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From Diagnosis to Advocacy: How Brooklyn Olumba Turned Her Breast Cancer Journey into a Voice for Change
Sunday, October 12, 2025
At just 28, Brooklyn Olumba faced breast cancer head-on—and turned her diagnosis into a mission to help others.
After her twin sister tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, Brooklyn learned she carried the same mutation that increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. That knowledge led her to early screening, where an MRI detected stage 0 breast cancer.
Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, Brooklyn found strength—and purpose. “When I look at my scars now, I see strength and a version of me that I love,” she said.
Today, she uses her voice to raise awareness about genetic testing and to empower young women of color to talk openly about family health history. “Your family’s history is also your history,” she reminds others.
At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re inspired by survivors like Brooklyn—proof that research saves lives and that knowledge is power. By funding breakthroughs in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, we can ensure more stories like hers end in hope.
Read more about Brooklyn’s story here: A breast cancer survivor at 28, she’s now a voice of hope | Penn Medicine
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At just 28, Brooklyn Olumba faced breast cancer head-on—and turned her diagnosis into a mission to help others.
After her twin sister tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, Brooklyn learned she carried the same mutation that increases the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. That knowledge led her to early screening, where an MRI detected stage 0 breast cancer.
Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, Brooklyn found strength—and purpose. “When I look at my scars now, I see strength and a version of me that I love,” she said.
Today, she uses her voice to raise awareness about genetic testing and to empower young women of color to talk openly about family health history. “Your family’s history is also your history,” she reminds others.
At Philly Fights Cancer, we’re inspired by survivors like Brooklyn—proof that research saves lives and that knowledge is power. By funding breakthroughs in cancer detection, treatment, and prevention, we can ensure more stories like hers end in hope.
Read more about Brooklyn’s story here: A breast cancer survivor at 28, she’s now a voice of hope | Penn Medicine