Six siblings in Nassau County were all diagnosed a gene mutation that causes breast cancer. Now they are sharing their stories as News 12 marks Breast
Cancer Awareness Month.
Marianne Reverberi, was the first of her six siblings to be
diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37.
"I didn't have the time to sit back and worry...all I
knew was, I had a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old and it was just time to get down
to business," she said. "I'm so grateful that I listened to the
symptoms of my body, because had I not, it could have very well been a
different story."
It turns out her breast cancer went from a personal battle
to a family one. Her siblings, four sisters and two brothers, carry the BRCA
gene mutation. That mutation increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers,
according to the American Cancer Society.
Nicole Capitelli, one of Marianne's two daughters, also has
the gene mutation.
“I wanted to do whatever I possibly could – now I have two
little kids at home, I need to be healthy for them and for myself," she
told News 12.
Members of Nassau family have had chemotherapy, radiation
and surgeries, including breast and ovary removal.
"If removing that part of your body will allow you to
live another 40, 50, 60 years – with your family and friends – there’s not even
a question,” said Pat Zinke, of Massapequa.
"They're just breasts and you know what? I'm happy
with what I have now,” said Peg Gallagher, of Farmingdale. “They probably look
better now than they did back then and it can be done."
The family says they are sharing their story in the hopes
of raising awareness about breast cancer in women and men and the importance of
early detection.