When Jewel Fourrier went to her annual OBGYN appointment, she thought it would be a visit just like every other. Unfortunately, during the exam, Jewel’s OBGYN noticed something concerning in her breast and recommended an ultrasound. When the results came back abnormal, she was given a referral to Dr. Cecilia Cuntz, a breast specialist at Woman’s Hospital, for a biopsy.

That day was unforgettable for Jewel. “I walked in that day as ‘Jewel’ and walked out as ‘Jewel with cancer,’” she said. Hearing that she had breast cancer felt surreal. She had seen others face it, but never imagined it would be part of her own story.

Although she was scared and knew her life was about to change completely, Jewel felt like fate had guided her to Woman’s because her connection with Dr. Cuntz went beyond the hospital. In fact, Jewel had known her since childhood. Jewel’s mother, a gymnastics coach at LSU for 43 years, had coached Dr. Cuntz when she was a gymnast in college. So when Dr. Cuntz walked into the exam room and said, “Jewel, we’re going to get through this,” it carried extra weight because Dr. Cuntz was someone Jewel had known and trusted since she was just two years old.

To Jewel, the staff at Woman’s made all the difference. “They’re the heartbeat of that building,” said Jewel. “I wasn’t just a number – I was a person. And that changed my life forever.” Their compassion made Jewel feel like Dr. Cuntz and her entire team were Jewel’s own family. 

Today, Jewel lives without regrets, treasures each moment, and sees challenges as opportunities. “I’m so grateful for every step of the way,” she reflected. “I wouldn’t change a single thing about my journey.” By sharing her story, Jewel hopes to inspire other women to be proactive and get their yearly mammogram.

Breast cancer can happen when you least expect it, but early detection can make a difference in your story. If you find a lump or are experiencing any abnormalities in your breasts, listen to your body and schedule an appointment with your OBGYN as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Be proactive and contact your OBGYN to schedule your annual mammogram today.