My name is Brandy Ramirez. I am forty-three year old mother of four beautiful children and happily married wife to my wonderful husband, Zeferino Ramirez, of twenty plus years. I own a local business in Kingman, Arizona, a small town located just beyond the Colorado River. I am on the board of Soroptimist of Kingman, a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower and support women and young girls. This is a passion that is close to my heart.
At the end of 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. A PET scan revealed a large mass in my right lymph node. The decision was made to have aggressive chemotherapy in an effort to save my axillary nodes. This was important to me because I am a Certified Ironman Coach, Ironman competitor, Yoga and Pilates instructor, and fitness enthusiast. My chemotherapy treatment was effective; unfortunately, the cancer had already spread beyond my first set of lymph nodes. In June of 2018 I underwent an extreme surgery that included a bilateral mastectomy, total hysterectomy, and complete axillary dissection. Six weeks after surgery, I started radiation – thirty bouts to be exact. I am happy to say that I was able to complete my treatment at the end of October.
In an effort to regain who I once was, I signed up to race a half Ironman (70.3) in May of 2019. I began my training in December 2018. Upon doing so, I realized that those of us that have been through this are completely different athletes than we once were and have a unique perspective over others in this community.
We stand alone.
We are fighting back.
We will not fall victim to our diagnosis.
Cancer did not break us.
SheSrong provides a safe and supportive environment where we can openly discuss our disease, fitness goals, training, physical obstacles, emotional trials, and help one another to cross whatever finish line we are in pursuit of. Please feel free to join at SheStrong Group