Why Doughlicious is Supporting CoppaFeel!

We are super excited to support CoppaFeel! a breast cancer awareness charity based in London. The company was founded by twin sisters Kris and Maren Hallenga in 2009, after Kris was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 23. After being told by doctors that her lump was “hormonal”, Kris received her breast cancer diagnosis months later. Although Kris will always live with cancer, she wanted to get the message out there to young people that catching cancer early means you have a higher chance of surviving and recovering. CoppaFeel! focuses on promoting early detection of breast cancer by encouraging, educating and empowering young people to become familiar with their bodies, get to know their boobs, chests and pecs, and start healthy habits for life.

Why CoppaFeel is Close to Kathryn’s Breasts…

I knew this was the perfect charity for us to support because I am forever thankful for that March morning in 2019 that I was showering and felt a small but strange lump on my right breast near my underarm.  It did not feel like much but thought I should get it checked out.  After my mammogram the technician told me that it was probably just a benign cyst. Two days later they called to tell me that I had breast cancer – Grade II invasive ductal carcinoma ER 8 PgR 8 HER-2 negative.  I was shocked and sad at the same time. I decided that I would take this head on, address the cancer and stay positive.  

The one thing that kept going through my head was “how am I going to find the time for this problem”.  I consciously decided to get on with it and immediately looked for a breast cancer surgeon.  Fortunately (and unfortunately), I have several friends who have had breast cancer and they were all helpful. Without their candour, advice and support I don’t know what I would have done. They inspired me to be open with others about my experience.

Because I had found the breast cancer early, I had the option of a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.  After the lumpectomy, I was told again that due to early detection the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes.  This was truly a blessing and cemented in my mind the importance of early detection.

After 6-weeks of daily radiotherapy, which began with three tattoo dots on my torso to align the radiotherapy machine, I was exhausted but cancer-free. I worked at Doughlicious every day during my treatment.  Though I was tired, I was thankful for the distraction.  I also remain deeply grateful for all my family and friends who attended my radiotherapy sessions with me every day, and especially for the incredible staff at The London Clinic.  They celebrated my last day and hoped to not see me there again!

The important message I learned was that we are all our own health advocates. From my heart to yours  I wish you great health and an abundance of happiness. Enjoy our Strawberry Eton Mess Dough Chi and join others in the battle against breast cancer.

Love,
Kathryn

 – Kathryn Bricken, Founder of Doughlicious

Read more: Doughlicious is supporting CoppaFeel! With our Strawberry Eton Mess Flavour. Read more: Doughlicious is supporting CoppaFeel! With our Strawberry Eton Mess Flavour. Read more: Doughlicious is supporting CoppaFeel! With our Strawberry Eton Mess Flavour.