Local Attorney’s Daughter Who Underwent Double Mastectomy Featured in New York Fashion Week

Last month, a good friend’s 24-year-old daughter decided to do what most women her age would not even think about. Even if they did, they would shudder at the thought. Paige More, the daughter of local attorney Keith More, underwent a double mastectomy because she tested positive for the BRCA gene, which shows an increased risk for breast cancer. “She chose to beat breast cancer before it beat her,” says her father.

During most of my journey I have felt like I needed to be strong. That I couldn’t be afraid. You don’t want your friends or family to worry. You don’t want to worry. So you put on a brave face. I’m sure so many of you have done the same. But it’s ok to be scared sometimes. It’s ok to cry. Letting it out makes you feel so much better- trust me! If any of you start to feel scared or alone please reach out! You are never alone, we are in this together ???

A video posted by Paige More (@paige_previvor) on Jan 25, 2017 at 7:23am PST

A Brave Courageous Woman

“Keith is a good friend of mine and I’ve known Paige for 20 years,” said Brian Chase. “I’ve always known that Paige is a special person, and a brave person. I just didn’t quite know how brave. I’m so proud of her. Thank you Paige for sharing your experience so beautifully. It’s going to help and show the way for so many who are struggling with these issues.”

The double mastectomy Paige had was similar to the procedure actress Angelina Jolie underwent after learning that she carried a mutation of the BRCA1 gene, which sharply increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. In Jolie’s case, her doctors estimated that she had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer.

Keith says one of her major priorities these days is to make other women aware of this life changing opportunity. And she’s going to do it under the limelight by modeling a special robe designed for women who underwent the double mastectomy procedure at New York Fashion Week 2017, which is now underway.

?? up because this was my first time walking after my preventative double mastectomy. It was hard, it was painful, but it was worth it! How was it for everyone else their first time walking after their surgery?

A video posted by Paige More (@paige_previvor) on Jan 18, 2017 at 10:42am PST

New York Fashion Week 2017

The robe, which Paige will be modeling, is one she wore after she underwent her surgery. It’s made by a company called AnaOno, which designs and makes intimates and comfort clothing for breast cancer patients or those who have undergone various life-saving procedures. After the surgery, her father says, Paige felt compelled to contact AnaOno and let them know hoe the robe she got was incredible and a huge help during the recovery process.

“The founder of AnaOno, who was so intrigued by Paige’s courage that she asked her to model in New York Fashion Week,” Keith said.

All proceeds from the show will benefit Cancerland, a nonprofit where 100 percent of every donation directly benefits breast cancer patients.

Paige Turns to Instagram to Inspire Others

Paige lives in New York City and is a booker for “Good Morning America.” A detailed account of her diagnosis, surgery and her experience was published in Elle and syndicated in other publications. You can read it here (http://www.elle.com/life-love/a42906/i-instagrammed-my-double-mastectomy/?src=socialflowFB) and see how she Instagrammed her double mastectomy. Now, that’s giving cancer the middle finger!

Paige says in the article that she is off painkillers after the surgery, but still deals with random spurts of depression, which her doctors have said is typical after such a procedure. She is attending a support group and has met other women, and building a community online.

“The thing that has surprised me the most is how sexy I feel,” she says. “My decision to take action made me feel incredibly powerful and strong – and that’s so sexy to me. When I look at my scars, I think they’re pretty badass. I grabbed control of my life. I went from being a worrier to a warrior.”

When I took this video I was feeling on top of the world and I still am! ?When I went to see my doctor for my first post-op check up she gave me a few exercises to do that would help in my recovery. She told me not to be discouraged, that it could take weeks before I would be able to raise my arms above my head. When I told her I could do that already, she stared at me like I was crazy for thinking I could actually raise my arms already. As I triumphantly (but slowly) lifted my arms above my head she was in utter disbelief. So much so, she called her nurse in to come look. She said, “Paige do it again, show her what you just did!” The shock on both of their faces as I lifted my arms above my head only 8 days after surgery made me feel so proud and so accomplished ?? It also reaffirmed my decision to have this surgery at such a young age. I got to beat cancer before ever getting it. Rather than having to fight for my life, I got to fight for my health. I joined a gym and worked my ass off to get into the best shape of my life. I tried my best to eat as healthy as possible. I went to bed earlier and spent more time with my friends, family, and boyfriend. My family took me away to lay on a beach the week before my procedure so I could relax and get a nice tan rather than be cooped up in my small NYC apartment stressing about the surgery. In short, when it was time for my surgery I was stronger than ever and I was ready to fight. Though it still hurts to do, I am able to raise my hands above my head. After snapping this boomerang I was nearly in tears. But as I watch it back I can say it was beyond worth it to push through that pain. Being able to watch myself in this video have so much movement and so much happiness on my face is priceless. So I’m going to continue to raise my arms up and I’m raising them up high for all of you! Thank you for the support and the love through my journey so far. It means more than you know. Every comment, call, text, repost, and like has helped spread awareness and educate others. So please keep liking and sharing! And raise your arms (if you can!) to being happy and healthy because those are the ultimate reasons to celebrate! ?

A video posted by Paige More (@paige_previvor) on Jan 23, 2017 at 7:15am PST

We at Bisnar Chase are extremely proud of you Paige. We hope you will continue to be a strong voice for breast cancer patients and for spreading awareness about the life-saving procedures that are available.