Page 10 - Jupiter Ocean Mile - January '25

Page 10, Jupiter Ocean Mile
Susan G. Komen Announces 2025 FORD Warriors In Pink
®

Warriors represent North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, of HER2-positive breast cancer. Overwhelmed by the Shae Henderson of Broward was diagnosed with
Boca Raton, Palm City, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Fort unexpected diagnosis, Allison was advised to focus on her breast cancer at age 23. Shae’s journey with breast cancer
Lauderdale and Broward County. breast cancer treatments as the top priority. Within two weeks, was marked by delays and dismissals. Despite being
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer her treatment began. This year marks her first MORE THAN told she was too young to have breast cancer and being
organization, is excited to announce the 2025 FORD Warriors PINK Walk, where she hopes to reclaim her strength and denied mammograms and referrals, she refused to give
in Pink. These nine women from across South Florida will connect with other women, finding inspiration and renewed up. Eventually, she found her team at Holy Cross, where a
be honored at the MORE THAN PINK Walk in West Palm determination through their shared experiences. doctor finally listened to and validated her concerns. For
Beach on Saturday, January 25, in addition to being featured Lucille Ciaccia of Boca Raton went in for her first Shae, that compassionate care made all the difference—
in a variety of promotional materials and activities. mammogram shortly after turning 40. However, what began both physically and mentally. Her advice to others: “Play
“Susan G. Komen Warriors in Pink represent the strength, as a routine screening quickly escalated, and her cancer an active role in the fight against cancer and draw strength
resilience and determination of everyone impacted by breast progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 3 in a short time period. Since from those around you.”
cancer,” said Jamie Bellamy, Development Director at Susan July 2023, Lucille has undergone a double mastectomy, AC- Elizabeth Hamma of Jupiter is the market president at
G. Komen. “These women are beacons of hope and courage, Thermotherapy and 25 rounds of radiation. Lucille passionately Hubbard Radio, a wife, mother of two adult children, and
inspiring us to continue our work to achieve a world without encourages women to advocate for their health. She advises, grandma to three grandchildren. Elizabeth never expected
breast cancer. We are honored to celebrate them as breast “If you’re told a mammogram before 40 isn’t necessary, don’t her journey with cancer to extend beyond supporting
cancer Warriors and join them in standing strong for every be discouraged. Don’t be afraid to fight for yourself!” family members, friends and her involvement with Komen.
life touched by this disease.” Nicholle Chadwick of Boca Raton is a Registered Mental However, life took an unexpected turn when she was
The Susan G. Komen 2025 Warriors In Pink Are: Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) and mom of two. In 2022, diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Thrust
Kristen A. Dugan of North Palm Beach is a single mom Nicholle’s world shifted dramatically when she discovered into the fight herself, she made the decision to undergo a
of three girls. She was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma a lump in her breast and was diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple bilateral mastectomy. Now, Elizabeth embraces her role as
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in January 2024. Since Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Further testing revealed a breast cancer “thriver” and looks forward to continuing her
then, she has undergone a double mastectomy, five months of she was positive for the BRCA 1 genetic mutation. Nicholle advocacy with a renewed perspective.
chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. On August 22, she has since undergone a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, Julie Culpepper of Fort Lauderdale began her
rang the bell to conclude her final chemotherapy treatment! radiation, and IVF treatments. Through it all, her children journey in 2017 when her oncologist identified an atypical
While her experience has not been easy, she has dedicated became her driving force—her “why.” Nicholle encourages (precancerous) lump during a routine screening. Given
herself to being a role model who embraces hope, inspiration others to find their own reason to fight, saying, “Why are we her family history—both her mother and sister are cancer
and bravery. fighting? The answer can simply be yourself and the will to survivors—and a decade-long pattern of benign biopsies,
Erin M. Correa of Riviera Beach is a registered nurse, survive.” she initially underwent a lumpectomy but later opted for a
wife and mother of two young sons. In 2022, Erin was Stephanie R. Baker, RN, MSN, of Boynton Beach is mastectomy for peace of mind. The path, however, wasn’t
diagnosed with gastroparesis followed by Stage 2 Mesenteric a Registered Nurse who teaches at Cambridge College of without its challenges. Over two years, Julie faced difficulties
Follicular Lymphoma and in July 2023 she was diagnosed Healthcare & Technology. During a routine mammogram 17 with implant reconstructions before successfully undergoing
with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Erin advocated for herself years ago, Stephanie’s life was turned upside down with a a DIEP flap procedure. Now, a year and a half later, she is
and met with multiple doctors before choosing her oncology breast cancer diagnosis. She met brave women who offered thriving and grateful for the choices that have supported her
team. By April 2024, she had completed her bilateral her tools to cope, make plans, dream and continue with her health and well-being.
mastectomy and chemotherapy, began physical therapy, and treatments ahead. With the support of her husband, kids, The MORE THAN PINK Walk is open to the public and
resumed her infusion therapy. siblings, family and friends, she survived and later earned her free. Please register in advance at www.komen.org/wpbwalk.
Allison Jones of Palm City has faced a series of health BSN and MSN in nursing. She has since retired to Florida and Participants are encouraged to fundraise.
setbacks over the years. In 2023, plans for a dual hip gives back to the nursing profession as a nursing professor Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with
replacement were put on hold when she received a diagnosis at a local college. us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
Northern Notes

