A Journey of Resilience: Joelle Kaufman, Breast Cancer Survivor

Oct 9

Joelle’s 40 years of breast cancer experience empowered her to transform breast cancer from a scary, disruptive diagnosis into a catalyst for increased happiness, power, and self-advocacy. In fact, her early experiences with breast cancer shaped her management style and life philosophy. She is passionate about re-inventing the cancer narrative to give people confidence and compassion.

Joelle’s 2023 triple-negative, stage 2A cancer diagnosis was the fourth identical diagnosis in her immediate family since she was 13 and her mother was first diagnosed and survived. Her sister survived breast cancer at age 29 and then again the summer after Joelle’s successful treatment. Breast cancer shaped Joelle’s adult life by informing her healthcare choices, family planning, and mindset. Using her 40 years of experience with breast cancer, Joelle created a unique approach to her treatment that resulted in the happiest year of her life.

Joelle is a UCSF Patient Experience Council member and the Advisory Board of UCS’s The Pink Test. Joelle's career as a Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Revenue Officer for growth venture start-ups included Bloomreach, Dynamic Signal, and Workboard. She's an impactful executive leadership coach and revenue catalyst. She’s been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Business Insider, TechCrunch, and more in her leadership roles during her 25-year career in Silicon Valley. She's also the proud mother of three grown children, an avid reader, and loves traveling, wakeboarding, and downhill skiing. She graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue) and Harvard Business School.

TAKEAWAYS

Finding moments of happiness and positivity during treatment can have a positive impact on overall well-being.
Support from loved ones is essential in navigating the challenges of cancer.
Cancer can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and a deeper appreciation for life.
Early detection is crucial in breast cancer, and regular screening is recommended for individuals with a family history or dense breasts.
Different screening methods, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, can be used in combination for better detection.
Genetic testing can provide valuable information about one's risk of developing breast cancer and guide preventive measures.
Sharing personal stories and experiences can provide comfort and guidance to others facing similar challenges.