A Critical Healthcare Message from IBCORA Goldilocks
Meet Goldilocks, a 38-year-old virtual breast cancer survivor and advocate for The Goldilocks Screening Plan. Inspired by real-life stories of women whose cancer was caught early, her story brings to life how proactive screening can save a life, and make a lasting difference for an entire family.
Click the video to watch IBCORA Goldilocks’ important message, then click the link below to take our free Genetic Pre-Screening Test.
The Screening Plan
The Goldilocks Screening Plan is a key part of IBCORA: Improving Breast Cancer Outcomes in Rural Appalachia. Its goal is simple: help women understand their personal breast cancer risk and make sure they receive screening that is not too little, not too much, but just right for them.
Meet Goldilocks, our 38-year-old virtual breast cancer survivor and advocate. Inspired by real-life stories, her journey shows how something as simple as understanding your family history and knowing your personal risk can lead to the right next steps, and potentially make a life-changing difference for you and your family. Goldilocks learned that her mother had battled ovarian cancer and her grandmother had experienced breast cancer in both breasts. That family history prompted her to seek genetic guidance and better understand her own risk. From there, she could follow a screening approach tailored to her, not simply the same plan recommended for every woman.
Imagine Goldilocks at the family dinner table with her mother and grandmother: three generations of women, each touched by cancer, and one important lesson, knowing your risk can change what you do next. Their story could be your story. You and your family deserve the chance to know your risk and find the screening plan that is just right for you.
We’ll show you how.
Meet the Family
IBCORA Project's Story
IBCORA Goldilocks
Hover to Read Story
IBCORA Goldilocks is a 38 year old light brown skinned woman with curly blond hair. She is married, and has 3 children, Ibcora Future18, Bright Future10 and Dandy Jr 8. Her late husband, Dandy Future was killed 6 years ago in a mining accident. Ibcora and her family live in McDowell County, WV and she has a bit of a WV accent. She is an elementary school teacher and was diagnosed with a very small triple negative invasive breast cancer 2 years ago. Her breast cancer was found on her initial mammogram which she got upon finding that she was in the high risk category for developing breast cancer, following free genetic counseling and genetic testing. The genetic counseling was ordered by her PCP after learning that her 58 year old mother was diagnosed and treated for ovarian cancer at 55 and her 78 year old grandmother has a history of a first breast cancer at 60 and a second on the other side at 70. Ibcora Project had neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by a lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy and radiation therapy. She has completely recovered, is back to work teaching and wants to make sure women 25 and older find out about the Goldilocks Screening Plan, which she believes probably saved her life.
IBCORA Future
Hover to Read Story
IBCORA Future is Ibcora Project’s 18 year old daughter. For a girl who lost her father and then watched both her granny and her mom have very serious health problems, in rapid succession, she’s remarkably well adjusted and mature. She’ll be starting college in the fall and wants to become a nurse. She remembers how scared she was when her granny had her ovarian cancer and the next year her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s determined to help spread the word about finding out about genetic testing and the Goldilocks Screening Program.
Alfie Project
Hover to Read Story
Alfie Project, called A.P. by his friends, is Goldilocks 45 year old husband. He’s a self-employed carpenter. A.P. feels incredibly relieved now that Goldilocks is “back to normal”. He remembers just how freaked out he was even after the doctor told them how lucky they were that “we caught her cancer so early”. Although A.P. looks like a big, tough guy, he couldn’t imagine what it would be like losing Goldilocks and raising the kids without her. It really got him thinking, so he got his colonoscopy this year when his doctor said “It’s time for you to get a screening colonoscopy, just to play it safe.” A.P. tells all his buddies not to let their wives give any excuse not to check out the Goldilocks Screening Plan. He was so-o-o lucky. So, what’s it all about Alfie? “Just Do It!"
IBCORA Nanay
Hover to Read Story
IBCORA Nanay is Ibcora Project’s 58 year old mother who is a nurse at the local hospital. She is a 3 year survivor of ovarian cancer and wants everyone to know that ovarian cancer is one of those cancers that is often not discovered in its earliest stage. Because there currently is no generally recommended screening test in women who are not found to be genetically predisposed, women need to be mindful of pelvic symptoms and know that a family history of ovarian cancer should alert other family members about potential genetic predisposition for cancer. Fortunately, her ovarian cancer is the very reason her daughter got her genetic counseling, genetic testing and a mammogram after finding she was in a high- risk category for breast cancer. With so much cancer in the family, Ibcora Nanay really appreciated getting her Goldilocks Screening Plan and makes sure she gets her 3D mammogram every year. She remembers how worried she was when “her baby” was diagnosed with breast cancer.
IBCORA Lola
Hover to Read Story
IBCORA Lola is Ibcora Project’s 78 year old grandmother. Although she’s had breast cancer in both breasts, she’s otherwise “fit as a fiddle”. She learned about the Goldilocks Screening Plan when her granddaughter was diagnosed with breast cancer and although she is older than the cutoff age for screening at the clinic, she’s going to continue getting her mammogram every 2 years. Afterall, she’s really the matriarch of the family and even helps take care of her 98 year old mother who lives with her. Her message to the younger generation of women: “Don’t be stupid honey. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Find out if you need genetic testing. After all cancer around here is “bout as common as an old shoe.”
I. Frenly
Hover to Read Story
I. Frenly is Goldilocks’ 42 year old best friend. She works for a local insurance agency. I. started screening when Goldilocks did and found she was at average risk but doesn’t understand why any woman would want to wait until 50 to get a mammogram. I. plans to get her mammogram once a year without fail! After all, she wears a seat belt every time she drives her car. She doesn’t smoke or drink and gets a physical checkup once a year as part of her health plan. To say nothing about the fact that her friend, Goldilocks, is living proof of the wisdom of the Goldilocks Screening Plan. I. wants to play it safe. She’s got too many people who depend on her.
Important Reminders
-
Risk can change over time. Your risk level should be reassessed periodically, especially as you age or if new family members are diagnosed with cancer.
-
Know your breasts. Get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice any changes — a lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or anything unusual — contact your doctor right away. Do not wait for your next scheduled screening.
-
Ask about your breast density. After every mammogram, you should receive a letter that tells you whether your breasts are dense. If they are, ask your doctor whether you need additional screening.
-
Screening is not one-size-fits-all. These are general guidelines. Your doctor will work with you to create a screening plan that fits your personal situation.