Page 11 - Palm City Spotlight - January '25

Palm City Spotlight, Page 11

Good works

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

Fundraising News from page 10

County Commissioners, Community Foundation for
Palm Beach and Martin Counties, The School District
of Palm Beach County, and various community
stakeholders.
Once home to West Palm Beach’s two all-Black
high schools, in recent years, the Roosevelt High
grounds became the Roosevelt Full-Service Center.
The Roosevelt Center, owned by the The School
District of Palm Beach County, became a community
center with neighborhood resources, services, and
alternative school programs on site.
The school district has already commenced phase
one of the Roosevelt Center renovation project. Phase
two of the project will provide for renovation of the
buildings at the Roosevelt Center that will house
the research library and for construction of a new
20,000-square-foot two-story building to house the
museum.
For more information or to donate to Community
Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties,
please visit yourcommunityfoundation.org/give-now/.