This year marks 40 years that the American Cancer Society has turned breast cancer awareness into action to save lives. This October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is especially meaningful for 27-year-old Mairead Ryan, of Long Island.

She was just 25 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. "Too young to have even had a mammogram," she said.

Ryan now receives treatment every three weeks at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Evelyn Lauder Breast Cancer Center. She knows treatment will always be a part of her life, whether that means immunotherapy or both.

"So, this is what my life is going to look like for the next however many years, so this is something I've had to accept while living my best life possible," Ryan said.

Her family and friends play a big role in helping her through days at the center, dressing up as cowgirls and even the Jonas Brothers once, during treatment.

Ryan has also found purpose in advocacy. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage other young women to pay attention to their bodies, get checked and push for answers if something feels off.

"It's so important to me to continue to live my life to the fullest, and just incorporate my chemo in between all that," Ryan said.

Ryan's determination to bring awareness about breast cancer means she is involved in her community, including participating in American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The walk will take place Sunday, Oct. 19 at Jones Beach. This is their largest one with about 75,000 attendees.

For more resources and information on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you can visit the American Cancer Society’s website HERE.