Breast cancer is a disease that has directly affected the family of former New York Giants star Tiki Barber. While he was in college at the University of Virginia, Barber's mother was diagnosed with bi-lateral invasive ductal carcinoma and had to undergo a double mastectomy. 

That experience and the place Barber's mother has held in his life has caused him to stand out as an advocate for breast cancer awareness. He most recently spoke about that journey as the keynote speaker at the 36th Annual CFS Innovative Cancer Therapy for Tomorrow. 

Barber talked about the importance for doctors to remember the needs of their patients. He explained how powerful it was to watch his mother persevere, still serve as the rock of their family and never miss any of her son's events. 

Barber even shared how just days after her mastectomy, she made the drive to a college game he and brother Ronde were playing in. 

“(Ronde and I) didn’t think that she would actually do it because, obviously, it’s crazy that five days after having such an invasive, major surgery, she would show up," he said. "Come that Saturday afternoon, guess who was at Scott Stadium: my mom. She had her hat on, and she was cheering just like she always had.

After a standout college tenure for the Cavaliers, Barber was taken by the Giants in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He became the franchise's all-time leader in rushing and receptions and ranks second in rushing touchdowns. 

Barber helped the Giants reach Super Bowl XXXV. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2005. 

Barber is now an NBC correspondent and co-hosts the weekday CBS Sports Radio show, "Tiki and Tierney." He is a member of the New York Giants Ring of Honor. 

Tiki Barber Talks About His Mom's Cancer: