Breast Cancer Awareness Month
SHOP NBCF ESSENTIALS TEE
In light of this special cause, the Muscle Republic team came together for a photoshoot capturing the essence of NBCF’s value ‘Stronger Together’. Mirroring our own value, we move as ONE, we believe that together, you can achieve more, striving to work as a collective unit, supporting each other.
Join us this October in supporting National Breast Cancer Foundation fund world-class breast cancer research and work towards Zero Deaths from breast cancer in the future.
LILY CHUGG'S JOURNEY
Alongside our support for NBCF this month, we sat down with our longtime friend and brand ambassador, Lilly Chugg, to hear about her journey and how it has shaped her life and outlook. Lilly’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and courage as she navigated a life-changing experience.
"I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction the day after my 21st birthday," Lilly shared.
Four months before the surgery, Lilly learned she carried the BRCA1 gene, the same genetic mutation her mother and sister had. Despite a 50/50 chance, Lilly had always hoped she would be the exception.
"It was a whirlwind of emotions after finding out I had the BRCA1 gene - a hereditary gene that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer."
“It felt surreal because I truly thought I'd be the one in my family who didn’t have it," Lilly explained.
Amid the emotional journey, Lilly found comfort in the support system around her, especially in her surgeon, who treated her with compassion and respect.
"I was super lucky to have a surgeon who not only was amazing at the surgery but also took the time to listen to my needs and wants," Lilly explained. " He took into consideration my age, my job & assured me he’d do the best possible job to make them look as good as possible."
A previous surgeon had dismissed her concerns, stating that the procedure was strictly preventative and not about appearances. But for Lilly, this was about much more than preventing cancer - it was about reclaiming her body and confidence in a way that felt right to her.
“I love the outcome of my surgery, and if I’m being honest I feel more confident in myself now then I did before. Sure, I have scars, but they’re part of me, part of my journey. I’ve grown to love them."
For Lilly, the journey didn’t end after surgery. Physical and emotional healing took time, but fitness played a huge role in her recovery and helped her reconnect with herself.
"Training has impacted my life dramatically for the better, especially post-op,” Lilly said. "The feeling I get after a workout is truly unmatched. It helps me keep a clear mind, and those endorphins are essential for improving my self-esteem.”
LILY’S SELF LOVE TIPS
Lilly’s journey has taught her so much about self-love, acceptance, and living authentically. She shared a few tips that she carries with her.
Don’t compare yourself to others: "It’s so important to focus on your own journey and progress, not how you stack up to others."
Feel your emotions fully: "Processing your emotions is key. Don’t rush to push them away - let yourself feel what you need to feel."
Remember your 'why': "Whenever things get tough, I remind myself why I chose this path. For me, the reasons for having the surgery outweigh any negatives."
We are so thankful to Lily for sharing her story as we look to support Breast Cancer Awareness month & National Breast Cancer Foundation this month.