Nightjars, Nighthawks And name, Caprimulgidae, literally means “milker of goats” or in groups in a looping pattern. This dusky hunter jerks
and weaves through the air on long, pointed wings, flashing
and is based on an ancient belief that the birds milked
Chuck Will’s Widows goats with their enormous mouths each night. In reality, distinctive white wing patches.
the birds’ attraction to livestock was likely due to the Chuck Will’s Widows are the largest of the Nightjars
By Katie Roundtree, presence of insects. and are primarily nocturnal. They have enormous mouths
Director of Finance and They are unique birds that, when open, can catch flying insects like beetles and
Administration, with a distinctive look moths but can even catch small birds or bats on occasion.
Northern Palm Beach characterized by long Their name is an onomatopoeia from its song. As is often
County Improvement wings, small feet, short the case with Nightjars, the Chuck-Will’s-widow was
District legs, and very short bills. named due to its song, which to many sounds like a phrase
Nighthawks and Chuck They have short bills but composed of the words “chuck,” “will’s,” and “widow”:
Will’s Widows are common have enormous mouths “Chuck Will’s Widow. Chuck-will’s-WID-ow. Chuck-
birds in South Florida, but when opened to allow them will’s-WID-ow.” The first syllable of the call is often hard
most people have never to catch insects at night. for humans to hear. You can hear their distinctive call in
seen one. They are members They have bristles around the evening or pre-dawn hours.
of the Nightjar family and their beaks called rictal As is the case with
are medium-sized nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn bristles, which are stiff hair- many Nightjars worldwide,
and dusk) birds in the family Caprimulgidae. Nightjars like feathers that arise around the base of the beak. The Nighthawk and Chuck
are found worldwide, except Antarctica and certain island function of rictal bristles is uncertain, although several Will’s Widow numbers
groups such as the Seychelles. Nightjars are primarily possibilities have been proposed. They may function as are declining. The factors
found in Europe, while Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s a “net,” helping to capture flying prey. Some evidence driving these declines
Widows are found more in the New World. Nightjars, suggests that they may prevent particles from striking the are elusive, but habitat
Nighthawks and Chuck Will’s Widows belong to a family eyes. There is also evidence that the rictal bristles of some destruction, declining
of birds with the folk name “goatsuckers.” The family species may function tactilely, like that of mammalian insect populations, and pesticide contamination have all
whiskers, to help detect prey. been suggested as potential culprits.
NEED A/C? We’ve Got You Covered! Widows can be found in various habitats, most commonly These fantastic but rarely seen birds are an integral part of
the Florida ecosystem. Now that the evenings are cool, enjoy
in open areas with some vegetation. Locally, they live in and
around upland preserves. Nighthawks usually spend their a walk by a preserve area in or around your neighborhood.
days hidden, sometimes in plain view, thanks to their cryptic Listen for the call of the “widow” or watch the looping
gray, brown, and blackish plumage and the birds’ squat, Nighthawks as they search for dinner.
“WE SHOW “neckless” shape. They often prove challenging to spot even
while roosting quietly on a tree branch or fence post.
UP!” They usually lay their eggs directly on the ground rather
than in a nest. They are incredibly good at camouflage, and
their coloring allows them to blend in remarkably well with
the leaves and trees around them. Their soft plumage is
colored to resemble bark or leaves, protecting them from their
primary predators: foxes and raccoons. As a defense, these
birds can hide in leaves on the ground, spread their wings and
open their mouths to resemble cottonmouth snakes preparing
to strike. Some species perch face lengthwise along a branch
rather than across it as birds usually do to hide during the As a defense, these birds can hide in leaves on the ground,
day, blending seamlessly spread their wings and open their mouths to resemble
with tree bark. cottonmouth snakes preparing to strike.
Call Today for a FREE estimate! The Common
561.575.2173 Nighthawk’s erratic, NPDES tip: Storms occur all year round. Make sure your
231 Jupiter St., Jupiter, FL acrobatic flight style gives yards and trees are trimmed neatly to avoid flying debris
www.MiklosAir.com the bird its folk name during a storm. Dispose of your trimmings and clippings
“bullbat.” They fly alone properly—do not put them into storm drains or lakes!