Who We Are
I’m Lynnette Cennami. I am the founder of Tipsy Tatas and a mother of two amazing daughters and two beautiful grandkids. My family history for breast cancer is strong. I started the Tipsy Tatas charity in 2007. At that time, I had three aunts in remission, one aunt who had lost her fight at 57, and two cousins who both lost their battle at 37, one month apart from each other. More recently, my sister was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
In my family, we don’t carry your typical breast cancer genes. Most often breast cancer genes are carried from the maternal side, but ours come from the paternal side of our family. We don’t carry either of the typical genetic mutations to the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Mutation in one of the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, means a much higher risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer compared with someone who doesn’t have the mutation.” While none of my aunts nor my sister carried these genetic mutations, they still were diagnosed with breast cancer.
Since then, scientists have found a new genetic marker known as PALB. This marker could help people determine if they are more at risk for breast cancer and enable them to take preventative measures if they (and their family members) are at higher risk.
And THIS is why I am here! I want to know more about this type of breast cancer. I want to be able to tell my daughters this is the gene we carry! I want my daughters to know how to protect themselves and my grand babies. I want people to know how to qualify for screenings.
When a specific genetic marker is discovered, preventive services become more readily accessible. I know there is a very high likelihood that I will be diagnosed with breast cancer in my lifetime. What I don’t know is when. I’m ok with that. My hope is that my work will contribute to future research that will lead to more answers and eventually a cure.
With the support of our sponsors, my Tipsy Tatas team and my family, I am so proud of the difference we are making for so many people. We also have many generous volunteers we couldn’t do this without! Everyone knows someone directly affected by this terrible disease. Join us in our mission to find a cure and have some fun with us along the way!
