Beth Marchant
“When I started treatment, I was the youngest person in the room… Now, that’s not really the case.”
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In March 2023, Tia Moore, a vibrant 38-year-old with an unyielding zest for life, faced an all-too-familiar reality: a breast cancer diagnosis. Having watched her mother grapple with breast cancer at 44, Tia was keenly aware of her own heightened risk.
Tia’s journey started when she discovered that her left breast was swollen.She began to recognize additional symptoms – her breast was more pink than usual, it was hard on the surface, a reverted nipple and dimpling along the side of the breast. One week later, she saw a doctor and received an ultrasound right away. After an additional biopsy, it was revealed that she had Stage 3B Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
Amidst this turmoil, Tia was preparing for an exciting new chapter in her life: her debut in the Mrs. Calgary beauty pageant. Losing her beautiful dreadlocks was a heart-wrenching experience, but she transformed them into a wig, symbolizing her resilience and tenacity. Although she did not win the crown, Tia was voted Miss Inspirational 2023.
Following chemotherapy, her treatment regimen included an additional 19 rounds of radiation followed by a non-skin-sparing double mastectomy. She endured the loss of her breasts, hair, and eyebrows, as well as the physical changes and scars that came with radiation treatment.
Tia’s spirit remains unshaken. Although she has lost her breasts and gained scars, Tia is competing again for the title of Mrs. Calgary in 2024. “Even with the changes to my appearance, I am still a symbol of beauty and empowerment”, Tia shared with us. “And most importantly, I hope to be an inspiration to other women facing challenges like a breast cancer diagnosis”.
Funding for inflammatory breast cancer research (IBC) is crucial due to its aggressive nature and rarity, accounting for less than 5% of all breast cancer cases. IBC grows rapidly, often leading to late-stage diagnoses and more intense, complicated treatments. The need for research into more effective therapies and earlier detection methods is ongoing. Breast Cancer Canada continues to invest in research focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for patients like Tia.
We thank Tia for sharing her story with us!
“When I started treatment, I was the youngest person in the room… Now, that’s not really the case.”
The most important thing was living every day to the fullest – and the memories.
“Progress means every woman — in every Canadian community — is seen, heard, and cared for”.
“With more research and more awareness, we can ensure fewer women are blindsided the way I was.”
Breast Cancer Canada donations fund life-saving research that directly impacts Canadian patients. That means better answers, bigger breakthroughs – and more personalized treatment for every breast cancer diagnosis.
Our suite of digital tools are each designed to help individuals better manage their breast cancer journey through education, research and personalized insights, while also elevating the patient voice.
Every breast cancer journey is unique, but together, these stories paint a powerful picture of progress. Through firsthand accounts from patients and survivors, we share stories that highlight the lived-experiences of breast cancer.
Progress happens when we invest in it. Canada is home to some of the world’s brightest minds in research. Together, we are advancing science, ensuring it leads to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved outcomes for patients across the country.
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