Mourning the Loss of a Loved One to Breast Cancer

Death isn’t an easy thing to talk about, but Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez has made it her life work.

Funeral Director and CEO of the National Museum of Funeral History, she shares what happens when someone dies and how important the right type of service can be to loved ones. During her service to our country, she’s handled fallen soldiers, caring for them in ways that will touch your heart.

During this episode, you’ll learn about her early obsession with death and how it shaped her life, and how her sister’s breast cancer journey inspired her to take initiative in being her own advocate.

Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Subscribe to The Final Curtain Never Closes on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn more about The National Museum of Funeral History HERE.

Key Questions Answered

1. How did breast cancer first impact Genevieve Keeney-Vazquez’s family?

2. Can young women get breast cancer, and how often are their concerns dismissed?

3. How did Genevieve’s sister respond after finally being diagnosed with breast cancer?

4. Was there a genetic or hormonal factor linked to the cancers in Genevieve’s family?

5. What other cancer experiences did Genevieve’s family face?

6. How did Genevieve advocate for her own breast health given her family history?

7. What was Genevieve’s experience as a female veteran seeking breast screening?

8. How did Genevieve’s professional work with death and end-of-life care connect to her family’s experiences

9. Are families ever truly prepared for death, even those with professional experience?

10. What is the significance of funerals and memorials for those left behind?

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Too Young for Breast Cancer?

05:01 Battling Breast and Thyroid Cancer

08:45 Proactive Health Measures for Veterans

12:01 Evolving Women's Clinic at VA

14:44 Curiosity About Death's Visibility

17:02 Misconceptions of Funeral Directors

20:40 Emotional Reunion Moment

25:06 Foresight and Hope Amidst Loss

26:20 Reflections on Death and Fear

29:53 Purpose and Importance of Funerals

34:12 Exhibit Reconnects Siblings Through Art

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