My Faulty Gene

There are many words to describe My Faulty Gene but one phrase comes to mind, “a non-profit with a
pulse”. As a recent three time cancer survivor my knowledge on breast and ovarian cancer is never
ending. Utilizing various sources to obtain factual and research based information I stumbled upon My
Faulty Gene’s Instagram account. Each post was a wealth of knowledge featuring specific genetic
mutations in combination with stories and quotes of well-known individuals sharing their journey
through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. Identified as having the Rad51c inherited genetic
mutation a post featuring this captured my attention. A comment detailing my medical history
prompted an almost immediate response from Kathy Baker, Founder and Executive Director of My
Faulty Gene. The passion in her voice as she shared her story of discovery, multiple surgeries,
chemotherapy and radiation resulting in decades of survivorship brought me to tears. Her journey was
a pivotal moment as her vision came to light as she paused from her profession committing to the
development of a non-profit providing education, advocacy, and resources ensuring that no individual or
family experience the pain of loss from cancers that could have been prevented.
Kathy’s passion is contagious! She embraces every individual that she meets like family. Her empathy
for their situation remains close to her heart until she finds a way to stop the cycle of cancer and move
to that of previvor instead of survivor. Her voice is being heard across the USA as physicians,
researchers, laboratories, and medical professionals engage in her vision to see that no individual is left
behind because of lacking resources and/or insurance to cover the expenses of genetic testing. We
know that knowledge is power. Many have not had the opportunity to learn the role that our DNA holds
in our medical history and longevity and that’s where My Faulty Gene comes into play. Present on the
platform of Instagram, FaceBook, LinkedIn, and myfaultygene.org the growth of her outreach is
immeasurable. The stories of loss and need for testing are tender. Met with commitment and
compassion Kathy acquires family history, creates the plan and moves forward to take the necessary
precautions to save lives… genetic testing… even if means absorbing the expenses – her commitment is
truly selfless. My Faulty Gene has become a light of hope for those feeling the darkness of cancer who
live and breathe the thought that they or their loved ones may be next. Through the help of others this
vision can become a reality as we identify risks and take steps to interrupt cancer before it starts. It is
the unwavering determination of Kathy and all who support this mission that the legacy of a family be
one that is bright and beautiful--full of love, laughter and joy-- sharing tender moments to treasure for
generations to come.

Review written by Catherine Bostwick, November 2023

My paternal lineage includes:
- grandmother- stomach and ovarian
- father - prostate and lung
- uncle - colon
- uncle - pancreatic

My maternal lineage includes:
- aunt - liver
- uncle - lung

Me - neuroendocrine survivor
- negative breast biopsy

I was happy to take THIS easy test and even happier with the results

Unfortunately, it wasn't until my Uncle died of colon cancer that I sat down and thought about the extent of my entire family history

Kathy and I have been friends and involved in cancer advocacy for several years. She has been passionate about early detection for some time. She understands intimately how an early diagnosis can change a person’s outcome.
I was in the process of researching genetic testing with my insurance and my oncologist when Kathy informed me of MY FAULTY GENE which would answer my questions.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU and THANK YOU!!

You have decreased my anxiety exponentially!! I continue with my yearly exams but now have a healthy fear and not dread before/after each of them!!

I am in the process of speaking with family to discuss the importance of oncological genetic testing with our history.

I am so blessed to call you my friend.

My Faulty Gene was so helpful in getting me tested for any genetic risks I might have.

Being a hereditary cancer advocate, I felt I needed to have a full-panel genetic test to give credibility to my advocacy. But more importantly, because I have a daughter who inherited a germline BRCA2 mutation from her late mother, I wanted to make sure there were no additional genetic risks from my side of the family that I could have passed on.

However, because I only had one relative who had cancer, doctors were reluctant to refer me for testing. That’s when Kathy Baker, the compassionate force behind My Faulty Gene, kindly stepped up and arranged testing. With Kathy’s help and generosity, I was able to learn that my genetic inheritance does not include any hereditary cancer risks or other mutations that might pose serious health threats. Learning this was a huge relief for my daughter and me.

In addition to helping me, Kathy was able to help several friends, acquaintances, and people I have met through my advocacy get genetic testing. All of them desperately needed testing but could not get it, either because of unwilling health care providers or insurance problems. Genetic testing saves lives, so Kathy made sure these individuals got the tests they needed.

My Faulty Gene helped me with genetic testing. I have a parent who is a carrier of a BRCA1 mutation and after delaying for several years, I tested and learned that I did not have the mutation.

I’ve been pretty reluctant to test and without My Faulty Gene’s help (and my parents repeated encouragement) I probably wouldn’t have and would still be in the dark.

This entire experience from start to finish was the easiest, most streamlined, thorough process. Kathy went above and beyond to be there to guide me, answer questions and make me feel so at ease and cared for. What an amazing woman and organization!

When I found out that members of my family carried the BRCA1 gene I didn’t immediately run out and get tested for it. But after a couple of years and hearing about the BRCA1 gene on the news, I decided to go ahead and get tested for it myself. My mom told me about My Faulty Gene and I got in contact with them and got tested. It turns out that I am a carrier of the BRCA1 gene. As well as two other genetic mutations that I would have had no idea about apart from being tested. The people at My Faulty Gene were very helpful throughout this entire process from the initial paperwork to the final results and then understanding what those results meant for my own personal medical journey.

