Breast cancer survivor Sara Masri: Everything happens for a reason

Sara Masri

On June 6, 2013 – just days prior to her 39th birthday – Eastside resident Sara Masri was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram.

Reflecting on the people and experiences she has encountered since her diagnosis, Masri saw purpose in her breast cancer experience. However, like so many others touched by the disease, Masri had her fair share of challenges – starting with the task of breaking the news to her then 8-year-old daughter.

“When my husband Aaron and I explained it to Julia, she was hysterical,” explained Masri, a Long Island native who relocated to the Ocean State because of a job offer 13 years ago. “All she kept saying was, ‘Mommy, you’re going to die.’ We had to assure her that I had great doctors, excellent medicine, and that even though I was going to be really sick, I would be fine.”

Masri knew she had to remain strong. “With little kids, I refused to let myself show any fear in front of them,” said Masri, who also has a 5-year-old son named Noah.

Masri, the assistant director of development at Meeting Street School  , had to take time off because of treatment. She indicated that when the time was right, she wanted to return to work “full force.” That time came in March 2014. “Since I went back to work, my energy level has actually been better than ever.”

Masri has a family history of cancer, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and is of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage–factors that prompted her doctors to recommend genetic testing for BRCA, also known as the “breast cancer gene.”

Individuals carrying one of the BRCA mutations have an increased chance of developing breast and ovarian cancers as well as other cancers. Masri indicated that she heard about BRCA from a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“One of the things I didn’t realize about BRCA is that family history of these two cancers on the father’s side is as important as the mother’s side,” she added. “My father’s sister, grandmother, aunt and cousin had one or both of these cancers, but I did not know that increased my risk.”

Upon learning of her own diagnosis, Masri was a little hesitant conducting research on her own. “The Internet can be a scary place when you’re searching for information about breast cancer.  You have to be judicious about where you look for information.”

Thanks to her “very responsive” doctors and nurses, as well as the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, she found the information and support that she desired in a less “scary” manner.

The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, celebrating its 10th-year milestone, offers free breast health education, awareness and support programs statewide in addition to some parts of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Masri’s friend and former colleague – also a survivor – first told her about Gloria Gemma’s Young Survivors program, which offers resources and support to women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 44.

“Mandy Zito, coordinator of the Young Survivors program, is wonderful and has kept me involved with Gloria Gemma,” said Masri, who also walked the runway at the local nonprofit’s annual fashion show at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in May.

“My husband, who doesn’t really like the spotlight, escorted me and ended up actually loving every moment of the experience,” recalled Masri, who had just completed treatment and surgery at the time. “The best moment was when my daughter was cheering me on and telling everyone ‘That’s my mommy!’ I was finally able to let out a huge sigh of relief, and I knew that it was just the beginning of good things to come.”

Good things did come for Masri, just a couple months thereafter when she was asked to model in Gloria Gemma’s 2015 “Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life” calendar. The calendar features other BRCA positive individuals and will be unveiled at the Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life, which takes place at Station Park in downtown Providence on Oct. 10-12.

The 2015 “Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life” calendar is made possible by sponsors South County Hospital, Admirals Bank and 21st Century Oncology, and supporting sponsors RI Rehabilitation Center and Dr. David L. Renaud, DDS.

Masri elaborated on her personal motivation behind continued participation with Gloria Gemma’s various programs and initiatives. “People have to know their family history, and if you catch breast cancer early like I did, you have broader options,” she said. “Knowing gives you the power to make decisions.”

“Early detection saves lives,” said Maria Gemma, executive director of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. “That’s really the message that we’re working to spread through our various programs and annual Flames of Hope event in October.”

On Oct. 10, the event kicks off with the unveiling of the Foundation’s 2015 “Celebrate Hope, Celebrate Life” calendar at a special evening ceremony.

On Oct. 11, “Celebration Village” at Station Park will come alive at 3 p.m. with education, support, live entertainment and food for the entire family. That evening, the captivating Illuminations of Life Ceremony will take place on the State House steps facing downtown Providence and will conclude with a torch procession – considered to be the pinnacle of the three-day event – down to the Waterplace Basin during WaterFire Providence.

The celebration will conclude on Sunday with the Flames of Hope Run/Walk Series, made up of three races: the signature Gloria Gemma 5K, Kids Fun Run and Pink Pump Palooza. Registration is now open at www.flamesofhoperi.com.

For more information and the complete schedule of the Oct. 10-12 Flames of Hope: A Celebration of Life, visit www.gloriagemma.org and www.facebook.com/GloriaGemma.