The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation – No One Fights Alone Gala

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and I couldn’t possibly be more proud of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation because we truly stand behind our mantra that, “No One Fights Alone.”

I’m grateful to be a 10-year breast cancer survivor and honored to be Board Chair for this very special and unique organization which offers educational resources as well as worldwide community support. Our Zoom chats have become a critical “home” for our thrivers to connect and support one another.

Our annual No One Fights Alone Gala has become a driving force behind the fight against triple negative breast cancer, raising more than $4 million to date. This crucial funding supports vital research, provides extensive resources, unique programs, and essential services for the triple negative breast cancer community.

The TNBC Foundation’s “No One Fights Alone” annual cocktail reception and awards gala, most recently hosted in May 2023 at the Montammy Golf Club in Alpine, was a resounding success.

One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of outstanding individuals and organizations dedicated to making a difference in the fight against triple negative breast cancer. Gilead Sciences received the Vanguard Award for their groundbreaking work in advancing triple negative research. Hayley Dinerman was honored with the Hero Award for her exceptional leadership in the breast cancer space and her unwavering dedication to patient advocacy. TNBC thriver Kelly Thomas was awarded the Courage Award, celebrating her inspirational work within the TNBC community.

The gala brought together 250+ leading doctors, researchers, patients, and thrivers, along with major stakeholders. This gathering not only increased awareness of the disease but also celebrated the accomplishments of the honorees and the remarkable advancements in triple negative breast cancer treatment.

Looking ahead to the 2024 Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation’s “No One Fights Alone” gala, we anticipate another extraordinary event that will honor those making a significant impact on the fight against metastatic triple negative breast cancer. Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. will be recognized for their efforts in bringing new hope to those battling this aggressive form of cancer. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will be acknowledged for their valuable research investments in triple negative breast cancer. Additionally, thriver Tiffany Clifton-Reed, MSHA will receive recognition for her exemplary work as a patient advocate, inspiring and supporting others on their journey.

In a world where breast cancer affects countless lives, the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation’s commitment to its mission is truly remarkable. “No One Fights Alone” reminds us that, together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by triple negative breast cancer and continue to advance research and support for this important cause.

To be notified when tickets are available for the 2024 “No One Fights Alone” gala, please subscribe to our email list in the footer of our website by visiting tnbcfoundation.org.

If you would like to inquire about 2024 sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hayley Dinerman at hayley@tnbcfoundation.org

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Getting An Areola Tattoo

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since my triple negative breast cancer diagnosis. The chemo. Multiple surgeries. Having no idea what my body would look like once I completed the entire treatment. I waited a few months after my final reconstruction surgery to tackle my nipple reconstruction. I’m glad I went this route because I was able to achieve a natural result which still looks pretty good after all this time. With one exception.  The areola tattoo was practically gone,  so I gave my good friend Marnie Rustemeyer a call. Marnie is a restorative and cosmetic tattoo artist with an expertise in paramedical tattooing, permanent makeup, scalp repigmentation, nipple tattooing, tattoo removal, and microneedling. Marnie is a former Wall Street professional, thyroid cancer survivor, and breast cancer previvor who recently joined NYBRA Plastic Surgery in Great Neck, N.Y.

NYBRA offers a comprehensive array of breast reconstruction procedures and support services with a holistic approach designed to facilitate real, authentic healing. If you are considering mastectomy and reconstruction or find yourself unsatisfied with prior reconstruction, the surgeons at NYBRA Plastic Surgery can help guide you through your journey.

Before meeting with a hairstylist or makeup artist, I always like to share a little inspiration to achieve the desired look.  So in true Melissa fashion, I did some online research to see if there were any celebrity “nips” that I liked. You know what? Anne Hathaway has good ones! On the smaller side and a pretty shade of pink. My dear friend Andi Oller can relate to this process, as she requested Marilyn Monroe’s nipples and Marnie delivered!

Upon arrival at NYBRA, I was greeted by Marnie and Dr. Ron Israeli, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in breast reconstruction and a founding partner of NYBRA Plastic Surgery. Before we got started they had a surprise guest waiting for me. Fearless breast cancer advocate Irina aka @mutant_strong was there for a breast revision follow up and wow, she looks amazing!

Marnie began the process by using a stencil and Sharpie to outline the placement of the areolas. She then blended several ink colors until we found just the right one for my skin tone. Marnie LOVES Hall & Oates so she put them on and began to create my areola tattoos. It was a little prickly at first, but I hardly remember the rest because we had so much fun catching up while she was doing it!

