FEATURED SURVIVOR STORIES
Julie donovan
Hello, my name is Julie Donovan, and I am a breast cancer survivor.
On July 5, 2022, I went in for my very first mammogram. I figured that since I am over 40, it was time to get my checkups done. Well… I am glad I went in. During my mammogram they found a lump in my left breast. That same day they rushed an ultrasound to confirm that there was something there. By end of the week, I was scheduled for a biopsy.
The biopsy was done the next Tuesday, July 12, and I got the results back the next day saying I have stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer). Once the diagnosis was given, it was nonstop appointments. I tested positive for BRCA2, which gave me the easy decision for a double mastectomy. Surgery was done on August 23. Once I was all recovered, I was given four rounds of chemotherapy from October to December. A month later, I started my 28 rounds of radiation.
Fast forward to today: I am now cancer free and have my final restoration this summer.
This past year has been an adventure. I was scared and felt lonely at times, but being open about my cancer journey has helped me mentally. It was hard to put on a brave face for my friends and especially for my family, but I pushed through and it made me stronger. I can’t say thank you enough to all that helped me and my family. So many played people a role in my sanity and recovery during this difficult time. I also wanted to say thank you to With Courage (a Yamhill County breast cancer support group) and Breast Friends for the wig they provided me.
On July 5, 2022, I went in for my very first mammogram. I figured that since I am over 40, it was time to get my checkups done. Well… I am glad I went in. During my mammogram they found a lump in my left breast. That same day they rushed an ultrasound to confirm that there was something there. By end of the week, I was scheduled for a biopsy.
The biopsy was done the next Tuesday, July 12, and I got the results back the next day saying I have stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer). Once the diagnosis was given, it was nonstop appointments. I tested positive for BRCA2, which gave me the easy decision for a double mastectomy. Surgery was done on August 23. Once I was all recovered, I was given four rounds of chemotherapy from October to December. A month later, I started my 28 rounds of radiation.
Fast forward to today: I am now cancer free and have my final restoration this summer.
This past year has been an adventure. I was scared and felt lonely at times, but being open about my cancer journey has helped me mentally. It was hard to put on a brave face for my friends and especially for my family, but I pushed through and it made me stronger. I can’t say thank you enough to all that helped me and my family. So many played people a role in my sanity and recovery during this difficult time. I also wanted to say thank you to With Courage (a Yamhill County breast cancer support group) and Breast Friends for the wig they provided me.
Jeannie VU
My name is Jeannie, and I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in September 2020.
I went through chemo and radiation therapy. During this time, it was discovered that I carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which meant that I had a higher chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer. In order to reduce any chance of the cancer returning, I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy and the removal of my ovaries.
It was a very difficult time because COVID was happening as well. I couldn’t have anyone with me during my chemo treatment. No visitors at home because of my compromised immune system. And a few setbacks after having a few complications after surgery. Needless to say, it was a rough couple of years.
My biggest fear was not being here. Not being able to grow old with my husband. Not being able to see my children grow up. During treatment or anytime I had breakdowns, I would pray: I have to be here. I have to be strong. My body has to fight this and beat cancer. For my husband. For my kids. For my family.
My husband, sister, and in-laws were everything when I was going through chemo and recovering from surgeries. They helped look after me and my children. My family and friends from all over prayed for me, texted and called, came to visit when they were able to.
I am so grateful, lucky, and blessed that I am still here. Everything I’ve gone through, all of my surgeries, I have done to be here with my family. To hopefully ensure my cancer won’t come back.
I went through chemo and radiation therapy. During this time, it was discovered that I carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, which meant that I had a higher chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer. In order to reduce any chance of the cancer returning, I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy and the removal of my ovaries.
It was a very difficult time because COVID was happening as well. I couldn’t have anyone with me during my chemo treatment. No visitors at home because of my compromised immune system. And a few setbacks after having a few complications after surgery. Needless to say, it was a rough couple of years.
