Sarafina Nance Will Deliver Baby Via C-Section Oct. 9

The breast cancer previvor is set to undergo a scheduled delivery and a risk-reducing surgical procedure.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Pregnancy

Gouache-painted illustration of a ceramic vase with two blooming flowers, representing hope and recovery in a lifestyle-wellness context.
Sarafina Nance, a breast cancer previvor, is scheduled for a C-section and preventative surgery on October 9, 2026, marking a significant milestone in her health journey. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Sarafina El-Badry Nance, a 33-year-old breast cancer previvor, will deliver her baby via a scheduled C-section on October 9, 2026. The procedure coincides with her decision to undergo the removal of her fallopian tubes to further reduce her risk of ovarian cancer.

Why it matters

The delivery marks a milestone for the 33-year-old who previously underwent a double mastectomy at 26 to lower her breast cancer risk from 87% to under 5%. Her journey highlights ongoing advocacy for federal legislation to cover infant feeding costs for mothers unable to breastfeed.

Nance is currently 38 weeks pregnant and managed her family planning via IVF and preimplantation genetic testing. This process ensures her child avoids inheriting the BRCA2 gene mutation.

The players

Sarafina El-Badry Nance

A 33-year-old advocate and breast cancer previvor who utilizes her platform to push for equitable infant nutrition coverage.

Bobbie

An infant formula company partnering with advocates to support legislative changes for feeding cost coverage.

The details

Nance conceived through IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing to eliminate the risk of her child inheriting the BRCA2 gene mutation. Following the scheduled C-section, she will also have her fallopian tubes removed to mitigate ovarian cancer risks. Additionally, she partners with the brand Bobbie to advocate for Connie's Bill, which aims to provide federal coverage for infant formula and donor milk for parents who cannot produce milk.

Timeline

  1. October 9, 2026: Nance will deliver her baby via scheduled C-section.

  2. 2022: Nance participated as a Swim Search finalist.

The Home Front

Medical risk-reducing surgeries and IVF planning have become increasingly common paths for families navigating hereditary cancer risks. This trend highlights the critical need for insurance and legislative support regarding the high costs of alternative infant feeding methods.

Families facing high hereditary cancer risks should consult with genetic counselors to discuss preimplantation testing and fertility options. Households may also look into existing insurance policies to determine coverage gaps for infant formula or specialized nutritional support.

The takeaway

Nance's experience underscores the importance of advanced family planning and advocacy for those who cannot produce breast milk. Families in similar situations may want to document their insurance coverage and evaluate genetic testing resources before conception.

Further reading

Learn more about the intersection of health planning and family logistics in the Pregnancy section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.