In 2012, 42-year-old Tara Cernacek was an executive assistant for a non-profit in New York City when two months into her new job she discovered a lump in her left breast. She was diagnosed with Stage 2-B breast cancer. Her treatment plan included surgery, which involved a lumpectomy, radiation and 18 months total of chemo-therapy.

As a recent hire, Cernacek was concerned about proving herself and being seen as a potential problem to her new employer. In an attempt to alleviate the impact on her work, she used vacation days, sick days, and scheduled her chemo treatments before and after work, as well as on the weekends. Despite helpful co-workers, not taking off more than her allotted time, and some leniency, Cernacek was laid off in 2013. 

Cernacek spent two years doing temp work and dabbling in real estate to pay her bills, but ultimately could not find a job in her field of expertise until 2015. Cernacek cites Cancer and Careers as providing her with the personal and professional support throughout her search. Advice on how to speak with both her employers and doctors concerning her disease and treatment, helped Cernacek to communicate her needs more efficiently. 

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