Facing the Unique Challenges of Cancer With Fierce Determination

I would like to nominate Brandi Riber to be considered for the designation of Metastatic Breast Cancer Hero.

Having known Brandi as a child and seeing her mature into a beautiful, strong, determined woman has been a privilege. Her story is unique in that she has not only been battling the disease herself for 11 years, but she also cares for patients with cancer in her job as an oncology nurse. Brandi has been known to perform her duties at work while connected to an IV that is pumping in her own chemo treatment. She has been on nine clinical trials and throughout the ups and downs has done her best to maintain a positive attitude.

Brandi faces her challenges with fierce determination while balancing life as a single mom of a teenage daughter, Morgan. Brandi and her ex-husband, Adam, try to maintain a loving family life for their child.

Brandi’s parents are my dearest friends. They have been a source of strength and support for their daughter as she goes through all the highs and lows of a cancer diagnosis, trials and treatment. My heart goes out to them as they assist her in trying to make her life as “normal” as it can be.

My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012, and he and Brandi became very close as a support system for each other. He always told Brandi that he admired her attitude and her willingness to try any type of treatment so that others may benefit from a cure.

I believe Brandi is a Metastatic Breast Cancer Hero. I hope you will consider my nomination.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Brandi Riber, RN, died shortly after the Metastatic Breast Cancer Heroes™ awards program in December 2021. Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.