October 2014 by Barbara McSpadden

october 2014

for a good cause

sw inspires

TRACI AIKENS KATE FLANNERY JOAN KESSELRING & MARY GOSEK

MAUREEN’S HOPE

swm pink man GORDON SULLIVAN

Frieda &Ann Marie A friendship never to be broken w w w. s y r ac u s e wo m a n m ag . c o m

syracuseWomanMag.com :: october 2014

DREAM BIG. Imagine a world with less cancer and more birthdays. Fight back and help people stay well, help people get well, and help find a cure.

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October Letter from the Editor

ETC: Out and About 7

Platter Chatter: Roji Tea Lounge

Special Feature: Wedding World Expo

Fabulous Finds: CureDiva 12 Special Feature: Areola Repigmentation

WISE Women 20 SWM Pink Man 22 In Her Own Words 24

14 10

Special Feature: Hot Cocoa’s Beauty Supply

Cover Story: Frieda & Ann Marie

WBOC Leading Woman 34 Fitness: 4K for Cancer

New in the Cuse: Upstate Cancer Center

Healthy Woman: Laurie’s Hope

Special Feature: The BRCA Gene

Syracuse Women Inspire 45 For a Good Cause: Maureen’s Hope

SWM Main Events 52 SWM Calendar 53

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Cover women Ann Marie Stonecypher and Frieda Weeks turned to their friendship when cancer entered their lives. Ann Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003— and again last year with metastatic — Frieda’s daughter Heather passed away from colon cancer in November 2008. Friendship, love and their desire to spread awareness to the community strengthened their bond even more, and continue to bring them closer together today.

FROM THE EDITOR

A Big Pink Elephant Back in mid-July, before I started at SWM, I found a lump in my breast, and — like most women, probably — I began to panic. What if it’s cancer? I thought. My boyfriend and I began saying a mantra around the house in response: “Everything is okay.” It is important to note that we steered away from “Everything will be okay,” remaining in the ever-present with the idea that everything is, and will always be, okay. As of right now, the lump is a benign cyst, but my doctor wants to keep an eye on it, which requires me to go in for regular checkups every six months. I can’t even begin to imagine what both men and women go through when that cyst is pronounced cancerous. The cyst in itself was terrifying enough. Plus, my maternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, and had her right breast completely removed. Even though she’s good and well and in remission, that genetic connection from her to me coalesces into this tiny worry, bubbling under the surface. It’s the pink elephant that likes to trot around my brain at the most inconvenient times. Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer (any cancer, really) and survive tell me they feel this way all the time — because, in truth, cancer can come back. Metastatic breast cancer is not to be taken lightly, and unfortunately, just because a woman has reached remission that does not mean her life returns to normalcy. Life is an ongoing struggle post-cancer — one that people handle in different ways.

One of this month’s Special Features, Gordon Sullivan and his wife Niki handled her breast cancer diagnosis by diving into fundraising. They’ve both participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk each year since Niki was diagnosed in 2009. Last year, they raised more than $5,000 for the walk through bake sales, scrapbooking events and their second annual “Ten Pins for Ta-Tas” bowling tournament. One of our Inspires, Traci Aikens, who is still undergoing treatment for breast cancer, chose to surround herself with family. Her dad takes her to all her appointments, and she and her husband strive to be at every school function and to eat dinner at the table as a family each night. In response to my cyst — and in honor of my maternal grandma Hilda Dimick, who is in remission from breast cancer; father Arthur LaFaro, who is in remission from prostate cancer; and my paternal grandma Frances LaFaro, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2009 — I have been throwing myself into awareness efforts in hopes to make a difference. I raised $300 for and ran in the Hope for Heather Teal Ribbon Run in September, and am currently fundraising for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that takes place later this month. My pink elephant may not be gone, but she’s quieted — and I’m grateful for that. To a lifetime of kicking cancer’s butt,

Alyssa LaFaro

To contact our editor ,please email Alyssa at editor@rochesterwomanmag.com. ON OUR COVER... Frieda Weeks, founder of ovarian cancer awareness foundation Hope for Heather, and Ann Marie Stonecypher, breast cancer fighter and founder of AMS Models & Talent, were photographed by Cindy Bell of Focus Studio Inc. at 920 N. Salina St. in Syracuse.

