Tracy Milgram-Posner Discusses BRCAStrong and Breast Cancer Support

Tracy Milgram-Posner established BRCAStrong in 2015 after more than a decade of navigating her BRCA2 genetic mutation alone. Having undergone two benign lumpectomies, she learned that she carried the mutation.

In 2015, faced with an 85% risk of breast cancer and a 67% risk of ovarian cancer, she underwent a robotic total hysterectomy followed six months later by a prophylactic double mastectomy. These experiences inspired her to create a supportive community for those affected by BRCA mutations and related challenges.

Milgram sat down for an interview with CURE to discuss BRCAStrong and the impact she hopes to make for anyone with breast cancer. BRCAStrong offers a safe, inclusive space for individuals to connect, exchange advice and support one another.

Transcript

My daughter is actually the creator of my foundation. I was about five weeks post-op of a mastectomy, and she looked at me and said, "You are like a butterfly. There are four stages." From that day moving forward, I get the goosebumps every time. …

I remember sitting on my couch with my drains hanging out and not knowing what to do or what bras or seat belt covers to use. My daughter was like, "It's time to make a difference, and I don't want any other child to have to see what my mom went through. So, I want to make a pre-mastectomy care package." Here we are celebrating 10 years and offering different programs, not only a pre-mastectomy care package to women, but to men, because men get breast cancer too. I do have a son as well, who obviously is at a 50% chance of carrying the genetic mutation.

We also offer a gynecological care package and a post-mastectomy bra, because unfortunately, as we all know, we can't just walk into Macy's or Victoria's Secret and get a bra. We have special bra fittings, and it's just making that difference and remembering when I went through the process and not being able to wear a t-shirt.

It might sound kind of silly to those listening, but a t-shirt is something you just want to walk around comfortably in your house in, and I wanted to be able to provide that because I remember what it was like to not have any of those materials.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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