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September 24, Washington DC
Thu, 09/25/2008 - 08:19 — Lori Raimondo
Those beautiful women are all cancer survivors. The Saks Fifth Avenue store here in D.C., in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Key to the Cure, is honoring these 10 amazing women.
I spent the day with these ladies. Saks arranged for us to have a tour of the White House. We were able to see the Library, the State Dining Room, the Green Room and the Blue Room which you see in photos often in the press. You can only see about seven rooms on the tour, but surprisingly they are rooms that are often used by the first family. They wouldn’t let us take pictures, so you’ll just have to picture stately rooms filled with old expensive furniture, dramatic silk drapes and paintings of past presidents.
Next our limos whisked us off to get a tour and watch a broadcast of the local ABC news. One of the anchors, Alison Starling, is the Washington D.C. Key to the Cure Honorary Chair for their events this year.
Then the group headed back to Saks for Armani make-overs. Or as they put it, “touch-ups” and truly that’s all these beautiful ladies needed.
Each one of these woman has her own unique story. But what they all seemed to share is what Dr. Hendrix described as “an amazing will to live.” Dr. Hendrix is an oncologist at Suburban Hospital. She explained that what’s she’s learned most from her breast cancer patients is that, “There is no limit to what they can do.”
Rachel Zuraw
Rachel Zuraw was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 27. She relayed that she was her doctor’s youngest breast cancer patient. With a sarcastic pump of her fists in the air, Rachel cheered, “Yeah, just the award I wanted to receive.” She’s just about to celebrate her one year wedding anniversary. She says her and her husband got the “in sickness and in health” part done early in their relationship.
Barbara Butcher
Barbara Butcher was diagnosed with cancer in 1991. Now a 17 year survivor, Barbara arrived back in D.C. just last night concluding a 400 mile bike ride from Pittsburg. Heck, some days I’m tired from driving 400 miles, but Barbara was an incredible ball of energy all day.
Helene Bordenick
Helene Bordenick has had cancer in her neck. Last year Helene was diagnosed with breast cancer and now, this past winter, cancerous cells have returned in her neck. But Helen at 55 doesn’t think cancer is what ultimately will kill her. She says, “having a positive attitude absolutely helps.” And she certainly does. She’s even embraced the idea of wearing a wig saying that she “may never go back. They [wigs] save so much time in the morning!”
Janette Greene
Janette Greene works at Saks. It was four years this past August 21st since Janette was diagnosed with breast cancer. Janette had no family history, and the cancer that was eventually found couldn’t be felt by a self exam or her doctor. It was the mammogram that found it. Janette told me how she just wasn’t feeling right and was very tired. Her doctor first wrote it off as exhaustion from the many commitments she had. But Janette was persistent about getting herself checked out thoroughly. That’s Janette’s message to other women, “If something doesn’t feel right” then get it checked out. And if you don’t feel you are getting the right answers, keep on it until you do. “You know your body better than anyone else.”
Lyndia Self
Lyndia Self was diagnosed back in December of 2005. She went through radiation and chemotherapy and pulled through. Then this January she was diagnosed with metastasized vaginal cancer. She explained that her doctors had “thought it was going to be six months. But I’m still here.” Lyndia credits her wonderful husband for the amazing support he’s given her.
Judy Macon
Judy Macon works for Suburban Hospital in their cancer outreach efforts. Suburban Hospital is the recipient of the funds raised by Saks in D.C. Saks has donated over $600,000 to the hospital thus far. Judy is also a 25 year breast cancer survivor!!!
Nancy Halladay
Nancy Halladay is one of the friendliest people you’re bound to meet. Instantly it seemed like she already knew everyone in the group. Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer 21 months ago. Nancy shared that having cancer allowed her to see other sides of people she wouldn’t have otherwise. Even Nancy’s office sent her fresh flowers every Saturday, something she wouldn’t have expected. Recently Nancy found another lump. She’ll find out her biopsy results in 2 days and is “hoping everything will be ok.”
Karen Pham
Karen Pham is a mother of 3 children. She was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2004. She had another occurrence just this past June. When she was first diagnosed four years ago, Karen’s children were younger and she did her best to downplay her cancer to her children, explaining that she was sick but was going to be ok. This time they are a bit older and having been through it before, understand a little more. They’ve seen that she’s pulled through before. Karen is big on using exercise to get her through signing up for any “breast cancer exercise group” she hears about.
Betty Wooten
Betty Wooten was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1997. Betty has a big family and they all seem to be very involved. As she put it, her “children took over” going to all her doctor appointments, taking notes and doing research. Betty’s church was very supportive as well. They provided meals feeding her family for an entire month. Betty pushes through by keeping busy coordinating a nursing program at a local university. “I don’t have time to think about it” she said. Betty’s cancer has come back and is now in her bones. While the cancer has begun to affect Betty’s ability to walk, she still keeps busy (incredibly busy!). Betty explained that she “tries not to be sad about it” and to remain positive.
Iris Tanjong
Iris Tanjong was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 when she was just 34 years old. Then, a year later she had more surgery to go through. I asked Iris and Betty, what people can do to help their loved ones with cancer. They both stressed that it’s just important that they are there. “You don’t want to be alone.” “We know you can’t do anything. Just be there.”
Comments
@ 07:54am on 09/26/2008
WOW What incredible, courageous women, they are an example to each of us on how we should live our lives.
Thank you to each women for telling your story to encourage other women going through treatment. We all pray for a cure.
@ 08:40am on 09/26/2008
You are all beautiful people. With you spirit and energy a cure will be found one day!
