The Heart Behind 'Probably Benign': Navigating Uncertainty, Finding Strength, and Inspiring Hope
An interview with Leslie Yerger, CEO and Founder of My Density Matters
Can you share what inspired you to embark on the Camino journey for breast density awareness?
Leslie: My journey on the Camino was twofold in its inspiration. Firstly, I was deeply passionate about funding a study at the Mayo Clinic focused on the incredible potential of molecular breast imaging, a powerful tool for early breast cancer detection. My aim was to raise awareness about this technology, which remains relatively unknown to many people,
despite its potential to save lives.
Secondly, the Camino pilgrimage represented a personal challenge, a test of my inner strength and resilience. I wanted to prove to myself that I could face adversity head-on and emerge emotionally stronger. During the journey, I encountered challenging moments that pushed me to my limits, but it was precisely these moments that fueled my determination to persevere. I came to understand that enduring hardship was not just about physical strength; it was a reflection of my commitment to self-improvement and self-care.
The Camino is often described as a spiritual pilgrimage. How did the spiritual aspect of this journey impact your personal growth and understanding of yourself?
The Camino's spiritual dimension had a profound impact on my personal growth. It allowed me to see that I possess the ability to pivot when needed, to be flexible and adaptable in the face of uncertainty. One particularly transformative moment occurred eight days into my journey. I found myself walking further and longer than I had initially planned, pushing myself to reach the last available bed at the Alberge. In that moment, I realized the importance of enduring and remaining strong when faced with unexpected challenges.
This experience taught me to adopt a more flexible mindset. Instead of focusing solely on time and distance, I learned to prioritize self-care and adapt my plans accordingly. It was a reminder that self-care should always remain my primary aim, allowing me to embrace the journey's flow rather than getting bogged down by rigid expectations. This newfound mindset has continued to influence my life, both personally and in my commitment to breast density awareness. It's about enduring and adapting, just as I did on the Camino.
How did you connect the physical and spiritual aspects of your journey with the mission of raising awareness about breast density?
Leslie: My Camino journey was a profound lesson in persistence and tenacity. It taught me that you have to be in it for the long haul, ready to endure, pivot, and face the hardships that come your way while holding onto hope. These lessons of persistence and endurance became intertwined with the mission of raising awareness about breast density.
The Camino taught me that the road may change, but the vision and mission remain steadfast goals. Just as every step on the Camino leads to the ultimate destination—the Cathedral, every step I took was a part of the larger journey toward raising awareness about breast density.
In the end, it's not just about reaching the physical destination; it's about the unwavering commitment to the mission. The Camino pilgrimage was a microcosm of life's challenges and our ability to persist through them, mirroring the tenacity required to drive forward the mission of breast density awareness.
Many people walk the Camino for various reasons. How did your purpose for walking affect the connections and conversations you had with fellow pilgrims along the way?
Leslie: The Camino is a remarkable journey precisely because it attracts people from diverse walks of life, each with their unique motivations for embarking on this path. Some walk for the simple pleasure of walking, while others carry profound reasons within their hearts. What I discovered along the way was that the diversity of purposes enriched the connections and conversations I had with fellow pilgrims.
It's true that not everyone knew the specifics of my mission to raise breast density awareness, and that was perfectly fine. The Camino has a way of transcending individual purposes and allowing for shared experiences. What struck me was that, even without constantly talking about my mission, people were touched by my journey. It was a testament to the power of a personal and introspective pilgrimage.
On the Camino, not knowing or needing to know why you were there is perfectly acceptable. It's a space where your purpose can remain deeply personal. The beauty lies in the connections formed with others who are also on their individual journeys of self-discovery and introspection. In the end, it's about the shared experience of growth, endurance, and the pursuit of purpose, whether known or still unfolding.
If you would like to know more about Probably Benign and Leslie’s pursuit to raise breast density awareness please purchase her book here
Jennifer Degen, on Interview with Leslie Yerger, CEO and Founder of My Density Matters
September 7, 2023
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