Once met, never forgotten.

John L. Killian was all too familiar with breast cancer, because he lost his mother to the disease when he was 19 years old. He never thought that years later he too would receive the same diagnosis.

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John's breast cancer battle began in September 2020 when he suffered an injury to his left breast area, which became increasingly tender and painful. His family physician was concerned, noted that the left nipple had become inverted and ordered a biopsy. The procedure confirmed John had breast cancer. Further testing revealed the cancer was stage IV, meaning it had spread throughout this body.

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Hopeful for a recovery, John went to countless medical appointments. He cherished the days when he had no appointments and could relax in his recliner. John's journey became more complicated, and other health issues arose from the treatment. In August 2022, he entered hospice care; John's battle with breast cancer ended later that month.

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It was during that time, the idea of promoting awareness of male breast cancer and providing education and resources to others became more apparent to John's family.