PUBLISHED: 18th August 2025
When I first found out about my BRCA1 mutation, my initial reaction was to not talk about it.
My husband found FORCE and encouraged me to attend a meeting. I was nervous to go, but was immediately comforted when I walked into the room and started hearing people who were in the exact same situation as I was in. Those early meetings helped me deal with the shock of the news and the agonizing decision of which risk-reducing surgeries I would get.
Once I completed my surgeries, I realized that now I could be an asset to FORCE and pay it forward to help others in the hereditary cancer community. Volunteering as a Peer Navigator and a Community Support Leader for the BRCA1 & BRCA2 Mutations, Mastectomy Prep & Recovery and Young Previvors support groups has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I truly feel like I'm giving back to the organization that helped me through those early dark days.
FORCE’s staff is immensely grateful for the kindness and comfort Zina spreads to individuals and families in our community. Thank you, Zina, for your unwavering dedication and compassion.