I’m Kristina Guerrero—mommy to two magical little boys, Mateo and Sebastian; wife; TV journalist and host for twenty years; and breast cancer survivor.

I was diagnosed in January 2023 after a routine mammogram. I was 42 years old. The diagnosis didn’t come quickly; in fact, it took several weeks before a pathologist was finally able to identify the mass in my breast as a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer called angiosarcoma. Within a few weeks, I had a lumpectomy. Unfortunately, the pathologist discovered that there was still cancer in the margins, and I had to undergo a unilateral mastectomy, which happened about three months after my initial diagnosis. Eventually, my oncologist and radiologist determined I wouldn’t need chemotherapy, but I would have to undergo six weeks of radiation. In total, it was about a seven-month journey—from the initial mammogram to my final round of radiation.

My brain didn’t compute when the doctor called and told me I had breast cancer. Even though I knew there was something abnormal on the mammogram, breast cancer didn’t even cross my mind. Scar tissue from a previous surgery or a benign cyst seemed far more plausible. I was confused at first, and when reality hit, I was terrified—mostly for my little boys who needed their mommy, and I needed them. I describe those seven months as walking through molasses—everything was hazy, and I felt like I was moving in slow motion while still doing all the things required of me: taking my boys to soccer practice, going to work, buying groceries. I was definitely in survival mode.

My family helped me stay hopeful. My husband stayed strong for me, supported me, was at every appointment, and held my hand through every surgery and step of recovery. And my boys became my purpose—the reason I had to come out on the other side stronger and cancer-free. I also have a strong relationship with God. I fully surrendered to Him and trusted that He would get me through.

This is going to sound crazy, but I’m so grateful that I had breast cancer. Of course, I recognize that’s a privilege I have because I survived—but it has made me a better person. I value my life in a way I never have before: the sky is bluer, the grass is greener, and the moments with my family are even more precious. I don’t sweat the small stuff as much. I let go and forgive more easily. I’m more patient, more empathetic, and gentler with people. I’m better for it, and I don’t take it for granted. I often say: I lost a part of my body, but I gained so much more—in perspective, gratitude, and faith.

I consider myself a reluctant advocate—mainly because it’s still mind-blowing to me that I’ve found myself with this story to tell. But as a journalist, I know the power of storytelling, and how one person’s story can change someone else’s life. Because I have a platform, I believe it’s my responsibility to spread the message of early detection loud and clear—especially to underserved communities. As a Latina who came from poverty, it’s my heart’s desire to reach the women who often get left behind.

That’s why I’m so grateful and honored to work with the CAP Foundation. Their See, Test & Treat initiative is the kind of impactful work I want to be part of. They are boots on the ground—getting into those neighborhoods and reaching the women who need life-saving care and resources. I’m thrilled to amplify that message in any way I can. It’s my mission to remind women that had I not gone in for my routine mammogram—or had I delayed it by even six months—my story might have ended very differently. Breast cancer is affecting so many women—we can’t assume it won’t happen to us. Do it for yourself, and if that’s not enough, do it for your family.

I am deeply grateful to the pathologists I never met, never spoke to, and never even knew by name. They are often the invisible heroes in our cancer stories. But it doesn’t escape me that it was a pathologist who checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the perplexing mass that had formed in my body—and finally discovered it was a rare and aggressive cancer. It was a pathologist who noted there was still cancer in the margins after my lumpectomy and that more needed to be done to get it all. And it was a pathologist who finally gave the all clear. I thank you. My body thanks you. My family thanks you.

Kristina will emcee the CAP Foundation’s signature event at CAP25 this September. Get your tickets now to hear her unforgettable story firsthand. Can’t attend? You can still make an impact—donate today to support See, Test & Treat and help bring life-saving early detection to underserved communities.