I must admit, at the very end when I saw my brand new areola tattoos I became overwhelmed with emotion. I felt as though I had regained a part of me that was lost for some time. Marnie shed a tear also, it was a very sweet yet powerful moment that I can hardly put into words.

I had the opportunity to interview Marnie about the entire process, read on for all of the details:

Q. What is the best way to prepare for your appointment, what are the do’s and don’t?
A. One week before the appointment, discontinue the use of any steroids, aspirin, ibuprofen or supplements such as fish oil. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages 24 hours prior to the procedure or take blood thinning medication unless medically necessary. These can cause the blood to thin which will affect the tattoo process as well as the outcome of the tattoo.

Q. What is the best way for the patient to prepare for an areola tattoo in terms of the size and shape that they’re looking for? Do you like when we share inspirational photos?
A. An important thing to remember is that you might not be the same size, shape or even color that you were prior to having surgery. For example, you might have been large breasted with large areolae but now have smaller breasts. You probably wouldn’t want the same size nipple tattoo on your smaller breast! When we get started with the tattoo process, I will look at your breast shape and size and draw some examples of what I think fits best with your new reconstruction.  I’ll ask you to look in the mirror to let me know what you think. If you agree, I will secure the design with surgical marker and begin swatching colors. Yes! I think it’s so much fun when patients send nipple inspiration! Plus, it gives me an idea of what you’re looking for.

Q. Andi Oller (an awesome triple negative breast cancer thriver and friend of mine) told me she requested Marilyn Monroe’s nipples from you, and you delivered! Are there any other celeb inspired nipples that have been requested?
A. Marilyn Monroe is the top request and now I have Anne Hathaway!

Q. Do you perform a consultation first? What happens during the consultation?
A. During the consultation which lasts about 30 minutes, I review your medical history, the pre and post procedure instructions, take photos, walk you through what to expect on your 1st and 2nd appointment and answer any questions you may have.

Q. Do you and most other restorative tattoo artists accept insurance?
A. Insurance should cover all or part of your nipple tattoos. If you are a patient of NYBRA Plastic Surgery, we will submit to insurance on your behalf. Otherwise, we will provide you with a LOMN to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Additionally, we are a partner with the AiRS Foundation, who can provide grant funding for patients who qualify.

Q. You used a stencil on me first with a Sharpie pen. Please explain this process.
A. I used a measuring device to determine a size that I felt would be appropriate for your breast size and shape.  I also took into consideration your previous tattoos which had faded with visible remnants of pigment that I wanted to cover with the new tattoo.

Q. Is the procedure painful? How do you prepare the skin before you begin the tattooing?
A. Since there can be loss of sensation following a mastectomy and sometimes multiple reconstructive surgeries, there is usually no pain associated with the tattoo procedure. If you do have any discomfort, I will apply a topical anesthetic to make you more comfortable.

Q. How do you decide on the color?
A. If you don’t have a previous tattoo, I look at your skin tone (taking into consideration where the skin is from – such as with a DIEP Flap), color of the scars (white, purple, red), and determine if you have had radiation in the area we are tattooing as this can affect the color of the tattoo. I’ll mix some swatches to apply to your skin and have you look at them as well to agree on a color.

Q. What type of ink do you use, and does it affect the lymphatic system?
A. The pigments I use are very vegan, sterile and of the highest quality. Although pigment can be seen in the lymph nodes on an MRI, there are no known negative effects to the lymphatic system as a result of tattoo pigment.

Q. How long does the procedure take?
A. The first session of tattooing is usually 2 hours because this is where the majority of the work is performed. The second session is 8 weeks later and lasts about 45 minutes.

Q. Can you please describe the aftercare regimen (and thanks for the adorable aftercare bag with all of the goodies, love it!)
A. Tegaderm is applied to the tattoos following both sessions.  It is a clear, adhesive bandage that will keep your tattoos, clothes and bedding protected while they heal. The Tegaderm will stay on for 3-5 days. After removing the Tegaderm, you will apply the aftercare lotion that I provide for you to use until the tattoo is healed. It is important to not swim, soak, steam or sweat (I call it all the fun “S”s!) while the Tegaderm is on, and tattoo is healing.

Q. I believe the follow up visit is 8 weeks later? What takes place during this visit?
A. The second session is approximately 8 weeks later and will last about 45 minutes.  During this session, I will reinforce any pigment that might have faded and make any minor adjustments to the new tattoo.

