Hannah Clarke | A Self Advocating Patient Willing Herself to Live
Hannah's breast cancer journey began unexpectedly while she was undergoing IVF treatments. Noticing a lump that fluctuated with her cycle, she initially believed it to be a cyst. Her persistence and her primary care provider’s quick action led to a mammogram and ultrasound, ultimately revealing an aggressive form of breast cancer. At a young age, with no major risk factors and while planning to start a family, Hannah found herself thrust into a life-altering diagnosis.
Her treatment was extensive and intense—six rounds of aggressive chemotherapy, targeted HER2 treatments, and eventually a mastectomy with nerve-sparing reconstruction at Duke University. She advocated fiercely for her own care, consulting multiple surgical teams and insisting on options that prioritized her long-term quality of life. She also experienced the harsh realities of treatment: debilitating side effects, a dramatically limited diet, and profound fatigue. Despite this, Hannah found strength and clarity through movement—daily walks, paddleboarding, and lifting her own body weight became key tools in managing both her physical symptoms and her mental health.
Hannah marked the end of her aggressive treatment with a bold Wonder Woman-themed photo shoot—bald and standing tall on her paddleboard—symbolizing the strength and determination that carried her through.
Now navigating long-term hormone therapies with equal parts caution and determination, Hannah remains a passionate advocate for patient empowerment. She believes strongly in asking questions, making informed choices, and honoring the full human experience behind medical decisions. Her ultimate motivation—starting a family—carried her through the darkest times. Today, she lives with intention, making decisions that prioritize joy, fulfillment, and personal agency, while continuing to inspire others with her resilience and honesty.