Another thing worth noting is that for whatever reason my initial test sample was declined by the lab and I had to resubmit another sample before it finally went through, the people at My Faulty Gene were extremely patient and helpful during this snafu at the lab and went the extra mile to walk me through the process until I got my results. They even called the lab and dealt with them so I wouldn’t have too. They made it really easy and I can’t say enough how helpful they were. Now knowing my predisposition towards certain cancers I can begin to make plans for my healthcare moving forward. Thanks again for all the help. Keep up the good work. Five stars.

Kathy has been wonderful assisting me with the genetic mutation issues in a worker’s compensation case on behalf of my late husband.
She genuinely cares. She goes over and beyond! I’m forever thankful we found.
Thank you and best luck My faulty Gene.

My Faulty Gene was instrumental in helping me figure out if my mother’s breast cancer was a gene mutation. With the help of MFG I was able to receive testing that will help me make educated decisions about my health. Working with Kathy was easy and she was so knowledgeable about the process and reading my results!

Kathy is the best! My son and daughter both did genetic testing. They both have the CDK2NA mutation. I was on the fence about getting tested. Mostly due to the fact that I hate needles. Both my children had genetic testing via blood draws.

Kathy explained this is done now through saliva samples, which made my decision a no brainer. Due to my extensive family history, over 147 gene variants were tested. I was found to have 1 significant genetic mutation. After reviewing my results with a genetic counselor, I know know what may next steps are.

Without Kathy's help, I would still be on the fence and uncertain about how to make healthy future choices.

With a family "full" of cancer, I was very curious to see whether there may be a genetic link to my own stage IV diagnosis. With a team full of doctors, it is difficult to know where to begin and which doctor to approach with questions. Not knowing which way to turn, I looked around social media circles. That's where I found "My Faulty Gene". I followed along for months, watching the information loaded content they put forth. I could see they were going to be a valuable resource in taking the first step, next step, ANY step, toward finding more information regarding genetic testing. All it took was one question, and the conversation was under way! I went from not knowing how to take the first step, to getting test results in about 3 weeks! Kathy was incredibly helpful in making the process clear and easy, plus she's SO fast! Definitely not the typical time tables we patients grow accustomed to with medical procedures and awaiting results! She has even been helpful with tips and further web reference sites now that the results are in! I can already sense that I'll be able to count on them as I move forward and as new information comes forth from the science and research community! Above and beyond helpful, great listening skills, knowledgable to answer "how this works" process questions... personable and friendly too! Fantastic experience all around.

I'm a stage 4 colon cancer survivor. I have spent most of this year in the hospital with heart trouble. They are trying to get me on a heart transplant list. Hopefully this test will help me. It will for sure give me an ideal of what is the fuller picture of what is going on with my health. This is a great group. The support is amazing. The people are amazing. No matter what the outcome is for me. I strongly suggest for everyone to get tested. Know your body. Know your genes. Know what may come so you can make important decisions for your life. The earlier you know the sooner you can make life changes. I've learned through my journey. Breathing every day is the best thing ever. So make what ever changes you have to to breathe every day. Know early that you may be susceptible. To cancers or heart trouble. So you can know early and make those decisions no to develop the cancer or know early and get to a cardiologist. Know early prevention is so much better than active cancer. 3000 does of chemo is not fun. I can tell you that. Spending 7 months in the hospital is no fun I promise. Knowing early could have changed my life in so many ways. The photo I m using is a photo of me walking for say yes to hope. I had been in the hospital for 25 days told my cardiologist come hell or high water I was going to do that walk. I was out of the hospital for 8 days and I did my walk. And then got home and 2 days later back in the hospital.

I seen faulty gene on my news cast, I applied and was given a free test. I was negative. Thank u Jesus, I had been worried on account my family has a history of cancer. I was so rekieved when i got my results. The process was so simple and the kindness and help was just superb,! They really care. I give Faulty Gene a 10! Thabk you

My Faulty Gene was amazing! They walked us through the process, providing information and support, to find out whether my husband’s colon cancer was genetic. Having two sons, it was such a relief to get results confirming, in fact, that it is not genetic. They are saving lives through proactive testing. It’s a game changer. Thank you to My Faulty Gene for your quick, professional, informational help! ❤️

My experience with MyFaultyGene has been so so good. i stumbled onto them when posting in a Facebook group about my familial history with breast cancer and some concerning results I got with 23andMe. Kathy reached out and went above and beyond to help me find answers (something we honestly couldn’t afford right now otherwise), and if it wasn’t for her and MyFaultyGene, we wouldn’t have the knowledge we do now knowing that my son and I both are ATM gene mutation carriers.

Kathy Baker is an extraordinary breast cancer survivor and tireless patient advocate! Genetic testing saved her life and her passion has rippled endlessly. She has shared her voice time and again and I have watched as she mentors those in need. To the breast cancer survivor she met on an airplane, the newly diagnosed, and those that aren't even aware of the importance of genetic testing - she coaches on the significance and gravity of what is not yet common knowledge.

With "My Faulty Gene," Kathy will have a vast reach and a newfound ability to share much needed information. I know she has shaped my life and that her vision and experience will continue to shape the lives of countless others. I'm so excited to see the difference that My Faulty Gene makes.