Sapp Family
Chad, Amy, Abby, Luke and Logan
Why focus on other’s joy?
Since 2014, Amy Sapp and Helpers of Joy have been on a mission: to help you help others have joy. While we believe it is important to know true Joy and Peace (through Jesus Christ), we also know how important it is to encourage others around us. Our churches, communities and world are starving for Joy. We know that true Joy can only come through Christ so we have made it our mission to show those around us how they can have joy, too.
"Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy."
— 2 Corinthians 1:24
What is BRCA 1?
BRCA1 is a gene that produces tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and, therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of each cell’s genetic material. When either of these genes is mutated, or altered such that its protein product is not made or does not function correctly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer. A harmful BRCA1 mutation can be inherited from a person’s mother or father. Each child of a parent who carries a mutation in one of these genes has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation.
In 2015 I tested positive for the BRCA1 cancer gene.
A positive test result indicates that I have inherited a known harmful mutation in BRCA1 and, therefore, have an increased risk of developing certain cancers. However, a positive test result cannot tell whether or when I will actually develop cancer.
A positive test result may also have important implications for family members, including future generations.
· Both men and women who inherit a harmful BRCA1 mutation, whether or not they develop cancer themselves, may pass the mutation on to their sons and daughters. Each child has a 50% chance of inheriting a parent’s mutation.
· Harmful mutations in BRCA1 increase the risk of several cancers, in addition to breast and ovarian cancer. These include fallopian tube cancer and peritoneal cancer. Men with BRCA1 are also at increased risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Both men and women with harmful BRCA1 mutations are at increased risk of pancreatic
cancer.
What does this mean for me?!
I have a 69% chance of getting breast cancer and 44% of getting ovarian cancer as well as higher risks with pancreatic
and melanoma cancers.
Because of the high risks, I have opted to have a couple of preventative surgeries. I also meet with an oncologist every
6 months, who does a regular check up and keeps me up to date on anything I need to know about BRCA1.
I have an endoscopy done every other year to check my pancreas.
I have a skin check to watch for melanoma once a year.
I also have blood work done every 6 months.
God is in control and I am not worried AT ALL! I am just glad that I get to be a vessel for Him! I am thankful that the Lord has given me a GREAT medical team! My story for HIS Glory!
Who is Amy Sapp?
Mrs. Amy Sapp is wife of Chad Sapp.. She is also the mother to three awesome Sapplings: Abby, Luke and Logan. Mrs. Sapp is always busy! She is an encouraging ladies’ conference speaker and a representative for Faith Music Missions. She has worked on a church bus route and has taught a youth girl’s Sunday School class. She loves her children, showing others how to have joy and just having FUN! Also, she hosts the Helpers of Joy program on Faith Music Radio. In 2015 it was ascertained that she had the BRCA1 Cancer Gene. This discovery radically changed her life. It is an ongoing battle in her life but she has made it her mission to spreading God’s joy everywhere she goes. She is now helping others help others have joy as well.