Previvor: A Journey of Courage, Resilience, and Advocacy

 When you never thought you would do it, but you only discovered how powerful you can be right after surviving immense fear!

Fear. It’s a word we all dread, but one that can lead to the most courageous decisions of our lives. My journey as a previvor has taught me that fear is not the enemy—it’s an opportunity to rise above what holds us back.

Our story began in 1988 when I was just a baby. During breastfeeding, my mother discovered a lump in her breast. It turned out to be cancer. Early detection was her saving grace, and while she didn’t require chemotherapy or radiation, she underwent a mastectomy without reconstruction. For 25 years, she lived cancer-free, becoming the pillar of strength and resilience in our family. But in 2015, cancer struck again, more aggressively this time. Seeing my mother, the strongest person I knew, go through chemotherapy was heartbreaking. Yet her bravery inspired us to face this disease head-on.

In 2017, after genetic testing revealed that my sisters and I all carried the BRCA1 gene, I felt a wave of shock and fear. The results meant I had an 87% risk of developing breast cancer and a 50% risk of ovarian cancer. The anxiety was overwhelming. But through extensive research, support from my family, and countless sleepless nights, I made the decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy.

Advocacy: Spreading Awareness and Building Community

Advocating for awareness in this area has been a profoundly fulfilling experience. Through Saudi Previvor, my sisters and I have been able to connect with incredible people—patients, doctors, and supporters—who inspire me every day. I am truly grateful for these connections. But this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Some people met our story with skepticism or judgment, refraining from understanding the importance of what we are trying to achieve. This resistance only fuels my resolve to continue spreading awareness.

Lessons Learned: Living Fully and Fearlessly

If this journey has taught me anything, it’s to live life to the fullest. We are all promised to leave this earth one day, so why waste time worrying about the end? Instead, focus on the now. Every day is an opportunity to embrace life, to cherish loved ones, and to make proactive choices that lead to a healthier, happier future.

A Call to Action

To everyone reading this: be proactive with your health. Don’t let fear hold you back from taking the steps that can save your life. Take pride in leading your journey to ultimate well-being. Knowledge is power, and action is empowerment. Together, we can inspire change and build a future where cancer is less scary and more preventable.

Sharing My Voice: A Journey of Healing and Purpose

Embracing the courage to share my story and advocate for health awareness has been transformative. By openly discussing my experiences, I’ve connected with countless individuals, offering support and information that not only aided them but also provided me with a profound sense of purpose and healing.

Speaking Engagements and Advocacy

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of participating in numerous speaking engagements to raise awareness about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, as well as to promote proactive health measures. Notable achievements include:

• TEDx Speaker at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences: Alongside my sisters, Reem and Rabab, I shared our personal journey and the mission of Saudi Previvor, emphasizing the importance of health awareness and proactive measures.

• Founder of Al Jalees Club: In 2014, I established Al Jalees Club, a cultural community and book club in Jeddah and Riyadh, aiming to expand the reading culture through edutainment events for all ages.

• Co-founder of Saudi Previvor Campaign: Together with my sisters, we initiated the Saudi Previvor campaign to spread awareness about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, particularly focusing on the BRCA gene mutation.

Together, we can build a community where information and compassion lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Rana Hajjar