When Kim Dobres walked into her long-overdue mammogram appointment, she thought it would be routine. It had been three years since her last screening, and though life had been busy—retirement, her five children, and the joy of becoming “Graw-Yaya” to her four grandbabies—she never expected this day to be life-altering.

The facility offered her a 3-D mammogram. “As long as it’s free, it’s for me!” she joked. But behind the humor, Kim had no idea her life was about to shift.

The young technician excused herself to “speak with the doctor.” Kim assumed it was just inexperience. Minutes later, the technician returned and asked to take another set of images. Kim’s stomach sank. What felt like hours—though it was only a few minutes—passed before the young woman came back, sat down next to Kim, and said the words that changed everything: the doctor wanted to take a closer look.

A sonogram followed. Then, the news—she needed a stereotactic biopsy. “I begged the radiologist to call me as soon as he knew something,” Kim recalled. The next morning, the phone rang at 8:00 a.m. She had pre-cancerous cells that needed to come out.

Further tests revealed a more serious diagnosis: high-grade DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ). Devastated but determined, Kim chose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.

A Long, Painful Road

The months and years following surgery were filled with challenges Kim never imagined. She endured multiple procedures—expanders, implants, two fat-grafting surgeries—and even dealt with a torn rotator cuff, mild lymphedema, and painful cording. “I was in pain from all of it until 2019,” she said.

Then came a turning point. In 2020, Kim’s new plastic surgeon suggested DIEP flap reconstruction, a procedure that uses the patient’s own tissue. “I wish I was offered that from the start,” Kim said. Today, she’s deeply grateful for the surgery that gave her a new sense of healing.

Finding Strength and Community

Throughout her journey, Kim’s faith and family served as her anchor. She expressed, “I pushed through my fear for the sake of my family.” In addition, she found strength in connecting with other survivors through the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC). Kim revealed a profound realization: “I often thought that because I didn’t have chemotherapy, I wasn’t worthy of being called a survivor. BBCC showed me where my strength lies. I’m a lot stronger than I ever gave myself credit for.”

Inspired by her experience, Kim decided to give back. She has spoken at events, participated in fashion shows, gone skeet shooting, and become a voice for other women navigating life after cancer. “I love every day—good, bad, sad, or mad. I’m grateful to share my story and help other ladies in any way I can.”

With her involvement in the community, Kim also supports local women through the BCFCF’s survivor network. “BCFCF is here for women in Central Florida in ways that truly matter,” she said. “I’m so glad they are here to help.”

Kim has become a powerful advocate for other survivors, sharing her experiences at community events, offering encouragement, and demonstrating that survivorship is not defined by the type of treatment received but by resilience and heart.

Life Today

Kim will celebrate nine years cancer-free this October. Though she still has some challenges with her right arm, she focuses on what matters most—being present, loving deeply, and cherishing every moment with her children, grandbabies, and three dogs, Diego, Jerry the Fake, and Boo Boo Baby.

Yoga and self-care help her stay grounded, but her advocacy lights her up. She encourages every woman to stay informed and proactive:

“Educate yourself about your doctors and your journey. Know your options. Your only protection is early detection.”

Kim’s Message to Others

To anyone facing breast cancer, Kim offers this encouragement:
“Do your homework. Tell the truth. Ask questions until you get answers that make sense. And never forget—you’re going to do great.”

Kim’s story is one of perseverance, humor, and heart. Her advice is simple but powerful: get your yearly exams. It’s the reason she’s here today—living, loving, and proving that hope, faith, and family can carry you through even the hardest battles.

Kim’s story is a reminder of why BCFCF exists: to walk alongside local fighters and survivors with real help and real hope.