Today, I want to share something deeply personal in hopes that it helps you understand why I am so passionate about what we do at TLC Donor Services—and why this month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, holds such a special place in my heart.
My Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Three years ago, my life took a turn I never expected. On May 3, 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I still remember the moment vividly. I’ve always been proactive about my health, and when I detected a lump in my chest, I didn’t hesitate to make an appointment. At the time, my husband and I were in Boston for his work, and I was seen at Massachusetts General Hospital. After a biopsy on April 29th, I waited anxiously for the results, convinced that what I found was likely a benign fibroadenoma. But when the doctor called on May 3rd, everything changed. It wasn’t benign—it was cancer.
Just nine days later, I started chemotherapy. What followed were 16 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, and some of the hardest months of my life. I had to summon a strength I didn’t know I had, lean on my support network, and take each day one step at a time. Thanks to incredible doctors, the care of my loved ones, and a lot of prayer, I am so grateful to share that I am three years cancer-free this month.
What I Learned
While I am deeply thankful for my recovery, my journey changed me in ways I could never have imagined. One of the hardest truths many women face after a cancer diagnosis—especially those with breast cancer—is that the very treatments that save our lives often take away our ability to conceive. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries can cause infertility or make pregnancy unsafe. It’s something that doesn’t get talked about enough, but it affects so many survivors.
I’ve met countless women and couples who, like me, have faced the reality that traditional conception may no longer be possible because of medical treatment or diagnosis. For many, the dream of building a family doesn’t end—it just takes a different path.
That’s why I’m so passionate about the work we do at TLC Donor Services. We help families find hope again through egg donation and surrogacy. Whether a woman has survived breast cancer, undergone treatment for another serious illness, or faced a genetic condition that impacts fertility, there are still ways to experience the joy of parenthood. Through my own journey, I’ve come to see how powerful it is when medical science and human compassion come together to make that possible.
Every time I meet a couple who thought they had lost their chance to have a child, I see a reflection of the fear and uncertainty I once felt. And every time I watch them find success on their journey, I am reminded that beauty and hope can grow from the hardest parts of our stories.
Thoughts for Others Facing Medical Fertility Issues
If you or someone you love is facing a cancer diagnosis—or any medical challenge that may affect fertility—please know that you are not alone, and there are fertility options after cancer. For some, fertility preservation before treatment, such as freezing eggs or embryos, can offer peace of mind. But not everyone has that window of time. For those who begin treatment quickly, as I did, egg donation for breast cancer survivors can provide a path forward.
Through the generosity of donors, it’s possible for survivors to carry a pregnancy or build their family through a surrogate using donor eggs. It’s one of the most beautiful examples of women helping women—turning compassion into life.
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to navigate life after cancer. You’re processing a whirlwind of emotions, trying to reclaim your health, and mourning the parts of life that feel uncertain. My hope is that through TLC Donor Services, we can make this part of the journey just a little easier—for survivors, for their partners, and for anyone who’s been told that “it might not be possible.” Because I know, in my heart, that it is possible.
As I celebrate three years cancer-free this month, I also celebrate the incredible community of survivors who continue to show courage, resilience, and love in the face of hardship. You inspire me daily. And to anyone who is still in the middle of their fight, please hold on to hope. The treatments, the scars, the tears—they do not define you. What defines you is your strength, your grace, and your will to keep going.
From one survivor to another: there is life after cancer. There is healing, joy, and even new beginnings. And if part of your new beginning includes building a family after breast cancer, TLC Donor Services is here to walk beside you every step of the way.
If you’re a cancer survivor exploring your fertility options, or if you simply want to learn more about how egg donation can help you grow your family, I invite you to reach out to us. We’re here to answer your questions, guide you through your options, and remind you that there is always hope for the future.
With love and hope,
Tiffany
Founder & CEO, TLC Donor Services