OUR TEAM Publishers

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

Editor

Alyssa LaFaro

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Farah F. Jadran

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Photography Cindy Bell Ve Jay Broylb, Sr. Gerard H. Gaskin Heather Kline Stefanie Noble Tara Polcaro Jussara Potter Chris Szulwach

Contributing Writers Maria Chiarilli Chris Iven Farah F. Jadran Kailyn Jennings Alyssa LaFaro Samantha McCarthy Ann Marie Giannino-Otis Amari D. Pollard

advertising Sales

Renee Moonan Linda Jabbour Please contact Renee Moonan (315) 657-7690

AUnlike d vanye rother t i spublication e w i tinhthe Syracuse u s . . . area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge. Contact our home office 315.434.8889 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com Download our media kit at www.syracusewomanmag.com The magazine is published 12 times a year by Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and Eagle Publications, 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Copyright © 2014 Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and will not be returned.

o&A

MOVIES

The Judge - 10/10 Robert Downey, Jr. stars as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge (Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before.

OUT & ABOUT Miss Syracuse Scholarship Pageant – Nov. 9

Help crown the next Miss Syracuse on Nov. 9 from 3-7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre on James Street. Competitors ages 17 through 24 will undergo a private interview and an on-stage question, and they will also be judged for their talent, lifestyle, and fitness swimsuit and eveningwear. The event recognizes girls who are role models within their communities. “The titleholders will serve as ultimate role models for girls to aspire to be: confident, self-assured, dedicated to academic excellence, passionate about her special talent, and enthusiastic about community service and outreach programs.” Additionally, titleholders will mentor young girls and boys, guiding them to community outreach and confidence. The Miss Syracuse Organization gives young women the ability to take chances and follow their hearts. “We truly believe that through our actions, our platforms, our voices and footsteps, we can create a changed world!” Also, it hopes to bring back Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluris’ local title and allow young women the opportunity to walk in her “high-heeled footsteps.” For more information, visit misssyracuseny.com.

The Pour to Benefit the Samaritan Center – Oct. 25

On Oct. 25, head over to Beak & Skiff’s 1911 Tasting Barn at Apple Hill Campus in Lafayette at 6 p.m. for The Pour — a tasting extravaganza, which features wine, hard cider, beer, food and entertainment.

Fury - 10/17 At the end of World War II, the Allies make their final push in the European Theater, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Pitt) commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their attempt to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

Ouija – 10/24 Olvia Cooke will play a girl who discovers that her dead friend had been messing around with a Ouija board and brings the game home. Douglas Smith is the dead girl’s boyfriend, who may know more about her death than he lets on.

Enjoy Beak and Skiff’s handcrafted beverages, apples and desserts, along with drink tasting from local breweries, such as Empire Brewery Co., and catering from Dinosaur BBQ. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. The Pour raises money for the Samaritan Center on Montgomery Street in Syracuse, which serves the hungry and those in need in Central New York. It works to promote people’s welfare, dignity and self-sufficiency through the offered services. Hot, nutritious meals are provided to anyone seven days a week, and they are paired with case management support and access to services that lead people to a more positive future. Tickets for the event are on sale now for $70. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit samcenter.org/our-events/pour.

Go Red For Women Luncheon & Expo – Oct. 30

Break out your red dress for the Go Red For Women Luncheon and Expo on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool. This event is the primary fundraiser for women in the Central New York area to raise awareness against cardiovascular disease. Heart survivor stories, an interactive vendor fair and expert advice will all be featured with the hope to advise and inform attendees about the number-one killer of women. Theresa Lou Bowick, BSN, RN and radio show host of “Health Beats” on WDKX 103.9 FM in Rochester, is the keynote speaker. Also the author of “Collard Green Curves: A Fat Girl’s Journey from Childhood Obesity to Healthy Living,” Bowick will provide insight on factors that lead to childhood obesity.

