Hattie Sherman's Generational Story

For third-generation survivor Hattie Sherman, facing hereditary breast cancer seemed almost inevitable--but that didn't keep her from conquering it.
Hattie, Mary Ann and Molly Sherman
Nancy Lin with her patient, Lisa.

Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Lin

As Nancy U. Lin, MD, works to prevent breast cancer and uncover more treatment options, the two-time recipient of grants from Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, is motivated by the patients who have contributed to her discoveries and the colleagues with whom she collaborates.

Headshot of Dr. Dionisia Quiroga. She is smiling facing forward in a clinical setting and has dark-brown hair at shoulder-length.

Dr. Dionisia Quiroga on Improving Pain Management for Patients

Using support from a Conquer Cancer grant, Dr. Quiroga works to advance research for patients with breast cancer and survivors to better manage the pain associated with lymphedema.

Founded in 1999

Watch this recap of Conquer Cancer’s first 25 years and a preview of what's to come.

Michaela and Aisling
Your Stories Conquering Cancer logo

Strength She Never Knew

Every 14 seconds, someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, making it one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world, second only to lung cancer, and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women globally. And, while a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for anyone of any age or gender, one group faces a particularly unique and complex set of challenges: young working mothers.

It’s a reality that Irish patient Aisling O’Brien knows all too well. Aisling spent most of 2023 undergoing numerous rounds of treatment—including breast-conserving surgery right before the winter holidays—all while parenting three young children.

“I'm slowly getting back to what is now my new normal,” says Aisling, now that she’s through treatment and cancer-free. “It's given me a lot of perspective. I don't sweat the small stuff. I don't get nervous about things anymore, because what's the worst that could happen? It's shown me that I have a strength that I never knew I had.”

It helped that Aisling had a medical oncologist who was there to support her and her family every step of the way: Dr. Michaela Higgins. A two-time Conquer Cancer grant recipient based at St. Vincent’s University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, Dr. Higgins has led numerous clinical trials for patients with breast cancer, helping to advance new treatments and cures.

In this Your Stories episode, Aisling and Dr. Higgins join host Dr. Mark Lewis for a conversation about the many challenges that come with balancing motherhood and breast cancer, along with the promising future of breast cancer research and care. 

Help create a world where cancer is prevented or cured, and every survivor is healthy.

Researchers are making amazing advances in the treatment and prevention of cancer, thanks to contributions from people like you. 

$500M+
Raised in support of Research, Education and Quality programs
9,200+
Grants & awards provided
89
Countries represented by Conquer Cancer Grants & Awards recipients

Your donation supports the brightest minds in cancer research working on treatments and cures for every cancer, every patient, everywhere.

Mission:

Accelerate breakthroughs in lifesaving research and empower people everywhere to conquer cancer.