Marie Burrows
This is Marie’s 2nd year as a Rare Chair Affair Survivor/Artist. Her 18-month-old son Sam has been with her during her cancer journey, as she was 8 weeks pregnant with him when she was diagnosed at age 32 with breast cancer.
“Life moves forward, no matter what,” she writes. She returned to the RCA because the outlet the art provided was immeasurable. I feel more relaxed and calm after painting.”
“Everything changed after cancer, but not in the ways I would’ve thought. I appreciate the ‘little things’ more, and I’m constantly thankful for my family and friends.”
An Software Trainer and Adjunct Professor, Marie says she wants breast cancer research to focus more on young women who are diagnosed and on Stage IV breast cancer resources. “I’ve lost a few close friends (young women) to Stage IV breast cancer in the previous year.”
Carol Cameron
Carol Cameron has made breast cancer her vocation. As the Program Director for the Wisconsin Pink Shawl Initiative, she works to reduce breast cancer in Native American communities through education, advocacy and service. Diagnosed at age 49, Carol is a member of the White Earth Chippewa and travels around the state reaching out to Native American communities.
Carol is participating in the Rare Chair Affair because “It’s a wonderful event, but I’ve never participated before. The funds raised from this event go to a great cause.”
Carol is an active participant in the breast cancer community and on the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Task Force. She said the issues she is interested in have to do with screening guidelines and research. “I’d like to see screening ages revisited with the number of young women I’ve met over the years of working in this breast cancer arena. I’d also like to see more work regarding dense breast screenings for those women that have this issue, and more research in triple negative breast cancer and more genetic research.”
Carol describes her journey with cancer as “Hopeful, rewarding, insightful, empowering, and rewarding,” and it has taught her to live in the moment.
“I feel my breast cancer diagnosis was just another stepping stone on life’s highway. Sometimes you have to find another route to get to your final destination.”
Marsha Canser
Marsha Canser is aware of the irony of her last name. She is not a survivor, but breast cancer has hit very close to home: it affected her daughter, Nneka or “Niki.”
Niki passed away in August of 2015, after being diagnosed in 2010 with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She underwent chemo, radiation and numerous surgeries, but ultimately, the cancer metastasized to her spine, and she had to be confined to a wheelchair by January 2015.
Marsha and her family searched for alternative treatments when it became clear to them that the chemo and radiation weren’t improving Niki’s condition. Unfortunately, the cancer continued to grow,.
“Although she endured all the treatments, I just wish they weren’t so toxic to the body,” Marsha said.
Going through her daughter’s cancer was devastating and humbling, making her feel helpless and heartbroken, but also hopeful.
Marsha believes all cancer therapies should be covered by insurance companies, whether they are alternative remedies or chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. She believes Stage IV cancer patients should be given the option to try alternative treatments, and she would like to see developments in treatments other than chemo and radiation.
Sherie Drees
This is Sherie’s third year as a Breast Cancer Survivor/Artist, and she wanted to return because she wants to help others.
“I really want to make a difference for other people who are going through a breast cancer diagnosis. I also am still coming to terms with what my diagnosis and treatment mean for me now.”
Sherie, the mother of 9-year-old twins, was 35 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sherie has concerns about insurance coverage for breast cancer patients.
“I would like to see better insurance coverage,” she said. “I was made to feel like I shouldn’t get things checked out because it would cost money. I wasn’t taken seriously just because I was young.” She would also like to see more metastatic breast cancer research.
As a survivor, she believes “today is the prize.”
“Cherish the here and now; all those small moments are the most important ones.”
Kelly Gramblicka (Krohn)
“I love that you can use art to express your feelings about cancer,” said two-time Rare Chair Affair Survivor/Artist Kelly (Krohn) Gramblicka.
Since her diagnosis at age 39, Kelly has focused on making lemonade out of lemons.
“I don’t take anything for granted. I appreciate every little thing,” she said. “We all have our own cancer. No one is alone.”
Kelly would like to see more mammograms and genetic testing covered by insurance, 5especially the genetic testing, so that family members can know if there is a genetic component to their disease.
Stephanie Harshburger
Diagnosed at age 38, this Racine native is passionate about her breast cancer fight.
