Williamsburg, Brooklyn – Jessica Reilly, 25, is training for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon while also preparing for a preventive bilateral mastectomy. Reilly discovered she carries the BRCA1 mutation, which significantly raises the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Family history and personal decision
Reilly said a family history of cancer shaped her choice. “When I was 11, my dad was diagnosed with non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma and beat it,” she told Eyewitness News reporter Stacey Sager. Later she learned the BRCA1 mutation came from her father, not her mother. “Seeing both of my parents endure chemo made me want to take the prevention route,” Reilly explained.
Medical guidance
After her diagnosis, Reilly consulted numerous physicians across New York City. She ultimately met Dr. Elisa Port, chief breast surgeon at Mount Sinai. Dr. Port outlined the options for women who test positive for BRCA1: regular MRI screenings beginning at age 25, adding mammograms at age 30, and ongoing monitoring as desired. Reilly chose preventive surgery over lifelong surveillance, stating, “It felt right for me because I’ve seen what cancer can do to a family, even if you survive.”
Marathon as a source of strength
Running the marathon has taken on added meaning for Reilly. “If I can finish this marathon, I can almost do anything,” she said. The race, scheduled for Sunday, will start with a pre‑show at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 7. Reilly hopes her participation will inspire others facing difficult health decisions.
Post‑surgery outlook
Following the bilateral mastectomy, Reilly will undergo reconstructive surgery and will continue to face an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. Dr. Port encouraged anyone with unclear family cancer histories to seek answers and ask questions, noting that other cancers unrelated to BRCA also occur. “My job is to dig deeper,” she said.
Community response
The story has resonated with local runners and health advocates in Brooklyn, many of whom have expressed admiration for Reilly’s courage. Local running clubs have offered words of support, and several community health organizations plan to share information about genetic testing and preventive options during upcoming health fairs.
Reilly’s journey underscores the importance of early detection, informed medical choices, and the power of personal determination. As she lines up at the start line, she carries not only her own hopes but also a message of hope for others confronting similar health challenges.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
