Losing My Mother, Previving For My Children

Heather Barnard carries a BRCA1 mutation—the same genetic variant that took her mother from her when Heather was just 13 years old. In this early interview, Heather shares her journey of learning her risk, completing a prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy, and living as a previvor. At the time of recording, she was living in Singapore and her three children were ages 10, 12, and 13. Her story is one of grief, determination, and fierce love for the children she was determined to be there for.

Note: Heather returned for a "Next Chapter" interview in Episode 79, recorded years later from Spain. This is her original 2018 interview.