Maria Ferrer

Hello. My name is Maria Ferrer. I am married to Arnold and we are blessed with two children, Liz (21) and Matthew (13).

Last year, I felt a lump in my right breast and had a biopsy done on May 15. In college, I had a lumpectomy and it was fibroadenoma, a non-cancerous tumor. On May 19, 2015, I heard the dreaded words, "It's cancer." Initially, I had 6 cycles of chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy and placement of tissue expanders in December 2015. In January, I found out I needed radiation. After some challenges coming up with a radiation plan, I finally started radiation on March 1, 2016. I will need 6 weeks of radiation. I will finish up an IV drug I needed for 17 doses in May. After radiation, I will start the reconstruction process.

Cancer has caused a major upheaval in my life as well as my family. As a nurse, I am used to helping patients, not being a patient myself. One of the objectives last summer was to get my daughter's affairs in order. Liz is special needs and in March 2016, she will age out of her current school program. Instead of visiting programs to find a good fit for her, I was receiving chemotherapy. My husband was laid off his job in the fall. In a way, this has been a blessing because he has been able to accompany me to my appointments.

Despite the challenges my family has faced this year, we are grateful for all the support, love, and prayers we have received from everyone. I am honored to be chosen as one of the recipients of the BTB foundation. Thank you so much.