Q. How long should the tattoo last?
A. After the 2nd session, the tattoo should last a lifetime!

I absolutely love my results and can’t wait to see Marnie and the NYBRA team again in just a few weeks! For more information about NYBRA, check out their website here.

Bone Health 101: Why You Should Get a DXA Scan, How to Maintain Your Bones During Breast Cancer Treatment and More!

Ever since I had my first DXA scan just over a year ago, I’ve been on a mission to keep you educated about bone health as it relates to breast cancer as well as keep you informed about the importance of fracture prevention.

Just in case you missed any of the #beautifultothebone episodes, here are some highlights from the past few months:

Bone Health & Menopause: What Women Need To Know

Back in August (Season 2, Episode #29) I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Andrea Singer, Associate Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Medstar Georgetown University & Chief Medical Officer of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. We had a very in-depth and valuable conversation about bone health as it relates to breast cancer and menopause. Grab a pen because by listening to this episode, you’ll learn practical ways to prevent bone loss, how to maintain strong bones even if you’re post menopausal or  undergoing breast cancer treatment, and so much more!

Flexing After Cancer: How To Keep Your Bones Strong & Healthy After A Breast Cancer Diagnosis

I hope you enjoy listening to these episodes as much as I enjoyed creating them for you! Bottom line? Don’t wait to get your DXA scan and take action to ensure that you’ve got strong, healthy bones no matter what other health challenges you may be faced with. And a big thank you to Amgen for helping me to make it all happen!

Beautiful To The Bone: How To Stay On Top Of Your Bone Health

Claire does such a great job of teaching us  how to take care of our bones, but also brings us up to speed on the current legislation surrounding the medical reimbursement rate for the DXA scan.

It’s Osteoporosis Awareness Month…Every Month!

No One Fights Alone 2022 – An Unforgettable Evening For Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Kelly Thomas and I couldn’t wait to have our photo opp with special guest Chance Osborne as well….

It was such a beautiful night, couldn’t resist taking photos with my amazing Board and Event Committee before the party got started…..

Strutting Your Way to Healthy Bones – The Grand Finale!

Strutting Your Way to Healthy Bones – Self Love Edition

Welcome to the recap of episode #4 of “Strutting Your Way To Healthy Bones!”

I love this one because it’s all about self love. We hear about self love and self care all the time, but are we really practicing it? One of my few favorite expressions of self love and self care is staying on top of your bone health! Just last year when I went for a routine visit to my gynecologist and she asked me when I had my last Dexa scan…..well, the rest is history! I decided to partner with Amgen on this special program so I can educate all of you about bone health while learning a thing or to about good posture…..and just taking really good care of yourself.

Just in case this is your first time checking out this unique series, here’s a little background info:

Strut Talk Runway Therapy founder Lolita Frazier is my partner in crime for this inspiring, educational Instagram Live series. This unique monthly virtual workshop is the perfect blend of bone health AND runway therapy. Bottom line? Lolita and I are on a mission to lift you up on days when you just don’t feel like yourself. Whether you’re a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, thriver, or caregiver….all are welcome!

Lolita and I are dedicated to delivering love, community, and support when you feel all alone or uncertain. Rebuild your confidence and self-worth that you’ve lost along the way. Educate you about posture and bone health and the importance of standing stall and strutting through it! “Strutting Your Way to Healthy Bones” is a mind/body/soul journey, where one session builds upon the next.

Just in case you missed the first few episodes, you can catch them right here! Lolita and I literally turn your living rooms into virtual catwalks. I love this episode in particular because it’s a really unique blend of bone health education, self, love and Lolita’s signature runway lesson which reminds us to stand tall (that’s right, good posture is GREAT for your bone health!)

How you hold yourself affects how you feel, and how others perceive you. Check out her “strut checklist” below to help you strut into each day with confidence and great posture:

🖤 Chin Up⁠

🖤 Shoulders Back⁠

🖤 Chest Out⁠

🖤 Core Tight⁠

🖤 Your Mind Right⁠

This was one of my favorite episodes of, “Strutting Your Way To Healthy Bones.” In fact, I was so inspired by Lolita’s runway lesson, that I decided to do a little Instagram Reel right in my parent’s backyard!

Thank you to Amgen  for making this special series possible! It’s been so much fun learning all about bone health, and I’ve had the best time interacting with advocates and patients right here in our amazing community!

In the meantime, mark your calendars for the next episode on Friday, March 25th at 4pm EST and lets all strut our way to healthier bones, one step at a time!

A Fun Virtual Workout Option – Let’s Get TORCH’D With Isaac Boots!

