Robyn Smith, an Australian mother, is participating in the City2Surf event in Sydney without a shirt.
In a bold move to raise awareness and challenge stigma, Robyn Smith, the Programs and Advocacy Manager at Inherited Cancers Australia, will run the City2Surf 14-kilometer course topless. Smith's decision is a powerful statement, aiming to empower women who have undergone mastectomies and highlight the urgent need for cancer funding.
Smith's activism is deeply personal. She carries the hereditary BRCA2 gene mutation, which significantly increases her risk of developing cancers, including breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Her family history is marked by breast cancer, with her grandmother passing away at 53 and her mother diagnosed with ovarian cancer, who passed away at 66.
Smith's double mastectomy was a proactive step to reduce her cancer risks. She is proud of her decision to live her life openly and raise awareness for inherited cancer risks. She relied heavily on Inherited Cancers Australia for information and connection to others with gene mutations when she was first diagnosed.
Smith wants to normalize 'being flat' after a double mastectomy and start conversations about cancer prevention. Temporarily tattooed on her chest and torso will be the words "FLAT out of funding" and other messages calling attention to the lack of funding for inherited cancer support and research.
Smith's run is more than symbolic. It aims to empower women who have undergone mastectomies, challenge stigma, and support raising funds for inherited cancer awareness and services through Inherited Cancers Australia. Smith believes that organizations like Inherited Cancers Australia can have a significant impact on individuals with inherited cancer risks.
Smith's activism is inspired by UK runner Louise Butcher, who has run the London Marathon twice with her mastectomy scars visible. Smith hopes to continue the conversation and raise funds for a cause close to her heart.
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- Robyn Smith, who underwent a double mastectomy due to her hereditary BRCA2 gene mutation, will run the City2Surf 14-kilometer course topless as a powerful statement to empower women with breast cancer and highlight the urgent need for cancer funding.
- The words "FLAT out of funding" and other messages raising awareness for inherited cancer support and research will be temporarily tattooed on Smith's chest and torso during her run, as she seeks to normalize 'being flat' after a double mastectomy and start conversations about cancer prevention.
- Smith's activism is deeply personal, as her family history is marked by breast cancer, with her grandmother passing away at 53 and her mother diagnosed with ovarian cancer, who passed away at 66.
- Smith relied heavily on Inherited Cancers Australia for information and connection to others with gene mutations when she was first diagnosed and believes that organizations like Inherited Cancers Australia can have a significant impact on individuals with inherited cancer risks.
- Smith's run aims to support raising funds for inherited cancer awareness and services through Inherited Cancers Australia, following in the footsteps of UK runner Louise Butcher, who has run the London Marathon twice with her mastectomy scars visible, inspiring Smith to continue the conversation and raise funds for a cause close to her heart.
