Page 10 - Talk of Tequesta - January '25

Page 10, The Talk Of Tequesta

good Works

Susan G. Komen Announces
®

2025 FORD Warriors In Pink

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

in your CommuniTy

Save The Date!

The Fourth Annual Jensen Beach Garden Expo – Bigger And Better Than Ever!

Mark Your Calendar For Saturday, March 1 From 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. It’s Free!

Join us for Jensen Beach’s sciences, and related fields. We’re also proud to fund camp
favorite springtime tradition! scholarships for kids at the Florida Oceanographic Society
The Jensen Beach Garden Expo and the Environmental Studies Center, as well as programs for
returns on March 1, from 9 a.m. Junior Master Gardeners and the Community Gardens of the
to 3 p.m., at the beautiful Indian House of Hope.
Riverside Park, in front of the Dockside Pavilion. With more Thank you to our sponsors! Special thanks to Lindstrom
parking, extra food trucks, and fabulous door prizes, this Air Conditioning & Plumbing, and to our many generous
year’s Expo promises a garden celebration like no other. sponsors who make this event possible.
What’s In Store? Don’t miss this incredible day of plants, community, and
This specialty garden show showcases the best local vendors fun—see you at the expo!
offering lush tropical plants, native species, vibrant orchids, Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check out
and unique finds like succulents, herbs, and outdoor art. our website: https://www.jensenbeachgardenclub.com/
Stock up on gardening supplies, learn from live presentations, garden-expo.
enjoy hands-on demos, and win free door prizes donated by
our vendors throughout the day. It’s a fun and educational
day for all plant lovers, from beginners to seasoned pros!
Presenters include sessions on dragon fruit, edible plants,
bonsais and pests
in the landscape.
Growing Our
Community
More than just
a garden show,
the expo helps
our community
flourish. Proceeds
support college
scholarships for 747-PALM
local students
pursuing studies 747-7256
in horticulture,
environmental