By Annette Pinder 

When Amy Leach went for a routine mammogram in early December, she had no idea her life was about to change. The scan led to an unexpected diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. “I was 51 years old and, fortunately, at an early stage of breast cancer,” says Amy, who also learned that her cancer was not genetic.

Amy, a Buffalo native living in Clarence, is no stranger to handling difficult situations. A Villa Maria Academy graduate, she worked in banking while finishing her bachelor’s degree in business from the University at Buffalo. She later earned an MBA from Canisius University and a second master’s degree in management information systems from UB. Today, she works in operational resilience at a large global bank. Suddenly, those professional skills became deeply personal.

After meeting with Dr. Marielle Ferstenberg, a breast surgeon and surgical oncologist at Windsong Breast Care, Amy decided to undergo a double mastectomy (DMX) with DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap reconstruction rather than implants. Dr. Ferstenberg referred her to Dr. Jordan D. Frey, a plastic surgeon at Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) who specializes in autologous breast reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue. 

On February 5th, Amy, her husband, and her best friend met with Dr. Frey and his team to prepare for her upcoming surgeries. “They took the time to truly know me and understand what was important to me. I felt seen as a person, not just a cancer patient.” Before saying goodbye to her breasts, Amy’s friends and family decided they deserved a proper send-off and threw a “Tata to the Tata’s Party.” “It was emotional, but also lighthearted. We made a plaster cast of my breasts, and everyone along this journey has signed it. The room was filled with laughter, love, and support.”

That support became an important part of Amy’s journey. She connected with Kimberly LaRusso’s Buffalo Breasties Facebook group and received a Hope Tote. The Pink Ribbon for Good Buffalo Chapter provided meals for her family for eight weeks and non-toxic cleaning supplies. She also connected with the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York (BCNWNY), which offers education, wellness activities, social opportunities, and resources for people affected by breast cancer.

On March 25th, Amy underwent a lumpectomy with Dr. Ferstenberg and a breast reduction and lift with Dr. Frey. Later, the results revealed lobular cancer that had not been detected initially. Yet the cancer wasn’t the only thing happening in Amy’s life. She was preparing for her youngest child’s high school graduation and her oldest child’s college graduation. In May, she helped her middle child move to New York City. “It felt like divine intervention, giving me something to celebrate and focus on beyond cancer,” she says. 

“I did a lot of research,” Amy says. “I also learned and connected with people through various outlets, including Facebook groups, community resources, and even strangers who reached out to offer support and advice.” Support came from unexpected places, too—from the people who do her nails at Buffalo Nails and Spa to the healing masses and Uplift Yoga in Clarence. “Uplift Yoga owner April Krantz took a personal interest and checked in often,” Amy says. “I can’t wait to return. Uplift is more than a studio; it’s a supportive, caring community.” 

On July 10th, Amy underwent DMX with DIEP surgery at ECMC. Her ECMC care team became another important part of her tribe. “They were there for me before and after my surgery. They cleaned up after me, provided round-the-clock care, and tended to my every need with compassion,” Amy says.

Today, Amy offers advice she hopes other women will take seriously: keep routine appointments, schedule recommended screenings, and pay attention when something seems off. If breast cancer enters your life, allow yourself to be frightened—but don’t let fear drive your decisions. Ask questions, do your research, advocate for yourself, and accept help. 

Most of all, Amy says, “Find your tribe because you’ll need one.” For Amy, that tribe included family and friends, fellow breast cancer patients, local organizations and businesses, faith and wellness communities, and trusted healthcare professionals who continue to support her. Her story reminds us why screening matters. Amy went for a routine mammogram, unaware of any problem. That appointment changed her life—and gave her the chance to face breast cancer early, surrounded by a community determined to help her through it.

ECMC’s Breast Health Center provides a continuum of breast care, including education, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction. Call 716-898-4008.