2012 Komen Ambassadors - 11 Faces of Breast Cancer

Welcome to the 2012 Komen Ambassadors! These women and men represent some of the different faces of breast cancer here in Central Indiana, and they all are working individually and collectively to spread the importance of knowing your body and advocating for your health. Read on to find out more about each of this year’s ambassadors!

Name: Bonnie
County: Marion
# Years Survivorship: Since 2008
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Women can empower themselves through education, fitness and nutrition – we do not need to sit on the sidelines and remain fearful of this diagnosis.”

Name: Darrell
County: Hendricks
# Years Survivorship: Since 2010
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage II with Lymph Node Involvement
Takeaway Thought/Message: “This is not just a woman disease or a  man disease – it affects the entire family. I want men to know that breast cancer can happen to us also. Until I was diagnosed I never thought much about breast cancer, but now I feel it’s important to let men know – breast cancer is not easy to talk about for a man.”

Name: Donna
County: Marion
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage I
# Years Survivorship: Since 2006
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Just because you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it does not mean life stops. My faith in God, determination and a positive outlook, I told myself that no matter what the diagnosis: I will live and not die.”

Name: Joanne
County: Marion
# Years Survivorship: Since 2007
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage IV Metastatic
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Through cancer, many blessings have come my way. I cherish every moment with my son, my nieces and nephews. Through the grace of God and the excellent care of my doctors, I will be celebrating my 5 year SURVIVAL anniversary.”

Name: Juliann (Julie)
County: Marion
# Years Survivorship: Since 2002
Type of Breast Cancer: Triple Negative
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Early detection is very important to surviving breast cancer – so is family, friends, faith and laughter.”

Name: Karen
County: Hamilton
# Years Survivorship: Since 2010
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage I Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Don’t worry about things that are out of your control. Save energy for what you can control, and then do everything you can to influence a positive outcome – having a positive attitude lays a strong foundation for beating cancer.”

Name: Kimberly
County: Hendricks
# Years Survivorship: Since 2010
Type of Breast Cancer: Triple Negative Stage III Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Hold your head up and keep smiling!” (And from when we got to meet her: shoe shopping can help with stress!)

Name: Mary Jo (MJ)
County: Marion
# Years Survivorship: Since 2010
Type of Breast Cancer: Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) & Ovarian
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Know and trust your body – if something doesn’t feel right, tell your doctor and make them listen.”

Name: Shelley
County: Marion
# Years Survivorship: Co-Survivor
Type of Breast Cancer: n/a (strong family history)
Takeaway Thought/Message: “First, EARLY DETECTION. Then, that the journey does not end when you are declared cancer free – the journey will continue until there is a cure. Finally, whatever emotions you are having is ok and you are not alone.”

Name: Tina
County: Hendricks
# Years Survivorship: Since 2010
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage I Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Takeaway Thought/Message: “Cancer is not a death sentence.” and “All things work for the good of those who love Him.”

Name: Vicki
County: Marion
# Years Survivorship: Since 2007
Type of Cancer: Stage II Invasive Ductile Carcinoma
Takeaway Thought/Message: “We are our own advocate for our own health. When you don’t think something is right, keep pursuing an answer until you feel comfortable with the answer – whether you like it or not.”