Rebecca Boumstein

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Rebecca Boumstein is not just a two-time cancer survivor; she's been fighting against cancer for over half her life. After she was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer in muscle tissue) at age 16, she founded Hair For You Foundation to help young cancer patients in Illinois purchase wigs, with the goal of increasing their confidence and self-esteem.

Today, Rebecca is a nurse practitioner, but that was not always her plan. She went to Bradley University to become a teacher, but at 19 her cancer returned, and her path changed. Seeing how caring her nurses were and viewing them as role models, she decided that after finishing her education degree, she would learn how to provide that same quality of care to others.

Currently cancer-free and a new mom, Rebecca shares her experiences to remind cancer fighters they are not alone -- and that there is hope.

AGE:
33

PRIMARY GIG:
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse Practitioner

ON THE SIDE:
Founder of the Hair For You Foundation, a non-profit organization that distributes funds to assist in the purchase of a wig, due to medical hair loss, to children ages 18-years-old and younger being treated in the state of Illinois.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS:
Married

CELEBRITY DOPPELGANGER:
Natalie Portman

A JEW WHO INSPIRES YOU:
Henrietta Szold

YOUR BEST PIECE OF ADVICE:
“You’ve only got three choices in life: give up, give in or give it all you’ve got!” - unknown