Night Crawler – 10/31 Nightcrawler stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Lou Bloom, a driven young man desperate for work who discovers the high-speed world of L.A. crime journalism. Lou muscles into the cutthroat, dangerous realm of nightcrawling, aided by Rene Russo as Nina, a veteran of the blood-sport that is local TV news, Lou blurs the line between observer and participant to become the star of his own story.

Go Red For Women “celebrates the energy, passion and power we have as women to band together to wipe out heart disease and stroke.” It is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and locally sponsored by St. Joseph’s Hospital, Kinney Drugs Foundation, M&T Bank, Stickley, Audi & Co., and media sponsors CNY Central, 93Q, Syracuse Woman Magazine and Eagle Newspapers. For more information, visit heart.org and search “Syracuse Region Home Page,” or get up-to-date information on facebook.com/ americanheartnewyork.

chatter ::platter

Keep calm & drink tea 8

at Roji Tea Lounge

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

::platter

by Kailyn Jennings I photos by Chris Szulwach As you walk through the large wooden-framed glass door to Roji Tea Lounge, you are met with instant calmness. Warm reds and browns highlight the brick walls, which accentuate the large windows overlooking downtown Syracuse. It is as though you are truly walking a roji — an illuminated garden path that brings a sense of simplicity as it leads to a tea ceremony. Take a seat on the lounge couches or try out the tatami mats — traditional Japanese flooring typically made of cushion and straw. Either way, you are in for a time of relaxation, coupled with a delicious beverage and/or bite to eat. Christian Van Luven opened the tea lounge with his wife Tomomi in May of 2004. She unfortunately passed away from cervical cancer in 2012, but her vision for the restaurant remains in full focus as Christian continues to run it. Christian and Tomomi lived in New York City when a friend working on Marshall Street suggested they open a business. “We fell in love with bubble tea in Chinatown,” Christian said, “and thought it could do well here. We thought we could do it.” It took roughly a year for the couple to convince themselves to open. However, they knew Tomomi had the background — her grandmother was a tea ceremony instructor — and being from Syracuse, Christian knew they had no competition. “But you never know how something new will work out,” he added. It worked out better than they imagined. They offer nightlife without the bar scene, often attracting a packed house and local music. “We wanted late hours, but not the bar crowd,” Christian said. “We knew our customers would be different than the typical bar crowd.” Their menu was unique, as well. “When we first started, we had the basics,” Christian continued. “We had green, oolong and black teas, and a couple desserts. Over time, though, we worked with the staff and customers’ suggestions, and we enhanced the menu.” They began brewing their own tea, adjusting the temperatures just right, then using the tea leaves in cookies. “We had a zero waste thing going on,” Christian said. “Very exciting.” If you have not already done so, try their customer favorite: bubble tea, a dessert tea typically made with milk or cream and flavored with fruit syrups/jelly. It may seem like a stretch for some traditional tea lovers, but it is worth a sip or two. Roji Tea Lounge has a welcoming atmosphere, with staff inviting you in and willing to answer any questions. “We present it in a way that’s not over anyone’s head,” Christian said. “We like to lower people’s nervousness and automatically give them this home feeling. And then people are comfortable to try new things. “When you open that door,” he continued, “there is a sense of calm. And though there are different kinds of people in a packed house, there is still calmness. Everything just slows down and you stand outside yourself and say, ‘Wow. This is an enjoyable moment.’” The environment is appreciated among customers, who have remained loyal even through the low points. “When Tomomi got sick, Roji went through a traditional phase,” Christian explained. “I didn’t know if I even wanted to continue on. But the customer comments and loyalty showed how people gravitated toward her. It gives me the motivation to keep it going. This place is a special place. My wife created that.” For more information, visit facebook.com/rojitealounge.