Exercise. Movement. Working Out. Keeping our bodies in motion is what keeps us healthy AND happy. Sometimes you’re really in the mood to do it because you know how great you’ll feel afterwards. Those endorphins.  When we exercise, we release chemicals that boost our sense of well-being as well as suppress hormones that cause stress and anxiety.

Even though we know how great we’ll feel after it’s done, it’s not always convenient and sometimes it’s the last thing we feel like doing. Like when you get that reminder on your phone that it’s time to go to your gym class or hop on your Peloton, and your mind races with the eight million other things that you need to do. The laundry, answer emails, clean out your sock drawer. Sound familiar?

During my breast cancer treatment, I didn’t have a hardcore workout routine. I followed my instinct and did what felt right for me at the time. Day by day. If I was feeling low energy and fatigued, I’d do a 30-minute yoga video. On my better days, I’d take one of my favorite Zumba classes or go for a nice, long walk.

Post cancer treatment, I joined the gym again because I’ve always enjoyed group training. I like the structure, the music, and the social aspect. Bootcamp style classes were my poison at that time, and I loved them. Pre-pandemic I was a big Orange Theory fan. Great music, high energy instructors, and cardio with a good mix of weight bearing exercises kept me in shape and I never got tired of it.

Then Covid hit. For those of us who enjoyed going to the gym we all thought, now what? I was scrolling on Instagram one day and came across Isaac Boots. A celebrity trainer, choreographer, and Broadway dancer with the most contagious energy – who shares the same passion for Madonna that I have. Plus he’s hysterical. He often quotes lines from Mommy Dearest such as, “Why must everything be a contest?!” when his wifi isn’t working during his IG Lives.

Isaac was offering free workouts on Instagram Live every single day. I’m a research girl, so course, I Googled him. While using his experience crafting routines on the main stages of the pop music world and training artists to sculpt their bodies in preparation for their demanding projects, Isaac created TORCH’D, a sustainable workout that burns fat, builds stamina and achieves visible results.

Celebrities such as Kelly Ripa, Vanessa Hudgens, Lisa Rinna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Naomi Watts are just a few devoted fans of TORCH’D. So I gave it a shot. And guess what? I LOVED IT. On top of it all, Isaac raised over $1M for No Kid Hungry during the pandemic because he believes a child’s next meal should be a right and not a privilege. Love that so much too.

Isaac still offers up an amazing TORCH’D class every single day on Instagram Live at 11am EST/8am PST. I highly recommend it because it’s free, it’s fun and you can totally modify it to suit your own needs and abilities. Just recently, my cousin Danielle and I attended one of Isaac’s TORCH’D classes at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. We had a blast! It was so surreal to take this challenging yet super fun class IRL, and I’d do it all over again, we can’t wait to go back!

In the meantime, I plan to continue to tune into his amazing virtual workouts. You need very little equipment to do TORCH’D. Just a mat and resistance bands. As you can see here,  you can even use a towel if you don’t have bands!

I loved meeting Isaac in person! We feel like we’ve known each other forevvaaah. My cousin Danielle got to meet him too, how cute is she btw?

And last certainly not least, everyone received these amazing CBD gummies from Mindset Wellness. Until next time, Isaac!

Patient Advocate Alissa Jo Chats Breast Reconstruction, Young Breast Cancer and Fertility Conservation!

I loved, loved, LOVED this podcast episode of, “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful!”  This episode is part of a special series called, “Breast Reconstruction: Real Life Conversations,” and is brought to you by Allergan Aesthetics.

Introducing my fellow breast cancer thriver and gorgeous model, Alisso Jo Caputo aka  @ajo18 on Instagram. Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but she’s also a true beauty on the inside.

Alissa and I met on the set of a @natrellebreastreconstruction photo shoot a couple of years ago and the rest is history!  I had such a blast catching up with this beauty on my podcast.

My sweet and courageous friend shares her entire journey with us in the hopes of informing and inspiring the newly diagnosed, beginning with her breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 31, her decision to conserve her fertility, how she navigated her reconstruction choices, and everything in between. Her perspective is very unique and empowering, as she explains how she navigated a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment while continuing her successful modeling career! I mean, her wig was so good that nobody except her hair stylist even knew that she had lost her hair. OK, I’ll stop now and let you listen to this one on your own. 😉

I hope you all enjoy listening to this real, informative and fun conversation. Just hit this link to check it out or download it from @spotify @googleplay @stitcherpodcasts or @applepodcasts

Thank you Alissa for being such a wonderful guest by sharing your story and helping so many of us!