My biggest fear was not being here. Not being able to grow old with my husband. Not being able to see my children grow up. During treatment or anytime I had breakdowns, I would pray: I have to be here. I have to be strong. My body has to fight this and beat cancer. For my husband. For my kids. For my family.
My husband, sister, and in-laws were everything when I was going through chemo and recovering from surgeries. They helped look after me and my children. My family and friends from all over prayed for me, texted and called, came to visit when they were able to.
I am so grateful, lucky, and blessed that I am still here. Everything I’ve gone through, all of my surgeries, I have done to be here with my family. To hopefully ensure my cancer won’t come back.
TOMOKO BRYANT
Hello, my name is Tomoko. I am 1 out of 8. 1 out of 8 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
On September 24, 2010, I was diagnosed with stage 3b infiltrating ductal carcinoma. What?? Translation: You Have Breast Cancer… my life changed instantly.
It was the beginning of the most significant challenge and fight of my life. 13 years later, I'm here, standing strong next to my family and friends. It’s been a ride that no one could have prepared me for. The good, the bad, and the ugly… I’m still fighting!
Since my diagnosis, I’ve had the honor of participating in many breast cancer events. Programs that bring breast cancer awareness, promote early detection, and help raise funds for research drive me to stay involved and connected.
My favorite event, and closest to my heart, is the Pink Warrior PDX! Do I want to join a Zumba® Party that brings the community together and raises money for the fight against breast cancer? Absolutely, sign me up! Zumba®, the exercise, along with the camaraderie and love shared, has contributed to my successful fight over the last decade.
I’m grateful for so many things in my life, and certainly, for this opportunity to share hope and honor the ones who lost their battle, and most importantly, celebrate the survivors.
I am 1 out of 8… And I will see you all soon in Portland!
On September 24, 2010, I was diagnosed with stage 3b infiltrating ductal carcinoma. What?? Translation: You Have Breast Cancer… my life changed instantly.
It was the beginning of the most significant challenge and fight of my life. 13 years later, I'm here, standing strong next to my family and friends. It’s been a ride that no one could have prepared me for. The good, the bad, and the ugly… I’m still fighting!
Since my diagnosis, I’ve had the honor of participating in many breast cancer events. Programs that bring breast cancer awareness, promote early detection, and help raise funds for research drive me to stay involved and connected.
My favorite event, and closest to my heart, is the Pink Warrior PDX! Do I want to join a Zumba® Party that brings the community together and raises money for the fight against breast cancer? Absolutely, sign me up! Zumba®, the exercise, along with the camaraderie and love shared, has contributed to my successful fight over the last decade.
I’m grateful for so many things in my life, and certainly, for this opportunity to share hope and honor the ones who lost their battle, and most importantly, celebrate the survivors.
I am 1 out of 8… And I will see you all soon in Portland!
ABOUT SATHASatha Berres, one of the co-founders of Pink Warrior PDX, is still the passionate leader of the event today. She has been a breast cancer survivor since 2012 and a Zumba® instructor since 2009 . Her story below:
I found a lump in my breast in December of 2012 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in January of 2013 right when I turned 40. That is the age when women should be getting their first mammogram. I kept my breast cancer journey private for awhile since my mother was going through her own battle with cancer (a different form). In 2013, Zumba also decided to premier their first ever Party in Pink Fundraiser in partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I decided, with the support of many Zumba friends, to submit my story and was chosen to be a part of the Party in Pink Zumba Wear campaign. That experience definitely spurred me into doing my first ever Zumbathon for breast cancer research. Since then the event has evolved and gotten bigger over time with the support of the local Zumba community. It takes a village and I am so thankful for everyone’s involvement. Breast cancer can be a private or public journey and I honor every woman who has or is going through that. I have felt the usual misgivings of self-worth, anxiety and emotional distress BUT with the support of my family, friends and the Zumba community, I have come out stronger. I hope that what Pink Warrior PDX does will help our local breast cancer survivors thrive in their journey |
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Zumba® and Zumbathon® are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license. Photos courtesy Malaina Kinne Photography and Kenji Taylor.
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