Braving BRCA

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Braving BRCA

We are a non-for-profit aimed at raising awareness around the inherited cancer genes; BRCA1 & BRCA2.

16/09/2025

While things have been a little quiet here, my passion for raising funds and awareness about Breast Cancer and the BRCA mutation is still strong 💪🏼.

BRISBANE BASED BRCA BESTIES: YOU’RE INVITED!!! 🤍 This October our business, Fitstop Toowong will be raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and raising awareness of the BRCA mutation.

I’d absolutely love to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved, whether individually or with a business.

I’m also on the look out for a GUEST SPEAKER that would be willing to share a personal story at the event. 🎤

If you’re interested in attending, speaking or sponsoring the event, I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks everyone 💕
Ash

04/10/2023

Almost a year ago today, I crossed the finish line of the Ironman World championships in Kona, Hawaii. What an incredible day it was! 🥹🏊🏼‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️I met so many incredible and inspiration people; here’s a photo with me with one! The Founder and CEO of 🙏🏽.

Competing in this race was/is such a wonderful reminder that after going through the experience of a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, you CAN get back into exercise, and you WILL come back stronger. 🔥. I did not swim or cycle when I decided that I wanted to sign up for an Ironman (whilst recovering from my op!). It was great to feel that I could have control back of my body - you can achieve anything you set your mind too 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️, whether it’s a 5km run or an ultramarathon, give it time, patience and self belief 💙.

Together, we are braving BRCA 💜💙🧬

08/03/2023

Happy International Women's Day! 💜💜💜💜

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of women around the world. We also recognise the importance of breast health and raising awareness about breast cancer and the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but early detection and treatment can make a huge difference in outcomes. That's why we encourage all women to perform regular breast self-exams and to schedule regular mammograms as recommended by their healthcare provider.

On this International Women's Day, let's come together to support and empower women to take charge of their breast health. 👊🏽 Let's work towards a world where every woman has access to the resources and support she needs to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Together, we are Braving BRCA 💜💙🧬

29/09/2022

With 1 week to go until the Ironman World Championships, as I start to feel apprehensive 😬 and a little overwhelmed by the competition and the race itself 😅, I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on why I signed up for an Ironman (3.8km 🏊🏼‍♀️180km🚴🏻‍♀️42.2km🏃🏻‍♀️) in the first place…

This first photo is from 22 May 2020, post reconstruction, after a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in Nov 2019 (I’d tested positive for the BRCA1 genetic mutation in Apr 2019). Carriers of the BRCA1 mutation have up to an 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer. After having all my seemingly healthy breast tissue removed, my milk ducts, all the fat cells, and left with silicon implants that will never change in size and get really cold, I wanted to take back control, do something a little crazy - get back into the driving seat of my own body. And, I didn’t just want to do it for myself, I wanted to do it for all those who have BRCA1, who have had breast cancer, or who have had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, like me, and were concerned about getting back into exercise. What was problematic, back on 22 May 2020, was that I didn’t cycle and I sure as hell didn’t swim. 😳

After a long road of recovery, I trained so hard for Cairns Ironman (June 2021) and was so proud to have cracked out a 12:44 in less than a year, taking up 2 new sports 🏊🏼‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️. I never imagined in a MILLION years that my one IM race would earn me a spot on the start line of the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. 🌴☀️🌊

And as I line up on the start line next week, I would like to dedicate my World Champion race to:
💙 To those, young and old, who lost their lives to breast cancer because of the BRCA genetic mutation
🧬 To those who never got the chance to be tested, due to access issues, a lack of scientific developments, or because no one thought to test them
💜 To those who are recovering from mastectomies; preventative or life saving - it’s a long road, but I promise you will get there, I did
👊🏽 To all those out there who think they can’t do it, because you can. The only limits in life, are the ones you put on yourself

Together, we are braving BRCA 💙💜🧬

01/09/2022

And just like that, it’s officially the 1st of the new month! Please use this as your friendly reminder to FEEL YOUR MELONS! 🍉 feel those bo***es, know you’re normal and if you notice any changes or abnormalities - book an appt with your doctor!

07/08/2022

To conclude World Breastfeeding Week, I thought I would also share my current thoughts as a fellow BRCA mumma. I never knew if I would be able to breastfeed, but I always knew I wanted the option to at least try. Since finding out I am a carrier at the age of 22, I have been faced with the choice of removing my breasts to significantly reduce my risk of developing breast cancer.

It sounds pretty simple, and to be honest the decision would be easy if it wasn’t for the fact that I have always wanted to breastfeed my children (or at least give it a go). Don’t get me wrong, I have and will always believe that and now more than ever I understand the importance of this - a thriving baby who is loved and fed. Along with the advice of my breast surgeon, and together with my husband I have (for now) chosen to delay my prophylactic double mastectomy until the age of 30. It has been an absolute privilege and honour being able to nurture and nourish my beautiful daughter with my breasts, a part of me I have resented and have been so fearful of until now.

Whilst I am so proud and grateful we have (and are) able to successfully breastfeed, I cannot help but simultaneously think about removing my breasts before they try killing me. Research will tell you breastfeeding can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, but when your genetics literally tell you the complete opposite, it’s near impossible to not think about not “if” but “when” that dreaded day may come. It’s a huge decision and one I am currently battling with a lot in my mind, but I know that right now I am forever thankful and will continue soaking up the memories of these beautiful moments with my baby girl.

Together, we are Bravign BRCA

02/08/2022

As a new mumma and BRCA carrier, I have found it so comforting to read the stories of other women in similar situations to me.

Check out our stories this week to read some amazing stories of women in our community who have shared their vulnerable and raw feeding stories as mummas with BRCA.

Please reach out if you’d like us to share your story for others to find comfort in this week! Message us in DM’s.

Together, we are Braving BRCA 🧬✨👼🏼👶🏼

31/07/2022

First of the month! Here is your reminder to ***es 🌸 🌸
Early detection saves lives, doing a self breast check might save yours! Send this to a friend and remind them to do their monthly breast examination! 💖

16/05/2022

Braving BRCA founder and her husband .fleming92 welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Layla, into the world 🌍 on 7th May 2022!

Congratulations to you both! 🥳 Together, we are braving BRCA 💜💙🧬

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