Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Brenda Lopez-Schaefer Shares a Personal Story

As a company committed to Valuing People, Kraus-Anderson is proactive in building awareness of health and safety best practices among our employees and partners.

In keeping with October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we appreciate KA-Insurance employee Brenda Lopez-Schaefer for sharing her story.

Brenda’s Personal Story

In July of 2008, doctors gave me the diagnosis that no woman wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.”

I immediately thought, “Why me?” I was a healthy 46-year-old woman— an avid runner, a consumer of vegetables and other nutritious foods, and someone who generally lived a healthy lifestyle.

But cancer did not seem to care.

My doctor quickly explained next steps; undergo a left-side mastectomy. Fear sunk in.

I prayed the doctors would be able to remove all the cancer cells. Luckily, they did! I did not need chemotherapy nor radiation.

After the surgery, I started the reconstruction process, which involved implanting expanders in my breast area and weekly injections of saline to expand the skin. This difficult process was mentally and physically taxing.

While at times, I wanted to quit, I’m now grateful I didn’t give up fighting.

In November of 2020, after completing a PET Scan due to other health issues, my doctor found a small trace of cancer in my left-side lymph node.

I thought, “Well, fine. Now what do we do?”, which has been my attitude during this journey. I completed another surgery, but this time, they couldn’t remove all the cancer cells. Doctors paired my surgery with 30 rounds of radiation.

To date, the cancer has not returned. There has been no further trace of the HER 2 cancer. For that, I am thankful.

My personal battle with cancer led me to get involved with the American Cancer Society (ACS). To help raise money for research, I regular participate in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” with my team “I Will Survive.”

The support of ACS, my family, and my friends inspire me to continue fighting. My recovery wouldn’t be possible without them.

In addition, I’ve been given many opportunities. I’ve shared my story at an ACS breakfast, as well as on a Latino radio station, and even thrown the first pitch at the Twins game.

Twins Game – First Pitch

While I hope my story inspires all women to receive regular screenings and watch for warning signs, my message is especially to the Latino community, of which I am a part. Utilize resources, such as THIS to receive free mammogram screenings. Early detection is so important.