Breast cancer survivors in Maryland are taking significant steps to raise awareness and support for others navigating the challenges of the disease. Among them is Jill Krause, whose eight surgeries over a span of 21 months shaped her journey after being diagnosed at age 38 in 2010. Despite her medical treatment concluding, the long-term effects of breast cancer have left lasting impacts, including osteoporosis and heart issues.
At 40 years old, Krause reflects on the physical and emotional challenges she faces. “It’s a luxury you lose, of not having had a life-altering trauma,” she stated. The average survival rate for breast cancer has improved significantly, now standing at about 91%, according to the National Institutes of Health. With advances in treatment and early detection, the death rate from breast cancer has decreased by more than 58% over the past 50 years, as noted in a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2024.
Creating a Supportive Community
Krause has turned her personal struggles into a mission by founding the YOUniversalLOVE oncology yoga practice. She offers classes at the Claudia Mayer/Tina Broccolino Cancer Resource Center and in her home, which features a disco ball—a symbol of her philosophy that even broken pieces can come together to shine. She prefers calling herself a “disco ball” rather than a “survivor,” as she believes the latter implies a finality that does not reflect the ongoing journey many face.
Her first experience with yoga was a slow start: “I laid on the mat for the entire hour… That was all I could do.” Yet, it was a step towards healing and finding community among others with similar experiences.
Meanwhile, in Westminster, Tricia Wagman, a former nurse at Carroll Hospital, has dedicated her life to supporting those affected by breast cancer. After launching the hospital’s cancer support group in 1994, she faced her own diagnosis of invasive ductal cancer six years ago at age 59. Despite receiving 20 radiation treatments, Wagman continued to work full-time and remained active in her community, including organizing Carroll Hospital Foundation’s annual “Pink Fling” breast-care fundraiser.
“It was awkward to be part of the support group,” Wagman admitted, but she felt welcomed by the community she had helped establish. Now retired after more than 36 years, she chairs the Pink Fling, which took place on October 19, 2022, in Upperco, Baltimore County.
The Importance of Advocacy
Krause attributes her early diagnosis to her determination to advocate for her own health. After being reassured by an imaging center that everything was fine, she insisted on a biopsy for the lump in her breast. “Advocacy is a really big part of my story, because I advocated for myself and I believe I saved my own life,” she explained. She fears her outcome would have been different had she waited the suggested six months for a follow-up.
Now, Krause aims to focus on survivorship and helping others navigate their own journeys. “There was nobody, 15 years ago, guiding me at all with what to do now,” she said, emphasizing the importance of community and emotional outlets for those affected. “No matter what the emotion is, you are going to be OK.”
Both Krause and Wagman exemplify the resilience of breast cancer survivors and their commitment to fostering supportive environments. Their stories not only highlight the advancements in breast cancer treatment but also serve as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges.
