Debra Nussbaum Stepen, Jerusalem, Israel

Age: 54

I am married and have 3 grown step children. I am also a grandmom as well.

I'm more than my risk… some fun facts about myself:

My journey

I found out that I was BRCA 2 positive (6174 DelT) in April 06. I inherited my gene from my father. He had many BRCA2 related cancers (melanoma, prostate and breast). I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in June of 07 at the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans with Dr. Dellacroce and Dr. Sullivan. I was 51 at the time. I had DIEP (not nipple sparing). I had my full hysterectomy in December of 07 at Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

My participation with FORCE

FORCE helped my journey from beginning to end. I found that I was able to do incredible research with the tips from fellow FORCERS. Now my focus is on helping others.

Other thoughts

I used to live in Los Angeles but now I live in Jerusalem, Israel. I moved here in July 07. I have been instrumental in starting up our own website and non-profit organization for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer here in Israel. The site is BRACHA.org.il. The word "Bracha" in Hebrew means "Blessing". We believe that knowing your BRCA status can be a true blessing.