Meghan Hesketh, 28, breast cancer, Boston, with Ann Partridge, MD, MPH, Founder and Director, Program for Young Adults with Breast Cancer

After difficulty breathing, Megan subsequently tested positive for COVID, which doctors initially thought was the cause of her symptoms. But her oxygen saturation, or the balance of oxygen in her blood, remained low, so she underwent additional testing. Then, a chest x-ray revealed two liters of fluid in her lungs. After a fusion biopsy, she was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in June of 2022. Since then, Megan has been treated with hormonal therapy and continues to receivetreatment today. She also has tremendous support from her family members, both of whom also work in the medical professions. Her mother is a nurse and her father is a thoracic oncologist. A collaegue of Megan’s father reccomended Dr. Ann Partridge at Dana-Farber because she founded and directs Young and Strong, a program specifically for young women with breast cancer. Dr. Partridge is part of Megan’s care team today as her oncologist. Ann Partridge is a medical oncologist and clinical researcher focused on improving the care and outcomes of patients with cancer, with a focus on treatment, survivorship, and psychosocial issues facing women with breast cancer. She founded and directs the Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer, and serves as the Director of the Adult Survivorship Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.