Shortly after turning 40, I felt a small lump in my breast. I was devastated when doctors confirmed my worst fears, and I was diagnosed with Stage IIB triple-negative breast cancer. (Ironically, on the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I shockingly met with my new oncologist.) Often told I’m “too young for cancer,” I’m especially passionate about helping other young breast cancer survivors feel less alone. With a background in fashion, I was determined to keep my fashion sense. During treatment, I founded SurvivorModa.com and used my sewing skills to create The ParkPuff™, a stylish chest-comforting, go-anywhere seatbelt pillow for breast cancer patients worldwide. With a portable and stylish design, The ParkPuff™ seatbelt pillow allows your chest to travel in comfort while in the car—whether you’re driving or riding—in any country. (I made one for myself after surgery and have been using it daily ever since!) All ParkPuffs are handmade with love by me in Los Angeles.
Gryt is admitting it’s okay to not be okay…and that you need help.
Gryt is surviving 15 rounds of chemotherapy, three surgeries, 32 rounds of radiation and still having N.E.D. (no evidence of disease) for over three years!
Gryt is walking the New York Fashion Week runway in a swimsuit for the AnaOno x Cancerland show as a (hugely introverted) breast cancer survivor! Although I once felt my body betrayed me, I CELEBRATED it that day—scars and all—because it’s also what got me through cancer.
You can connect to Rachel on social media:
Instagram: @survivormoda.rachel
Facebook: @survivormoda.rachel
Twitter:@SurvivorModa
