Bri Majsiak

Type of Donation:          tissue recipient (nerve allograft)

Age and Location:          Age 28

Donation Date:             June 2020

Sponsor:                   Honored by Axogen

BRI’S STORY

Bri Majsiak lost her mother to breast cancer when she was just five years old. Growing up without her, she was aware and constantly worried about her increased risk of breast cancer. When Bri received inconclusive genetic testing results but had to have routine screenings and biopsies, she decided it was best to be proactive. In June 2020, she underwent a prophylactic mastectomy, followed by immediate breast reconstruction. The decision to have a mastectomy at 26 years old was a tough one. She knew it would be a significant change to her body; one that she would carry with her for the rest of her life. One change she worried about was facing life with a numb chest, a side effect of mastectomy she had heard about from many members of the community. But thanks to the gift of donated nerve tissue and surgical advances in breast reconstruction, Bri was able to have an opportunity that she never thought would be possible.

During a mastectomy, the nerves that provide feeling to a patient’s breasts are cut when the breast tissue is removed. As a result, the patient can experience a range of partial to complete numbness. But thanks to a donor’s selfless gift, Bri’s reconstructive surgical team was able to perform a breast nerve repair procedure using donated nerve tissue (processed nerve allograft). Overtime, her nerves regenerated and restored feeling to her chest. This gift has allowed her to move forward and heal without numbness serving as a constant reminder.

While her mother passed away when Bri was very young, she knows her mom well. She was a nurse, and a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation. Bri is also an advocate, and is a co-founder of the Breasties, the first all-inclusive nonprofit organization that creates community for survivors, previvors, thrivers, and carevivors, impacted by breast and gynecologic cancers. She has a background in health journalism and spearheads The Breasties editorial content on The Peak. Bri is committed to shinning a light on BIPOC community members through sharing stories and creating resources that didn’t exist during the time of her mom’s diagnosis.