Who will be your ONE?

October is our favorite month. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we’re sure you’re not surprised!

Keeping in line with our mission and focus, we’ve spent much of October catching up with our favorite females and hope you’ve done the same.

Maybe, like us, you’ve brunched with three friends, caught a movie with your sister and niece, and had dinner with your mom and aunt. (Or similar catch-ups!)

As wonderful as it is to be a woman with seven other women you trust and love in your corner, it’s startling to comprehend that one of you will likely face breast cancer in your life.

Screeching stop.

Will it be you? Who will be your ONE?

That's right. Roughly one in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime.

Seeing a statistic is one thing but being a statistic is a far deeper realization.

So on cue with our favorite time of year, let’s continue the conversation and spread awareness. Awareness is arsenal and knowledge is power.

As we’ve touted in numerous posts before - early detection truly can save lives.

Take Lisa Crapps, our featured survivor for the month. Lisa knows a thing or two about swaying the odds in her favor and catching a symptom in its earliest stages.

A couple of years ago when Lisa noticed a discharge coming from her left breast she didn’t shake it off, doubt herself, or try to distract her worry and hope for the best.

Instead, she immediately made an appointment with her OB/GYN and after a series of tests, including a mammogram, she discovered she had breast cancer.

Less than one month after her diagnosis, Lisa underwent a full mastectomy of her left breast followed by a dozen weekly chemotherapy sessions.

Modestly and graciously, Lisa doesn’t pat herself on the back for her prudence (though we do!) but rather she thanks a greater power.

“My survivorship began the moment I was diagnosed because I am still here and for that I give God all the glory.”

Lisa knew chemo would likely bring on some side effects so when her treatment left her feeling sick, she managed to put it in perspective and keep going.

“Out of the many side effects of chemo, I thank God that the only complications I encountered were the discoloration of my nails, hands, and hair loss. Every now and then I would become fatigued but it didn’t take me all the way down,” she said. “The news of having breast cancer is enough to make your head spin, but for me, my journey has been nothing short of divine intervention.”

Along with faith, Lisa continues to forge ahead with determination and appreciation.

“I have decided that I must embrace the pain and burn it as fuel for my journey – for everyday that I challenge this thing we call cancer - and survive - is a sure victory for me.”

Amen! Lisa, we stand with you and celebrate your daily victory of survival!

This month, while we wear pink proudly – we also celebrate the birthdays of last month’s Survivor Carrie Duane – and our founder and photographer Reggy Stainfil!

We also urge you to join us as Reggy’s own Stainfil Studios and our pink partner AAngelsNJ present the 2019 Eye of the Survivor Kick Off Reception on Tuesday, October 30.

This year’s pink party will be held at the Wilshire Caterers at 350 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, New Jersey. For tickets and more information please contact info@aangelsnj.org and act fast as seating is limited.

We hope to see you there as we introduce next year’s Survivors but until then, keep your Eye on Strength!