chatter

feature ::special

work wear’s

Look

new

by Amari D. Pollard No woman who loves fashion ever wants to feel like her sense of style has to be stifled because of her profession. The ideal situation for a woman in the workforce is to have the ability to transition her everyday clothes to the office while still appearing professional. That way, she doesn’t require a whole separate wardrobe for work, which can cost a pretty penny. But luckily, with today’s latest trends, it’s easier for a woman’s wardrobe to serve her well in any environment. Check out these four fashion trends great for work — and weekends.

harem pants

It’s Only Just Begun

by Alyssa LaFaro I photos courtesy of CNY Show Promoters

Wedding season isn’t over yet — in fact, it’s just starting at Wedding World Expo Although Sarah Arnold has been engaged for the past two-and-a-half years, she didn’t start planning her wedding until recently. “I know what it takes to plan a wedding, and I always felt overwhelmed,” she told me. Until now. Thanks to the connections she built planning last year’s and this year’s Wedding World Expo, she now knows what she wants at her wedding and has a relationship with those who can offer it to her. And, ironically enough, that’s exactly what she wants brides to get out of her event. Sarah, founder of event company CNY Show Promoters, hosted her first Wedding World Expo last year at the New York State Fairgrounds. Inspiration for the event came from an experience she had in 2012, when she was the social media manager for Lakeland Winery, which had decided to attend a bridal show to showcase the winery’s Wedding Wine. “The cost to be an exhibitor, however, was somewhere around $700 to $800, and that was just not in our budget,” she explained. “It was then that I thought I would love to offer a similar platform for small business professionals — one that is more budget-friendly,” she continued. “I knew from the get-go I would do things differently, one being to make it more comfortable for brides and their guests. The show I attended was cramped with vendors, and it was tough to carry on a conversation with wedding professionals. Secondly, I wanted to create a more interactive environment to give brides and wedding professionals a chance to really communicate. I also wanted the space to be like a wedding — pretty, not like a typical trade show.” So in early 2013, she began planning. Today, Sarah is planning for the second annual Wedding World Expo on Oct. 26. “Having the show in October gives brides more advanced planning for weddings in the following year,” she said. “Weddings aren’t 10

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

only in spring and summer anymore.” The event will be held, again, at the New York State Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sarah promises it will be “bigger than last year’s.” More than 80 vendors will be on-site to fit every bride’s style and budget. The expo’s benefits are not only for the brides, but the vendors as well. Local stylists will be able to compete for a cash prize in the new live hair and makeup competition. “And the brides can watch for inspiration, or to find their wedding day stylist,” added Sarah. Also new this year is live entertainment by The Blacklites, a CNY-based R&B 12-member band. “I wanted to give the patrons a ‘true’ wedding experience with this show. When I saw The Blacklites perform, they were exciting and fun. It’s a band I would choose for my own wedding!” Lastly, this year’s runway show will feature fashions not only for future brides, but for mothers of the brides, too. “Moms will be very happy to see what we have for them. I see mothers who are still young and don’t want to wear a traditional pantsuit or a dress with jacket. The clothing will be brought in by Boom Babies.” Wedding World Expo promises to have something for everyone, said Sarah. “Bring your grooms, your moms, your entire wedding party for a fun afternoon. There will be more giveaways, raffles and fashions than ever before — only the best from CNY’s largest wedding event.” Wedding World Expo is an event run by CNY Show Promoters, which was founded by CNY native Sarah Arnold in 2013. Sarah has been a successful licensed insurance agent and entrepreneur since 2001, and is a motivated and driven professional with a passion for helping others. For stylists interested in entering the hair and makeup competition, or for more information on becoming a vendor, email Sarah at sarah@cnyshowpromoters.com. To preregister for your free ticket, visit cnyweddingworldexpo.com. Syracuse Woman Magazine is the proud media sponsor for Wedding World Expo.

