Tracy Gatto
- Breast Cancer
In 2011 at the age of 28, Tracy Gatto learned she had breast cancer after she discovered a lump in her breast. She sought a second opinion from a specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center and immediately felt that was where she wanted to seek treatment. Tracy underwent chemotherapy, followed by surgery and reconstruction. Because of the BRCA1 genetic mutuation she most likely inherited from her father, Tracy had increased risk of ovarian cancer. She worked with the Risk Assessment Program, where she was referred to a surgical gynecologist to discuss the possibility of undergoing a prophylactic oophorectomy to remove her ovaries. Today, Tracy is doing well and even took part in Paws for the Cause, an annual dog walk and fundraiser hosted by Fox Chase, to give back. "It really takes a special person to work at Fox Chase. Everyone I met had a smile on their face and was incredibly positive," she said. "As a receptionist, I knew it can be a struggle to stay positive all day long. It’s hard to make cancer a positive experience, but I never left feeling discouraged."