Page 27 - Southern Exposure - January '25

Southern Exposure, Page 27

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Susan G. Komen Announces 2025 FORD Warriors In Pink
®

Warriors represent North Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, The Susan G. Komen 2025 Warriors In Pink Are: began physical therapy, and resumed her infusion therapy.
Boca Raton, Palm City, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Fort Kristen A. Dugan of North Palm Beach is a single Allison Jones of Palm City has faced a series of
Lauderdale and Broward County. mom of three girls. She was diagnosed with Ductal health setbacks over the years. In 2023, plans for a dual
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer Carcinoma Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in hip replacement were put on hold when she received a
organization, is excited to announce the 2025 FORD Warriors January 2024. Since then, she has undergone a double diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. Overwhelmed
in Pink. These nine women from across South Florida will mastectomy, five months of chemotherapy and six weeks by the unexpected diagnosis, Allison was advised to
be honored at the MORE THAN PINK Walk in West Palm of radiation. On August 22, she rang the bell to conclude focus on her breast cancer treatments as the top priority.
Beach on Saturday, January 25, in addition to being featured her final chemotherapy treatment! While her experience Within two weeks, her treatment began. This year marks
in a variety of promotional materials and activities. has not been easy, she has dedicated herself to being a her first MORE THAN PINK Walk, where she hopes
“Susan G. Komen Warriors in Pink represent the role model who embraces hope, inspiration and bravery. to reclaim her strength and connect with other women,
strength, resilience and determination of everyone Erin M. Correa of Riviera Beach is a registered finding inspiration and renewed determination through
impacted by breast cancer,” said Jamie Bellamy, nurse, wife and mother of two young sons. In 2022, Erin their shared experiences.
Development Director at Susan G. Komen. “These women was diagnosed with gastroparesis followed by Stage 2 Lucille Ciaccia of Boca Raton went in for her first
are beacons of hope and courage, inspiring us to continue Mesenteric Follicular Lymphoma and in July 2023 she mammogram shortly after turning 40. However, what
our work to achieve a world without breast cancer. We was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Erin began as a routine screening quickly escalated, and her
are honored to celebrate them as breast cancer Warriors advocated for herself and met with multiple doctors before cancer progressed from Stage 1 to Stage 3 in a short
and join them in standing strong for every life touched choosing her oncology team. By April 2024, she had time period. Since July 2023, Lucille has undergone a
by this disease.” completed her bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy, double mastectomy, AC-Thermotherapy and 25 rounds
of radiation. Lucille passionately encourages women
to advocate for their health. She advises, “If you’re
told a mammogram before 40 isn’t necessary, don’t be
discouraged. Don’t be afraid to fight for yourself!”
Nicholle Chadwick of Boca Raton is a Registered
Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) and mom of
two. In 2022, Nicholle’s world shifted dramatically when
$ $ 100 OFF $ 250 she discovered a lump in her breast and was diagnosed
with Stage 2 Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
39Usually 95 Further testing revealed she was positive for the BRCA 1
$
SERVICE CALL WITH ANY NEW UV LIGHT WITH ANY genetic mutation. Nicholle has since undergone a double
NEW INSTALLATION
ANY A/C REPAIR WATER HEATER ( 750 Value) mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and IVF treatments.
$
CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE CALL FOR SERVICE Through it all, her children became her driving force—
561-741-2825 561-741-2825 561-741-2825 her “why.” Nicholle encourages others to find their own
Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, Not valid with any other discounts, reason to fight, saying, “Why are we fighting? The answer
offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount offers, or coupons. Limit 1 discount can simply be yourself and the will to survive.”
per transaction. Expires 2/04/25. per transaction. Expires: 2/04/25. per transaction. Expires: 2/04/25. Stephanie R. Baker, RN, MSN, of Boynton Beach is
a Registered Nurse who teaches at Cambridge College of
Healthcare & Technology. During a routine mammogram
17 years ago, Stephanie’s life was turned upside down
with a breast cancer diagnosis. She met brave women who
offered her tools to cope, make plans, dream and continue
with her treatments ahead. With the support of her
husband, kids, siblings, family and friends, she survived
and later earned her BSN and MSN in nursing. She has
since retired to Florida and gives back to the nursing
profession as a nursing professor at a local college.
Shae Henderson of Broward was diagnosed with
breast cancer at age 23. Shae’s journey with breast cancer
was marked by delays and dismissals. Despite being
told she was too young to have breast cancer and being
denied mammograms and referrals, she refused to give
up. Eventually, she found her team at Holy Cross, where
a doctor finally listened to and validated her concerns. For
Shae, that compassionate care made all the difference—
both physically and mentally. Her advice to others: “Play
an active role in the fight against cancer and draw strength
from those around you.”
Elizabeth Hamma of Jupiter is the market president at
Hubbard Radio, a wife, mother of two adult children, and
grandma to three grandchildren. Elizabeth never expected
her journey with cancer to extend beyond supporting
family members, friends and her involvement with
Komen. However, life took an unexpected turn when she
was diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.
Thrust into the fight herself, she made the decision to
undergo a bilateral mastectomy. Now, Elizabeth embraces
her role as a breast cancer “thriver” and looks forward to
continuing her advocacy with a renewed perspective.
Julie Culpepper of Fort Lauderdale began her
journey in 2017 when her oncologist identified an atypical
(precancerous) lump during a routine screening. Given
her family history—both her mother and sister are cancer
survivors—and a decade-long pattern of benign biopsies,
she initially underwent a lumpectomy but later opted
for a mastectomy for peace of mind. The path, however,
wasn’t without its challenges. Over two years, Julie
faced difficulties with implant reconstructions before
successfully undergoing a DIEP flap procedure. Now, a
year and a half later, she is thriving and grateful for the
choices that have supported her health and well-being.
The MORE THAN PINK Walk is open to the public
and free. Please register in advance at www.komen.org/
wpbwalk. Participants are encouraged to fundraise.
Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect
with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.