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finds ::fab by ann marie giannino-otis

In the wake of my breast cancer diagnosis and surgeries two years ago, I was alarmed to discover that the selection of available products related to treatment and follow-up was severely limited, and almost everything was, well, ugly. This is just wrong, I thought. Treatment is tough enough. Why can’t we feel attractive and comfortable when we’re going through it? “You can!” says CureDiva, an online, personalized lifestyle solutions shop for women facing breast cancer. “And we are here to help.” A one-of-a-kind platform for high-end shopping and community, CureDiva provides women at every treatment phase with solutions for their lifestyle needs. Their mission? To help women face cancer with style. If you’re like me, and don’t want to give up your flair, spirit and comfort in the wake of treatment, CureDiva should be your first online stop. Here are some of my favorite products in each of the website’s six departments.

Established by a woman with breast cancer who wanted more for her friends, sisters and those who follow, CureDiva isn’t just about products, but about making the whole process a little easier by helping one another. Even if you’re not shopping, stop by curediva. com anytime, and leave a comment, find a tip or ask a question. The CureDiva team is available 24/7 to guide and support your breast cancer journey, and to help get you through it in style. If you are shopping, receive 10 percent off your order by using code SDBC10%OFF. october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

::fab

just diagnosed

Your life is suddenly full of doctors, appointments, questions and fear, but some products can make those visits less stressful and help you feel more like yourself. The Radiant Wrap is an elegant alternative to a traditional hospital gown. Easy on and off for any type of exam, the gown’s satin fabric also helps you slide in and out of bed easily.

surgery

Your doctor can prepare you to a point, but may not know about the Recovery Brobe, a surgery must-have. Incredibly soft and super-cute, the Brobe holds drains and has a built-in bra so you can lounge in post-surgery comfort, wherever you’re recovering.

chemotherapy

Predicting how your body will react to chemo can be tricky, and most women dread losing their hair. Sassy and stylish Chemo Beanies are soft, easy to put on and can bolster your self-confidence.

radiotherapy

When radiation burns do a number on your skin, CureDiva’s line of all-natural skin care products come to the rescue. Lindi Skin Cooler Pads, in particular, are amazing. Store them in the fridge for an even better cool!

mets

Fully committed to the 30 percent of patients who have metastatic breast cancer, CureDiva has Fishbellies to take the edge off when your bones ache. Freeze these bright, beautiful corn bags to reduce swelling and promote healing, or warm one up to relieve that all-too-familiar unrelenting chill.

ever after

CureDiva products can help with your ongoing reconstruction, lymphedema, cording, skin issues and just about anything else that occurs while healing. Even your lymphedema looks like a fashion statement with LympheDivas compression sleeves.

finds

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EcoChic Boutique the look you want

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Jussara Potter Photography

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feature ::special

In â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love what I do, and I love being able to leave a positive effect on people, but the effect areola repigmenation has on people is shocking.â&#x20AC;?

