Continuing Conversations on Breast Health

Four community members share personal stories on breast cancer

NYU Abu Dhabi community members share personal stories about their experiences with breast cancer, and talk about why it’s important to continue the conversation all year long.


Three Generations Deep

Wayne Young, Director of Wellness, second from left, with his daughters.

“My story spans three generations and the last 47 years of my life. It started in 1972 when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.” — Wayne Young, Director of Wellness at NYUAD

An Artist's Way to Channel Grief

Sofia Guevara, Class of 2022, left, with her mother.

Sofia Guevara, Class of 2022, shares how her mother channels energy from grief into artwork that promotes awareness about the disease. 

Leading by Example

Sebastiano Pio Matera, Class of 2021, left, with his mother.

"My mother has beaten breast cancer twice in my life. Healthy and strong now, she continues to be a role model, not only for those who have been affected by the disease but for all people." — Sebastiano Pio Matera, Class of 2021 

Advice from a Mother

Tala Hammash, NYUAD Community Outreach Specialist, right, with her mother.

"Girls should be taught (self checks) in school. After 30 (years old), all women should be doing self-checks and... doing mammograms. If a lump is found early on, it’s easy to control." — Mona Abu Baker, mother of Tala Hammash, NYUAD Community Outreach Specialist