In August of 2014, just a few months after returning to my newly raised home following Hurricane Sandy, I went for my routine annual mammography. There was nothing particularly different about this one, I had been going for years, but this time I had a feeling that the stress of the past 2 years had taken its toll. I knew right away from my scans that something was there; the radiologist knew too, and a biopsy confirmed it. And then I heard those dreaded words: “Lisa, you have breast cancer”. I took some time to sit by the ocean and let it all sink in…and then shifted into warrior mode. That’s what you call a woman with breast cancer – a warrior. Because she doesn’t give up, she doesn’t give in to cancer. She fights and she is fearless. Soon after my diagnosis a dear friend gave me candle that said “Fearless”, and I realized that’s how I would face this diagnosis, not with fear, but with hope. That determination became my identity as “Fearless Lisa”.
Since then, I have used my story to encourage others and to advocate for early detection. Each year since my diagnosis I stand up and fight, and fundraise for those who can’t, for those who lost their battle, for those who are battling through it today, and for my survivor sisters and myself to stay cancer free. So many people were by my side helping me through my journey. By participating in the Point Pleasant Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, it gave me the power to make a difference and to give back. I have been making strides for 12 years and have raised over $35,000 as a Pacesetter. Which seems slight compared to the $600 million raised for American Cancer Society over the past 30 years, but I realize every little bit helps. If sharing my journey raises awareness and motivates even 1 person to get their mammogram (and continuing every year), then my journey was worth it.
I am passionate about the work the American Cancer Society is doing to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes through research and patient support programs like Hope Lodge (providing accommodations away from home), Road to Recovery (providing rides to treatment), ACS Cares (providing valuable information to navigate the cancer journey), the Ever You program (providing wigs and makeovers), and most importantly ensuring access to mammograms for everyone for early detection. There should be no reason a woman does not get her mammogram. If I had skipped mine, I might not be here today. Early detection saved my life and can save yours. The odds for women diagnosed with breast cancer is 1 in 8. I used to tell my girlfriends that I was their 1. But since my diagnosis, at least 1 friend or family member per year has also been diagnosed with breast cancer. So, I continue to fundraise and I am making strides to reduce those odds!
Today, 12 years later, I am cancer free and thriving with my family and friends by my side. I share my message and my experience to help ease fear and remind others that they can fight fearlessly too. However, I am not naïve to think that cancer doesn’t occasionally win, so I am determined to do my part by fundraising and raising awareness to provide hope and inspiration for all. Cancer is frightening, but no one has to face it alone—and with support, action, and early detection, it is possible to fight fearlessly.
