Facing the Odds: Genetic Testing, Preventative Surgeries, and Redefining Womanhood with Eva Moon

Ep. 146 How would you face the decision of life-saving surgery when your sense of womanhood is on the line? Join Eva Moon’s inspiring journey of strength, resilience, and redefining identity after a genetic breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode of Fearless Fridays with Maryann, Eva Moon shares her inspiring journey of facing a genetic mutation that increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. After undergoing a double mastectomy and total hysterectomy, Eva turned to humor and creativity to express her experience, writing and performing a one-woman musical comedy. She also discusses her novel, "Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World," which explores themes of identity and acceptance. Eva's story is a testament to finding strength and purpose in the face of difficult circumstances. Bold Choices: The Impact of Genetic Knowledge on Health and Identity The stark revelation of an 87% risk of breast cancer and a 55% risk of ovarian cancer forced Eva Moon into action but spurred an identity crisis: "Where does that leave me? Will I still be a woman?" These lingering worries about femininity, acceptance by others, and career implications underscore the anxiety wrapped around genetic foresight. Moon's subsequent double mastectomy and hysterectomy sent her into a spiral, yet she emerged with newfound resilience. She recalls, "My mutant superpower was being able to save my own life." About the Guest Eva Moon is an author, humorist, songwriter, internationally produced playwright, award winning, optioned screenwriter, and performer. She is a former blogger for the Huffington Post. Her plays and musicals have been staged across the US and UK, and her solo musical show, “The Mutant Diaries: Unzipping My Genes” is available streaming on Amazon. Her first novel, which follows the adventures of a grown-up human Pinocchio in fascist Europe between the world wars, was released in March 2023. Connect with Eva: Book: Pinocchio's Guide to the End of the World Website: http://evamoon.net Connect with Maryann Website: https://www.maryannriveradannert.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryannriveradannert/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/MRDEmpowermentSolutions Linkedin: https://www.bit.ly/maryannriveradannert Chapters 0:00 Turning Genetic Fate Into a Resilience Story 3:24 Resilience Through Music After Life-Altering Surgeries 7:14 A Husband's Helplessness Against Unstoppable Dragons 8:11 Humor and Creativity in Overcoming Personal Struggles 10:36 Thrills of Tandem Skydiving 12:59 Pinocchio's Human Experience and the Quest for Identity 15:38 Healing Through Support Groups and Creative Expression 19:29 Filling Life's Cup With Positivity and Fearlessness 22:22 Eva Moon Discusses Her Book and Engages with Book Clubs #BreastCancerAwareness #MammographyDay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices