In 2009, Decca was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer (stage 3C) at the age of 32. At that time, Decca had a one-year-old child. Decca underwent three reconstructive surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. As a young survivor, Decca found it difficult to connect with other survivors, as many of them were decades older than her. Therefore, she made it her mission to learn how to advocate for other young women with breast cancer. Decca served on the Board of Directors of the Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate from 2013 to 2020 and served for two years as the President. In addition, Decca has received countless trainings in cancer advocacy from national organizations and done advocacy work in Richmond and on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. She has met with Senators and Congressmen, encouraging them to invest in cancer research and legislation to address insurance coverage.
Advocacy Training Programs
Susan G. Komen Advocacy Ambassador Program
Susan G. Komen National Advocate in Science Program
National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) Project LEAD Advocacy Program
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) RISE Advocate
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) Face 2 Face Regional Organizer
American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery Program