Filling in the empty spaces left by breast cancer “The first woman I worked on had been uncomfortable taking her clothes off in front of her husband for six years after her surgery,” explained Melissa Rapini French. “I told her, ‘We can’t have that!’ It was so sad. During her appointment, we both cried the entire time. Afterward, when she was standing in front of the mirror, she couldn’t stop saying ‘wow.’ She was so happy.” Areola repigmentation — nipple tattoos, for lack of a better phrase — is a procedure often considered by breast cancer survivors after reconstruction. Melissa provides this service for women from all over the Finger Lakes at her Geneva store Bl.ink Permanent Cosmetics and Beauty Bar. How does one get a job doing areola repigmentation? Well, for Melissa, it’s a tale of two loves — makeup and tattoos. “A few years ago, I was spending a lot of time around tattoo artists,” she told me. “With my background in makeup, I found myself asking them if they’d ever considered getting into permanent makeup. The more I thought about it, the more I realized women probably don’t want a man to do their makeup. And then I thought, How about I learn to do permanent makeup?” So while Melissa continued working her job in outside sales, Bl.ink became her side business. She went to California for a one-week training session and became certified. During her time there, she briefly learned about areola repigmentation and was immediately interested. Soon after, she traveled to Texas to take a class and learn more. “It was probably one of the services I was most excited about from the beginning,” she said. “After the class, I came back to New York and spent a lot of time with Ryan Hamburg, the owner of Geneva tattoo shop Amazing Grace Body Arts. “Most people who do permanent makeup don’t actually know anything about tattooing,” she added. “I asked Ryan a million questions and had him teach me about all the parts on my machines. I watched videos. I drew a lot. I even tattooed fruit. I did whatever I needed to do to make sure I was comfortable doing it. And then I started taking people for free, saying, ‘Hey let’s try this.’ There’s a first time for everything, after all.” By late 2013, Melissa was ready to make Bl.ink her full-time gig, and leased a brick-and-mortar store in a central location in downtown Geneva. “It’s important to focus on what you love,” she said, “and if you’re splitting your time among four different directions, you can really only give 25 percent of your attention to each one. So, if you’re doing what you really want to do, do it 100 percent because that’s the only way you can give 100 percent.” Bl.ink’s other services include permanent facial makeup — eyebrows, eyeliner, lash enhancement, lip and cheek color, and beauty marks — full scalp pigmentation, scar and vitiligo camouflaging, eyebrow

hair stimulation, eyelash extensions and tattoo removal. Melissa’s storefront also features products like high-end makeup, perfume and lotion. “The whole point of my business is to build confidence in women — whether that’s a nice lipstick or perfume to make her feel great that day, or help her find the missing piece of herself through permanent eyebrows or lashes.”

feature

by Alyssa LaFaro

with a purpose

::special

But areola repigmentation has a special place in Melissa’s heart. “I love what I do, and I love being able to leave a positive effect on people, but the effect areola repigmenation has on people is shocking. The first time I ever did it, I had to leave work for the rest of the day. It’s such an emotional experience — and amazingly cool at the same time. There’s a huge difference between changing someone’s morning routine and changing someone’s life.” Melissa’s number-one goal during consultations is to make women feel comfortable. She doesn’t even encourage them to show her their breasts, but most of them do anyway. “I hear the word ‘mangled’ a lot,” she shared. “I look those women in the eyes and say, ‘No, you’re not. You’re beautiful.’ Because that’s the truth. I’ve seen some nice reconstruction, and some less-than-nice reconstruction — but I know that I can turn whatever they show me into something that makes them happy.” She offers women an array of options from sizes to color. “Each woman wants something a little different.” Building the shop’s reputation for the procedure, however, has been quite difficult. Melissa struggles to share that component of her business because it’s so personal. “I feel like I can’t just throw it on Facebook,” she explained. “One woman did put some really lovely comments about her experience on Facebook, but that’s her personal story to share.” Luckily for Melissa, Geneva is a small town and word spreads quickly. “You tell one person, who tells someone else who knows someone interested in the procedure, and the next thing I know, people are calling me to find out more.” For the future, Melissa hopes to partner with a couple of doctors’ offices willing to spread the word about her business and the procedure. “I know there’s a need for it, so it’s just a matter of finding the time to put myself out there. Technically, outside of doing appointments, I don’t need to be here. Someone else can manage the shop. I would love nothing more than to travel to different doctors’ offices and do something that makes me — and others — feel great.” Melissa can’t express enough how strongly she feels after completing an areola repigmentation session with a woman who’s battled breast cancer. “I feel like a super hero!” she exclaimed. “It is the best feeling in the world for the women who get it done, which is, of course, the reason I do it — but I had no idea it would be such a great feeling for me, too.” For more information, visit blinkpermanentcosmetics.com. To schedule an appointment, contact Melissa at 315-325-4062 or blinkpermanentcosmetics@gmail.com.

