Sisterhood, Support, and Style for Breast Cancer Patients

I never had a sister. Always wanted one. Don’t get me wrong, I love my brother dearly. I’ve daydreamed about a having really cool big sister who would show me how to do my hair. Tell me what to wear on my first date. Let me borrow her sexy high heels. Share cool big sister secrets with me. You know, big sister stuff.

Sisterhood

Who knew that a breast cancer diagnosis could bring forth…..sisters!  When I was first diagnosed, I wanted to hide from the entire world. In fact, when Hayley Dinerman, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation approached me about being featured on their website, I said “No way.”

I’m a fashion and beauty publicist by trade, and I was fearful that I would lose clients if they learned that I was undergoing chemotherapy. I didn’t want to put myself out there like that.

Support

Then I began to attend events. I had the unique opportunity to speak with women who were one year, 3 years, 10 years, 20 years out from their initial treatment and diagnosis.

These incredible women comforted me when I was afraid. In ways that my oncologist, friends or family never could. Why? Because they walked the walk. They’ve been there, done that. Just like a big sister.

Style

I’ve also discovered the joy of helping other women who were recently diagnosed. Sharing my beauty tips with them, showing them how to wear a head scarf, where to buy their post-mastectomy bras (OMG Ana Ono. Love her), etc. These are now my little sisters. I’m on a mission to help them look and feel their best throughout their journey and beyond.

The moral of the story? I couldn’t have made it through without my big sisters, and I’m proud that I can now pay it forward to my little sisters. Not to mention all of the incredible friends I’ve made along the way. Check out Chiara D’Agostino of Beauty Through The Beast. Yes, we met at a fundraiser but we play dress up and mess around with makeup like teenagers. So much fun.  

The joy of Sisterhood

In addition to attending events, I’m now actively participating in them. I CAN’T WAIT for the Cancer Wellness Expo next month. Sign up, tickets are going fast! I’m also hosting a table at Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s annual convention during their Shimmer & Shine kickoff event. I’ll be showcasing my scarf tying tricks and there just to chat! You can register here to attend.

I applaud organizations such as SurvivorNet who work tirelessly to create a community for us. I was recently included in their video series, you can check it out here. So proud of my daughter, Erica for joining me to tell our crazy head shaving story.