Breast cancer survivor spreads awareness, earns grant for innovative community projects

Amanda L. Castro

Amanda L. Castro is a Bobcat on a mission. The young breast cancer survivor wants to be an advocate for young women about the importance of self-exams, and educate them about how breast cancer can happen at any age.

 “At the age of 21, I found my first breast lump and I had no idea what made me do it. I had never been educated about it — my instincts drew me to it.  

“I faced so much emotionally, mentally, physically, financially, and overall the need for someone to relate to. I currently volunteer with the Community Action Inc. I have seen how women are seeking someone to give them guidance and hear them out,” she says.

Castro is currently working on a Facebook page where woman can share experiences, questions, advice, and support for each other. Another project is continuing to spread the word about early detection and methods for women and men. Amanda loves speaking with students because "they're very engaged and have so many great questions." She says her end goal is to help young women and their families get counseling.

Castro earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in business administration. She is working on her second bachelor’s degree in social work and plans to obtain a master’s degree in social work advanced practice leadership. She is the recipient of the American Association of University Women grant for 2018-19 which enables her to pursue academic work and lead innovative community projects to empower women and girls.

To learn more about Community Action Inc. and the services and resources they provide to Central Texas, visit communityaction.com.