@ 13:18pm on 09/26/2008
Amazing! Each time I read your blog I am in awe of the wonderful people you have met and the stories you have heard. We are all tied together in this journey to find a cure. Thank you for taking us along on this ride.
@ 13:18pm on 09/26/2008
I have known Helene for 20+ years and have always been in awe of her spirit and courage. Tip of the hat to a very special woman.
@ 18:48pm on 09/27/2008
I have worked with Nancy for over 7 years and I am the lucky person who Nancy has shared all of her stories with me. Thank goodness her recent biopsy was benign! I am in awe of Nancy and her positive attitude and it is music to hear her laughter at work which is every day. I am also in awe of all of the stories you so kindly shared.
Thank you-
Ricky
@ 12:38pm on 09/29/2008
Helene is my sister in law, my friend, and my hero. She has endured more than most of us ever experience in a lifetime and she has remained strong and has an incredibly positive attitude about life, friendship, family and all that is important to her. Everyone who knows Helene knows how lucky we are to have her in our lives. She always makes her family and friends feel as though "we" are the most important thing in the world to her. She deserves this recognition as do all of the courageous women who are sharing this special honor together. Congratulations to all of you!!!!
Jill Bordenick
@ 17:03pm on 09/29/2008
I have been lucky enough to have known Nancy for over 20 years. I have always been amazed by her energy, optimism and great sense of humour. But it has been these recent months that have shown the extent of her incredible courage, resiliance, and positive attitude. Congratulations on your benign biopsy report Nancy! You are a great example to us all.
Ann.
@ 16:27pm on 09/30/2008
Nancy, what can I say......."You are such an incredible person and I am blessed to know you."
@ 18:30pm on 10/01/2008
You are all beautiful women inside and out. I've known Helene for about 7 years now and she is a model for all of us to follow. Her courage, grace, positive attitude and JOY is truly inspiring. We love you Helene!
@ 14:52pm on 10/03/2008
My wonderful fun nutty sister Melissa died almost a year ago from triple negative breast cancer. I am thrilled to see so many survivors. When she was in it, (the battle, hers was 14 months) we just saw sick women, which doesnt give you much encouragement. This gives you hope, looking at this women gives you hope. I have had five benign lumps removed, we have maternal Aunts and Great Aunts with cancer, but honestly you just dont know when you are getting a curve ball. Thank you for doing this positive message of hope, and fun and something enjoyable. Thanks, Cindy
@ 18:40pm on 10/14/2008
I am inspired by each of these women. I know there will be a cure, and it will be soon. Every day there is progress. I thank all the folks who sponsor this program. It is my experience that keeping a positive attitude is a big part of the battle, especially on those days when things aren't going as planned.
@ 09:57am on 10/16/2008
Lydia Self you are my hero! Your amazing strength and positive attitude amazes me. You are a loving and giving woman. You are an inspiration to all of us. I am truly blessed to know you ~ Love, Sharon Kenny
@ 12:52pm on 10/17/2008
I am happy to have Helene in my life. Her friendship is a blessing and she is an inspiration. She is a model of courage and the power of positive thinking. Helene brings joy and hope to every one of our encounters, even when she had to share the sad news that her cancer had returned. I am so glad that she has received this well deserved honored.
@ 22:45pm on 10/18/2008
To my very special cousin Lyndia Self.. I am very proud of you. You have been through so much and you still stand strong. You are my rock and the glue that holds our family together. I love you so much.. Hang in there sweetie and know that I am here for you always.
@ 19:58pm on 10/19/2008
Lyndia Self has been a special friend to me for over 30 years. Even with us living on opposite sides of the country, we have been able to keep in touch sharing family news and events. Lyndia, you look so happy and I'm so proud of you being a part of this honor. Love to you, Sterling, and the family.
@ 12:26pm on 10/23/2008
Lyndia Self is a wonderful lady. I have know her for 32 years. Her spirits makes you feel good just being around here. She is still a great Mah Jonng player.
My family loves and supports you.
To the other ladies, you are beautiful and God will watch over you.
@ 13:29pm on 10/24/2008
Lyndia Self is a strong and positive lady. We have been friends for many years. We have shared many years together in a homemakers club and have quite alot of wonderful memories. I am so proud of you be strong and such a loving caring person. Hats off to all the other wonderful ladies and the strong will that they have as well. Love and peace..Linda Jennings
@ 07:38am on 10/25/2008
Wow, what outstanding women were honored Sept. 24th. These stories are an inspiration to each of us faced with adversity. My friend Lyndia, as well as all of these other women, have such beautiful smiles and hearts. It is obvious to me that God has blessed them with courage and fortitude and a sense of peace allowing them to conquer the complications of their cancers. I thank God for my friendship with you, Lyndia, during an important phase of our lives, raising our children. Your sense of humor and astuteness made life experiences together learning experiences and memorable times. May God bless all of these women and their families.
@ 13:29pm on 10/30/2008
My dear sister-in-law Lyndia Self,
You are and always have been a loving and caring person. Your poitive attitude, incredible courage, and your faith in God, have all remained with you through this journey. May you always know, your husband, Sterling and our family love and support you.
Love you,
Jane
@ 08:43am on 11/01/2008
Dearest Aunt Lyn, You are one of the bravest people I know and you inspire me every day.You Go Girl! Lots of Love always- Vicki xxoo
@ 08:59am on 11/01/2008
Lyn, You are my hero,You have handled your struggle so bravely.We in the Self Family Love You.God Bless Your Sister-in-law, Ruth Self