Published: December 15, 2025
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
One word can turn into one sentence, and a sentence a paragraph, and paragraphs into a story. And this story is about resilience, perspective and enough courage for a lifetime.
There’s a group of Kentucky women who survived breast cancer and are now working together to share their stories with a new book.
“The work we’re doing on this book is going to change lives,” said Savannah Dupree, one of the women.
All six were diagnosed with different forms of breast cancer at age 40 or younger. They met at different chapters in their cancer journey, and now they’re collaborating so others can feel supported while going through treatment.
“Going through the cancer journey is one of the loneliest things, no matter how big your support system is; everyone’s experience is different,” Emily Rombach said. “You’re allowed to crumble. You’re allowed to take a moment and be in that fear.”
As they shared their stories with each other, they had a calling to help others going through something similar.
“Something was weighing on my heart. Something was really deep in my mind,” Mia Whitton said. “I kept thinking about it constantly that I wanted to provide support to people in our community.”
It was Savannah who initially had the idea about starting a writers’ group. They’ve met from word of mouth over the past few years.
“Writing is very healing, but also you’re reliving the trauma, what you went through,” she said.
The book will feature chapters meant to relate to anyone going through their own breast cancer story.
“Being able to be vulnerable and share your story is so important, because you can connect with so many other women who have gone through it or will go through it,” Courtney Line said.
“I hope that our stories will inspire and encourage everyone that needs it,” Jennifer Parker said.
The group’s book’s title will be “You’ve got this…we’ve got you.”
“You’ve got this, but sometimes you don’t,” Emily said. “When that time happens, we got you.”
One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why early detection is so important, because faster treatments lead to better outcomes.
“You are not invincible. It’s so important to know your body,” Savannah said.
The group is working to have the book’s first draft ready this December.
Jeffrey B. Hargis, M.D., breast medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute, will write a foreword for the book. The goal is to have it published by October 2026 for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The book represents a message of hope, and that a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of the story.
“It’s just a chapter in your story, it’s not your whole book,” Mia said. “You have other chapters you’re going to write.”
Breast cancer often has no symptoms, so regular breast health checkups are important. Mammograms are a critical tool in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. To schedule a mammogram or see mobile mammogram options, visit this link or call (502) 485-4700.