Samantha Moatz

Founder & Executive Director

My name is Samantha Moatz. I am founder of 412Thrive, an advocate for ALL breast cancer fighters, and a super mom to two of the most special kids to ever exist. In October of 2010, at the age of 23, I found a lump in my right breast and within a month was diagnosed with stage 1b 100% estrogen positive breast cancer. I had no family history and no genetic mutations, so I am living proof that cancer can happen to anyone at any time and at any age. A true warrior, I underwent a lumpectomy, did thirty-six rounds of radiation, and started a ten-year run of a drug called tamoxifen. My body did not respond well to tamoxifen, so after a year and a half I decided to stop taking it and underwent a double mastectomy. But this was not the end of the fight, not by a long shot. I have had to fight multiple infections and will most likely continue to do so.

I celebrated being ten years cancer free on October 28, 2020. I commemorated this anniversary with other cancer survivors, including my 90-year-old grandmother, which just goes to show that you can beat cancer at any age. I also celebrated with my husband Marc and our two beautiful babies. I realize how lucky I am to have the kind of love and support that my family provides.

I know that being cancer free doesn’t mean that the battle is over; there is a price to pay physically, emotionally, and financially. This knowledge was the catalyst for founding 412Thrive. Our nonprofit provides support for individuals affected by breast cancer and genetic mutations. I know the importance of connecting with other Thrivers because that was exactly what I had been missing. I knew that other Thrivers needed to feel the same support that I was able to find with other survivors. We often joke that 412Thrive is like a dating service because we provide a space for Thrivers to meet their “significant other” in the breast cancer world.  I hope to continue to connect Thrivers by hosting events, setting up meal deliveries, sending personalized care packages, and even dressing up as a giraffe to make a cancer fighter laugh.