Emily was diagnosed with stage 3 inflammatory breast cancer in April 2016. She had a swollen right breast and inverted nipple, off and on redness, and soreness varying in intensity.

Unlike traditional breast cancers, inflammatory breast cancer does not present with a lump but rather with the symptoms Emily was experiencing.

She was living in Miami at the time of her diagnosis but came to Dana-Farber for treatment with Dr. Beth Overmoyer. Emily grew up in Massachusetts and her dad was a pharmacist at Dana-Farber.

Emily underwent chemotherapy for 5 months, a mastectomy, and radiation culminating just before Christmas 2016.

Her family was essential during treatment. She lived with her brother in Central Mass throughout her treatment and her family was by her side every step of the way.

Emily's friends from around the country and the world flew in to spend time with her, sent "insanely special" care packages along with daily messages and calls.

Traveling has always been an important part of Emily's life, she lived abroad for the first time when she was 16 and constantly flew for work and to visit friends.

Dr. Overmoyer approved a quick, 3-day trip in between her two chemotherapy regimens to the Bahamas with her close friends. The trip filled her with more energy to carry her through the end of her treatment, which was rough.

Emily works as a literacy consultant. She travels around the world to support schools implementing reading and writing instruction (K-8).