“I fought hard to be a survivor and would like to be able to express my story through painting a chair for a great cause. It is almost like closing the chapter of a story. I was able to fight to become a survivor and then close the chapter by having a chair auctioned off. It is like saying good-bye to cancer once the chair is gone.”
Having breast cancer was overwhelming and life-changing, but since her diagnosis, Stephanie thinks about life this way:
“I think of my life as ever-changing. I am doing more now than I did before my diagnosis as far as activities. I am currently training for the Team Phoenix (cancer survivor) triathlon, something that I would never have done pre- cancer diagnosis. I think of my life as a gift, something precious that I never thought could be taken away from me so quickly. I have decided to make a career change, to help people with their cancer diagnosis. I plan on going to nursing school.”
Stephanie would like to see mammograms made available to younger women. “Given the hormones in foods, and family histories, early detection will save lives, as it did mine. Although I found the lump myself, I do have a history of breast cancer in my family. Maybe an early mammogram would have found the lump before I did.”
She also is in favor of more genetic research.
Debbie Larkey
Debbie Larkey is an Obstetrics-Gynecology doctor who is painting a chair in honor of two survivors in particular — Frances Rott and Arlene Zimberg — but also her many patients over the years. She wants to bring a message of optimism to women diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I think about persons with a new diagnosis and want them to think that this is a disease that can be beat.”
She would like to see 3-D mammography become the standard in Wisconsin and is interested in immunotherapy developments as well.
LaSonia McGee
LaSonia was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 10, 2015, the day before her youngest daughter’s 2nd birthday.
“The news was absolutely devastating. For the first time in my life, I was dealing with something I felt I had no control over the outcome. I surrendered to God, as I knew only He knew how my story would turn out,” she said.
LaSonia is the youngest of 10 siblings, and there is no family history of breast cancer.
“I wanted to be a Survivor/Artist because I have had the opportunity to attend events facilitated by the WBCC and learn much about breast cancer research. WBCC keeps me abreast of the most recent findings in breast cancer research and things to come. WBCC is on the forefront of disseminating information to Wisconsin women about breast cancer. Education is so important to me, especially now as a breast cancer survivor, but also as the mother of two young daughters.”
She also values the artistic elements. “Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I have developed a passion for painting and creating things. I find art very relaxing and it provides me with an escape from everyday life. What better way to demonstrate my new passion, while raising awareness and funds to educate others about breast cancer?”
Since her diagnosis, LaSonia’s faith has deepened, and she has become more of a doer than a planner. “I am more of a doer, because I know tomorrow is not promised. I have to live in the present moment, creating a life that is meaningful for me and my loved ones.”
LaSonia now knows that, while getting breast cancer was not her fault, there are things she could have done to lower her risk, such as exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and other lifestyle improvements. “Now that I know better, I can do better as it relates to my daughters, and also encouraging others.”
Pilar Moller
Pilar Moller is returning for her third year as a Survivor/Artist.
“I want to be a Survivor/Artist for Rare Chair Affair to help make people aware of breast cancer in a different way. Dealing with breast cancer is not just about walking for a cure, or buying something with a pink ribbon to show support. First and foremost, we need a cure for breast cancer, and secondly, ALL women need access to education, mammograms, and medical help to deal with breast cancer. This is my third year doing this event, and each year I am making more friends, learning more about myself, and making more people aware of the problems facing people with breast cancer.”
Pilar wants people to know: “I’m more than a statistic.”
She is concerned about insurance protections. “Right now my biggest concern is about my ‘pre-existing condition,’ I’m going to have it for ever. The thought of losing my insurance or not being able to get coverage based on a past illness terrifies me.”
She wants more attention to curing this disease and preventing metastasis.
“We need to figure out how to cure this disease. I’ve lost way too many friends whose cancer has returned and metastasized. Dealing with breast cancer once is bad enough. Nobody should have to go through it again.”
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Jane Moore
Jane Moore is returning as a three-time Survivor/Artist “because it makes me happy!”
“I like to spend time with other survivors. It is fun to be creative and encourage other artists with their chairs. WBCC is an important advocate and educator group, and I am honored to have a chance to contribute to the Rare Chair Affair.”
