When Ava H . discovered a benign (noncancerous) tumor nearly a decade ago, she never imagined that years later she would face the words no woman wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.” With no family history and no symptoms beyond that routine check, her diagnosis in December 2012 revealed both stage 0 and stage 2b cancer in her left breast.

Determined to fight back, Ava underwent a left breast mastectomy and began chemotherapy at Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital in May 2013. Her journey was long, but her spirit never faltered. Today, Ava stands not only as a survivor but as an advocate—traveling more, living fully, and inspiring others to prioritize early detection and regular screenings.

“You don’t think it can happen to you—until it does,” Ava shared . “That’s why I speak up n

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