BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
THE TRIUMPHS OF TWO WOMEN By Marsha Casper Cook
Grace B. Charrier
W
hen a woman or man is diagnosed with Breast Cancer, their life is changed forever. We all know someone that has been touched with Cancer, but what we don’t always know is how their life changes the very moment they hear the words “you have breast cancer.” Only they know what those words mean and how they are affected from that day forward Upon receiving the diagnosis, having a dedicated team helping you find the right course of action is the most important element of your treatment. Every case is unique, and for that reason, this story is about two women, Carol Solomon Proesel and Grace B. Charrier, who fought the battle and won. Their victory wasn’t easy but they are both alive and well to share some of the more important issues that only Breast Cancer Survivors can speak to. Every Survivor has their own story. I know both of these women and honor their triumphs. October is Breast Cancer awareness month, but Cancer knows no time. Cancer knows no race or religion. Cancer knows no age or lifestyle. Cancer can happen to anyone at any time and no one is immune. Early detection is the best protection. Skipping your mammogram may cost you your life. According to the World Health Organization, Breast Cancer became the most common cancer globally as of 2021. 44 | eYs Magazine, Summer 2021
Carol Solomon Proesel Carol Solomon Proesel Carol Solomon Proesel has been happily married for over 51 yrs. She has been blessed with a fantastic daughter and 2 teenage grandsons. Her life revolves around her family, and she is a terrific mother and grandmother. Before moving to Florida, she lived in Chicago where she trained at Edgewater Hospital to become a Medical Technologist. After her training, she went on to work at several Chicagoland Hospitals, and then for private physicians. While living in Florida, she changed her career, operating and owning a Pet Grooming business for 40 years with her husband. She is a 14-year Breast Cancer Survivor, and has been the guest host for several years on Michigan Avenue Media Podcasts during the month of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She has always been an advocate for early detection and the importance of mammograms. She is thankful for having an outstanding team that helped her every step of the way and continues helping women as well as men adjust to their new life after Breast Cancer. What is the most important advice you can give women concerning yearly Mammograms? And did you have any warning signs?
