Breast Cancer Now’s Post

“When the breast surgeon told me I had breast cancer, I said ‘I can't, my kids need me this year!’ My thoughts were ‘What if I die?’ “Our lives changed the moment we told the children (it was the hardest thing I have ever done). Nothing was the same but at the same time, we had to carry on as the boys had such a big year. We had mocks, interviews, Uni and sixth form open days, revision, sports fixtures, 18th and 16th birthdays, more exams and nerves from starting secondary school. I was also starting new projects at work which I had to pull out of. “We have become so close as a family, we always were but our bond is stronger because of cancer. Their empathy, love and kindness is incredible. “Sounds vain but it's my identity that changed, I feel like I look different. I have tried to remain positive and be kind to myself. I found inner strength I never knew I had but it is hard to always maintain it. “I found the chemotherapy really hard, I had never felt so broken and low. I tried my hardest to stay well so I could stick to my chemo dates, which I did. “Being a model in a show will allow me the opportunity to 'accept' myself, show my body off and be proud of my body as it has been through so much.” - Pretti Pretti 49, is a marketing manager from Ascot and will be walking as one of the models in The Show on 15 May. Pretti was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in September 2023 and had a lumpectomy in November where they removed a 30mm tumour. She had to have chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, which was very difficult as initially she was told she would only need radiotherapy. As an Indian woman, Pretti feels it’s particularly important to represent women like her and raise awareness about breast cancer in her community. Reserve your virtual seat to support Pretti and the other incredible models taking to the catwalk https://brnw.ch/21wRJwF