Meet the face behind One Tough Cookie, Marie Camacho.
Marie went for her annual mammogram in December 2014 and everything appeared normal. But 9 short months later that would all change. In September 2015, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Things went quickly from there. That November she had a lumpectomy with a sentinel node biopsy, and by December she was starting round 1 (of 14) chemo treatments. The treatments would last through May of 2016, followed by a double mastectomy in August 2016. While she was technically declared “cancer-free” after her chemo treatments, the battle didn’t end there. She needed reconstructive surgery on her breasts that required multiple surgeries. She was also placed on preventive medicines (that she will have to take for 10 years) and she still has lots of doctors appointments to address the side effects of her treatments and medicines.
While going through one of the hardest times in her life, Marie was so grateful for the love and support of her family, friends and community. Unfortunately, as she went for her treatments and her doctors appointments she saw so many others going through similar situations who were alone. She became burdened for them and was determined to give her battle a purpose.
One Tough Cookie was created to provide support and encouragement to those that are battling cancer through care packages, peer to peer support groups, and charitable events. It is our desire to make sure that those going through one of the hardest times in their lives do not feel alone and to provide them with resources to help them fight this disease.
Whether you are a cancer patient, caregiver, or a cancer survivor, we hope we will be able to help spread some love and compassion to you during this difficult time.
If you know someone who would benefit from a care package please contact us at info@supportonetoughcookie.com.