“Life Through Another Lens” features stories of NYJL members, in their own words, to shed light on how we experience the world and the NYJL through different lenses informed by our individual identities. In this edition, NYJL member Blythe Brock offers insights into her favorite League memories, experiences as a mentor, and her journey as a breast cancer survivor. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

1. What prompted you to become a member of the New York Junior League and how long have you been a member?

I’ve been a member of the NYJL for 13 years. I moved to New York City after college and I was seeking an opportunity to get to know like-minded women interested in volunteering. The League provided me just that and so much more! I adored weekly volunteering with children for almost ten years, while making friends and becoming a trained volunteer along the way. I eventually began raising my hand for roles in leadership and currently sit on Management Council as the Children’s Education, Culture & the Arts Council Head.  I ultimately have gained so much more from the League than I could have ever possibly given back. It’s been the most wonderful way to gain new skills and hone existing ones, give back to the community, and meet inspiring women in NYC.

2.   How do you identify yourself?

I identify myself as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a cousin, a niece, an aunt, a friend, a volunteer, and most recently, a breast cancer survivor! 

3.   What is one of your favorite memories or anecdotes from your time at the League? How would you describe the culture of the League?

My son’s first time volunteering with the Playground Improvement Project (PIP) committee, spring 2024

I have so many favorite memories! I had the privilege of mentoring one young boy for most of his childhood through the Artistic Journeys and Passport to the World committees . I’ll also never forget all the challenging pandemic times with 30 third graders on Zoom on with the Project Muse committee or the incredibly thoughtful surprise baby shower thrown by my dear Nominating and Provisional Training committees.  

As I mentioned before, I identify as a breast cancer survivor, and my involvement with the League fundamentally shaped my breast cancer journey. The support I received defines the culture of the league to me. On February 15, 2023—ten days before the 2023 Winter Ball—I was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer after feeling a small lump under my arm which had developed quickly over several months. At the time, my son was three years old and my daughter was nine months. 

One of my first phone calls was to then-League President Serra Eken, who is the Managing Director of The Pink Agenda (a nonprofit focused on breast cancer research). Serra helped me find a great doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where I was lucky enough to receive world-class care. She has been an incredible source of strength and support throughout my entire journey.

At Winter Ball, ten days after my diagnosis with NYJL President and The Pink Agenda Managing Director, Serra Eken.

At the Winter Ball that year, I was honored as an Outstanding Volunteer alongside six incredible honorees, two of whom are dear friends. I shared the fresh news of my diagnosis with them and fellow League members after the event was over. While it was a beautiful night, it was also a difficult one knowing what lay ahead for me in treatment while simultaneously celebrating with so many wonderful people in my life who had come to support the League and my fellow Outstanding Volunteers and Sustainers that year. 

After that, the League jumped into action, and the overwhelming support and love that ensued was truly incredible. 

Soon, my entire dining room table was covered in well wishes and cards, many of which were from NYJL volunteers. You all really lifted me up, and you haven’t put me down since. 

Christina Murphy and Andrea McDermott – two of my fellow Outstanding Volunteers and dear friends who continue to be great sources of support and inspiration.

In September 2023, when I was wheeled into the operating room, I was physically alone. But I had never felt less alone in my life, with so many good wishes from family, friends, and League members. Since February 2023, I have undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 25 doses of radiation. I lost my hair. I underwent a double mastectomy, monoclonal antibody injections (Breast Cancer Research Foundation-funded life-saving medication, Herceptin), and finally reconstructive surgery last month. And every step of the way, I had an army of strong women (and men!) behind me, for which I’m so grateful.

Here I am wearing lots of NYJL gear when dear friend and fellow NYJL volunteer Andrea McDermott came to chemo with me in the summer of 2023.

Today, I am thankfully in remission, and it’s my first Breast Cancer Awareness month as a survivor. I’m still navigating and adjusting to this survivor phase of my journey, but one thing I do know is that the women of the New York Junior League are some of the strongest, most caring people I know. 

Ringing the bell after my last dose of radiation on 12/4/2023

4. Anything else you’d like to share? 

As an organization of women, I feel compelled to add that it is so important to know your body’s own normal. Please advocate for yourself, speak up, and insist that the proper attention be paid by a healthcare provider if you feel as though something isn’t right.

If you’d like to learn more about breast cancer, my favorite resource is The Pink Agenda. The Pink Agenda is a nonprofit organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of the disease among young professionals. By engaging today’s generation to find tomorrow’s cure, The Pink Agenda finds, funds, and partners with people and programs that are improving the lives of those suffering from breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their odds. 

Click here to get involved or make a donation towards life-saving research: https://www.thepinkagenda.org/   

If one is looking for further reading materials I would recommend Dr. Elizabeth Comen’s book, “All in Her Head” which might be of particular interest to our members: https://www.drelizabethcomen.com/book 

While there are certainly strides to be made, I’m grateful to be in good health and to be able to share my story during Breast Cancer Awareness month. It makes me proud to be a part of a tradition with you all that was started by Mary Harriman all the way back in 1901 that remains committed to strengthening the health and well-being of the children and families of New York City. 

Six months into remission in June 2024