grateful for the researchers who refuse to stop searching for answers. For the donors who fund the fight. For the educators who spread awareness. For every single person who plays a role — no matter how small — in the battle against this disease. You are the reason families like mine get more time together and one more thing. I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge my employer Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Amazon. During every single one of these life events, I had leadership that truly understood. As my moms primary caregiver, I needed flexibility — to take her to appointments, to be remote when she needed me, to be present for her fight. And they gave me that without hesitation. That kind of support doesn't just help an employee — it helps a family survive. Mom, you are the strongest person I know. Thank you for fighting — again and again — so that you could be there for every moment that matters. I love you. 💗#BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #CancerSurvivor #MultipleMyeloma #FamilyFirst #Grateful #CancerAwareness #FightLikeAMom