Janelle Morrison and Jill Oster partnered as Philadelphia Peer Support Group Leaders since 2014. Janelle is a previvor who carries the BRCA1 mutation and underwent preventative surgeries to lower her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Jill is a survivor who discovered her BRCA2 mutation after diagnosis at her first mammogram. She has since taken steps to reduce her risk of ovarian cancer. They both love supporting members in the local area with their different perspectives and enjoy working hard for FORCE. In recent years, they raised money through the Philadelphia Dragon Boat Race, organizing a fundraising effort at the Philadelphia Union MLS soccer team’s breast cancer awareness game and hosting various events such as an Athleta shop night and a workout for a cause night.
Katrina joined as a peer support group leader last year after volunteering with FORCE's educational arm. She found out about her BRCA1 mutation 4 years ago and recently underwent removal of her fallopian tubes and her prophylactic double mastectomy. She spent 3 years researching her options and most enjoys helping other women find their path in the HBOC world. Prior to her mastectomy, Katrina threw a Bye Bye Boobies party and raised money for FORCE.
It’s a pleasure for Janelle, Jill and Katrina to be a part of an organization that was a huge support while they were going through their own BRCA journeys. They have attended multiple FORCE conferences and love the opportunities to meet new people in the BRCA world and learn about the changing environment of breast and ovarian cancer.