First diagnosed at age 63, Jane would like to see more attention to finding treatment and a cure for metastatic breast cancer. She also would like more resources devoted to triple negative breast cancer. She advocates for early prevention and education for young girls and their parents about healthy ways to prevent breast cancer risk. She also is concerned about affordable health insurance and believes protections are necessary for people with pre-existing conditions.
Since her diagnosis, Jane feels that life is to be lived.
“Be in the moment. It is a miracle that I am alive and healthy today, almost three years after diagnosis. I am so thankful for this gift, and thankful for all the people who help me and encourage me and heal me. I hope to be there to support others on their breast cancer journeys.”
Mary Kae Nelson
“It is great to be in the company of other breast cancer survivors in a non-medical setting,” said new Survivor/Artist Mary Kae Nelson.
Diagnosed at age 68, she feels that she is giving back to the community, which supported her through her experience.
“Even before diagnosis, I felt that life is precious. If one waits for the ideal moment to do or enjoy something, that moment may never come. Take care of the basics, and then enjoy life.”
Mary Kae believes strongly that all Americans should have access to good health care.
“Federal, state and local policies and legislation should reflect that goal,” she said, adding that cancer prevention should be a priority.
Rhonda Pelk
Rhonda Pelk is no stranger to volunteer work.
“Since being diagnosed, I’ve volunteered at the Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center Cancer Infusion Center every Friday morning as well as being a mentor for After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Each year, I also have chosen to do something “larger” to raise awareness of the need for research, especially for those have been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which I had. Twice, I modeled for a fashion show to raise funds for TNBC research, one year I organized a team to participate in the Dirty Girl Mud Run and this year, I would like to flex my creative skills as well as honor those individuals who were there for me as I went thru treatment.”
Calling her diagnosis a “true honor from God,” Rhonda said her diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer did not cause her to re-evaluate her life.
“The main reason was I was living the life I wanted to, doing the things I wanted with the people I loved hanging around with. So, unfortunately, I don’t really think about my life any different than before. If anything, it does NOT define who I am and truthfully, the moniker “survivor” drives me nuts. I didn’t survive anything. I had a disease that required treatment. I completed that and am now healed … end of story.”
Rhonda is encouraged by growing scientific understanding of TNBC. “Chemo is VERY hard on the body, and while in the thick of things, doctors focus on managing the side effects, but what they fail to communicate is the long-term effects one has to endure. And while that may lead to many women choosing to forego the treatment, it is our bodies and we have the right to know EVERYTHING even if we may not be totally ready to handle it mentally.”
She hopes that research might pave the way to better management of the disease.
“Figuring out what causes cancer might be a futile effort as I am sure they have been working on that for decades, so I would like to see more research devoted to different treatment options. I believe cancer will always be part of being human, so finding a ‘cure’ may not be possible, so focusing on the other half of the equation and managing what happens once one has cancer seems to be the most useful course of study. Checking in every so often on what’s going on with TNBC, it has been amazing what they have been able to figure out with the hope that what I went through for treatment will seem barbaric to women who will be diagnosed a mere 3-5 years from now!”
Kate Smith
“My friend Sherie was one of the first survivors I was able to connect with after my diagnosis,” said first time Survivor/Artist Kate Smith. “Knowing that she is an advocate for WBCC gives me confidence that funds raised will go to where they are needed.”
“Plus, I like to be crafty!”
Kate, a mom of two, was diagnosed at age 38. Her experience has taught her not to wait to be happy: “Make yourself happy now.”
She is concerned about the current issue of ensuring that health coverage protects people with pre-existing conditions.
Ruth Treisman
Ruth’s life has been touched by breast cancer, even though she is herself not a survivor.
She is participating to raise awareness of breast cancer in honor of her mother, Frances Rott, and her aunt, Arlene Zimberg. Her mother was diagnosed and treated for ER- breast cancer, and then one year later she found a lump and was diagnosed with HR+ breast cancer. She underwent a mastectomy and further chemotherapy. Ruth’s aunt was diagnosed with ER- breast cancer; eight years after initial treatment she had a recurrence.
“Today, both are alive, well in their eighties, and enjoying life,” Ruth said.
Ruth believes courage is needed to resist fear. She would like to see free mammograms made available to all women 40 and older.