syracuseWomanMag.com :: october 2014

::wise

women

FEATURED ENTREPRENEUR Lisette Brod

CEO, Spinnaker Custom Products

our years ago, Lisette Brod took a leap of faith, making the transition from full-time mom to full-time entrepreneur when she and her husband purchased the remnants of an embroidery business in Syracuse, with plans to add a promotional product and screen printing aspect. “Starting this business was like jumping into the ocean, then learning how to swim,” she says. After making the transition from full-time mom for 18 years, Lisette was eager to take on this new challenge of business ownership. “It was scary at first, not knowing if I had what it took,” Lisette says. Lisette focuses on the community, networking with other local businesses and building her team. “What really drives me is helping other people,” she says. “I get to help other local companies grow through branding and promotion.” The company has continuously evolved over the past three years, with an emphasis on providing exceptional customer service. Lisette notes that the success of the business has been because of the strong internal team she’s built.

Spinnaker is poised for high growth when their Women Owned Business (WBE) state and county certification receives approval. For her business, the growing pains have been the biggest challenge to overcome. “In my first business, I didn’t have support systems like the South Side Innovation Center and WISE Women’s Business Center,” Lisette remembers. “There are so many opportunities to build your network and to be encouraged here in Syracuse—immersing yourself among other entrepreneurs who are making it happen is invaluable.” Lisette had to focus on obtaining a line of credit and making sure that the business was able to maintain their exceptional customer service and high standards, even during a period of fast growth. She has sought advice from other business owners and has learned as much about entrepreneurship as possible throughout the process. “People are willing to help you along the way,” Lisette says. “Don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and follow your dream.”

PHOTO BY JENNIFER WOLSEY PHOTOGRAPHY // PAGE DESIGN BY ISCA DESIGN STUDIO

wise words of wisdom… “Feel the fear and do it anyway!” – Lisette Brod

WISE HAPPENINGS: Roundtable Discussion – Women in Creative Businesses Oct 2, 16, 30, 12:00 - 1:00PM

The Building Blocks for Starting a Business Oct 8, 12:00 - 1:00PM Oct 29, 5:30 - 7:00PM

Meet the Entrepreneur Series Oct 16, 12:00 - 1:00PM Syracuse Entrepreneur Bootcamp Oct 18, 25, 8:30AM - 1:00PM

Accounting for Established Entrepreneurs Oct 21, 1:00 - 2:30PM

Check out wiseconference.com/events for a complete list of upcoming events!

A PROGRAM OF THE FALCONE CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Call (315) 443-8634.

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

man ::swm pink

Pink

proud to wear by Alyssa LaFaro I photos courtesy making strides

Why her? Why us? Why not me instead?

Gordon Sullivan walked into our interview wearing a shirt that read, “Proud Husband of a Survivor.” A bumper sticker on his truck says, “I brake for tatas.” He’s not afraid to wear pink, and has on many occasions, including the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, when he wore a hot pink t-shirt, pink beanie, pink sunglasses, pink pompoms — pink everything — and jumped into a 61-degree pool.

Those thoughts raced through Gordon’s head. “That was the toughest part,” he explained, “watching her go through the chemo. She was in bed for three days straight after her first round.” Gordon immediately became the caregiver. “I learned to be a nurse. I changed bandages, drained fluid collection capsules after surgery, helped her get dressed, got her in and out of bed, prepared meals.” And he also had to make sure his two children, Austin and Ashley, who were 20 and 18 at the time, were doing okay.

I first heard Gordon speak at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff Breakfast this past August. He was selected to speak about his fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society. Last year, he and his wife Niki, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, raised more than $5,000 for the Making Strides walk in October. They spend the entire year raising money for just one day through a variety of events, including bake sales, scrapbooking events and their annual “Ten Pins for Ta-Tas” bowling tournament.

“It’s an interesting role,” he continued. “You have to hear everybody out. You have to let her speak her mind. You have to speak your mind. You have to be a coach. You have to be a team player.” All of these new attributes eventually extended into the community, when he and Niki participated in their first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in 2009.

