<p>My blog about the marathon and having the BRCA2 gene:</p> <p><a href="http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/charlottesblog">http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/charlottesblog</a></p> <p><span style="color: #888888;">My story</span></p> <p><span style="color: #888888;">I am 28 and in less than two years time I will be losing my beloved boobs. In 2009 I discovered that I, along with several other family members, carry the BRCA2 gene mutation meaning that I have an 80% chance of getting breast cancer, which in my family predominantly occurs aged 40 and below. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #888888;">In a bid to lower this risk, and hopefully see my children grow up, I will undergo a double mastectomy at the age of 30/31 which will lower my risk from 80 to 6%. whilst it is a radical and traumatic decision I personally see it as my only choice to ward of this horrible disease which I have seen loved ones become inflicted by.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #888888;">I am running the marathon in 2012 to get fit for my operation and to raise funds for Breast Camcer Campaign. Breast Cancer Campaign fund invaluable research into this common yet deadly disease. Without their research I would not know about this gene and would have undoubtedly been facing a diagnosis followed by the same operation as what I am having, gruelling chemotherapy and a devastating affect on myself, my husband, our 2 year old son and our sixth month old twins. Luckily their research means I have the knowledge and power to take a prevantitive step before it is too late. I have the chance to live rather than die and I am able to give my children a future with me. My children each have a 50% chance of having the BRCA2 mutuation and should they test positive for this gene my hope is that the work of Breast Cancer Campaign will allow them a brighter future with more options available than what I have had.</span></p> <p><span style="color: #888888;">The marathon is a lifelong ambition of mine and I feel humbled to be able to run for such a worthy and great cause which is so close to mine and my families heart. I run for my aunt and grandmothers who all had breast cancer and for my sister who has already courageously had her preventative double mastectomy. I will be spurred on not only by all those with breast cancer and all my Brca sisters but also my dear late Dad and father in law. I know both will be cheering me every step of the way. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #888888;">Please donate to my marathon run and to this deserved cause and just think, if you have ever cheekily checked out my boobs which let's face it, a lot of you have, you owe me!!!</span></p>