Rudene Haynes

Name: Rudene Haynes

Company:  Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Title: Partner

Goal: $3,250

Why I am Participating:

I am a corporate lawyer by training and a health equity advocate, a mother of two beautiful children, Rabbie (16) and Rachel (10), and I am honored to have been asked to be a Sole Star this year. My breast cancer journey began back in November 2020 when I felt a pea-sized lump in my right breast while showering. With a family history of breast cancer in my family, I had been extra vigilant about my breast health for all of my life. I began getting yearly mammograms at the age of 35. I didn’t smoke or drink and I rarely if ever ate beef, but at the end of the day, none of that mattered.

That pea-sized lump changed my life in ways I never thought possible.  First, it made me realize that breast cancer is pervasive. When I was diagnosed I learned of 6 different women in my same age demographic and profession who were in various stages of their breast cancer journeys.  Second, it made me realize that early detection is critical to survival. Dismissing a lump as something too insignificant to be concerned about could mean the difference between life and death.  Third, I realized that far too many women (particularly women of color) do not have access to the information or medical interventions needed to overcome this devastating and deadly disease.

I know it sounds crazy but being diagnosed with breast cancer is my superpower. It empowers me to advocate louder about eradicating health disparities, it empowers me to encourage others who are battling the myriad challenges of life, and it empowers me to do what I can to create a future without cancer. Please join me in raising awareness about breast cancer and in supporting others on their breast cancer journeys by donating generously to VBCF through the Sole Stars campaign.