“Local vendors donate gift cards, gift baskets, items from their store,” explained Gordon. “We do a silent auction, 50/50 raffles and door prizes. The bowling tournament has first-, second- and third-place winners, a few of which will donate winnings back to the cause. This year was our second annual event, and we raised $3,800 — about $1,200 more than the first year. We do it all for the walk that takes place in October.”

The couple has participated in the walk every year since, and it remains in a place close to their hearts year-round. “It’s a whole different world until you’re in it,” said Gordon, referring to cancer. “The American Cancer Society has just been phenomenal, though. They provide rides to the hospital and help women with makeup through the Look Good Feel Better program. They provide a lot of immediate support.”

The couple has been raising money and awareness about the disease since almost immediately after Niki was diagnosed in June 2009. She discovered she had cancer upon finding a lump in her breast. “It was a shock,” said Gordon. “She had no family history.” Her doctor performed a biopsy and recommended a lumpectomy. “They made it sound like everything was going to be okay.” Within a couple of weeks, however, she was diagnosed as stage III. She had a chemo port inserted and in September had a double mastectomy, followed by six rounds of chemotherapy.

Through all the ups and downs of cancer and chemo, Gordon is so proud to give back and so thankful his wife is celebrating five years of remission this month. “I would have gladly filled her shoes after seeing what she went through,” he told me. “There was just so much uncertainty. I started thinking about birthdays, holidays, graduations — and whether or not she’d be here for any of them. I am so extremely grateful that she is. Our relationship is more amazing than it’s ever been.”

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Congratulations to all the Participants in

The Teal Ribbon Run & Walk for Ovarian Cancer Research & The Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk for Breast Cancer Research from the Upstate Medical University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and University OB/GYN Associates, Inc.

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(315) 464-5162

::in Her own

words

S Y

ou see, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter who you are, your social status, what life you have lived, or even the color of your skin â&#x20AC;Ś EVERYONE is susceptible to domestic abuse. 24

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

I, Maria Chiarilli, am a survivor — the new face of domestic violence. For years, I longed for freedom, to get away from the daily abuse and the fear I lived with, but I found myself imprisoned. As a Catholic Italian American, I took my marriage vows very seriously. I did not believe in divorce; I believed in standing by my husband, “until death do we part.”

As years went by and after having children, my husband became even more abusive. I was scared for my life and received physical and emotional abuse daily. Once I realized that this wasn’t normal and that love isn’t supposed to hurt, it was too late. I didn’t tell many people what was going on, though, through the years, but the ones I did either didn’t believe me or thought that I was highly exaggerating. (Even when I was a little girl, my foster mother didn’t believe me, or didn’t want to believe me. Yes — I was sexually abused by my foster father.)

Walter, my abuser and husband of 28 years, also made sure I didn’t tell anyone. I wasn’t allowed to have friends. I wasn’t allowed to see or talk to my family. Hell — I wasn’t allowed to look up when I walked down the street, for fear someone would say hi to me and I may say hi back! Now you see, at this point, I was afraid to leave, but I was also afraid to stay. He always told me that if he couldn’t have me, nobody would, and that if I ever left, he would kill me. I knew in my heart this was true. There were so many reasons why I should have tried to leave, but there were even more reasons why I had to stay — my fear, my children, my handicapped child and so much more. Finally, one day, I just couldn’t take it anymore — the emotional abuse, the physical abuse, broken bones, mental abuse, imprisonment, rape, etc. I decided that if I stayed, he would kill me, and if I left, he would still kill me. Not much of a choice, huh? But I prayed about it, and asked God for guidance. I knew that if there was a 99 percent chance he would kill me that also meant that there was a 1 percent chance I could escape.

crushing in my ears. As he was shooting me and stabbing me, I saw a heavenly sight. I knew God sent angels to help me, to protect me. My ex-husband, evidently thinking I was dead, left me bleeding on the ground, left me for dead, and walked out of the house without a thought about our children.

I survived that night, obviously, but it was only by God’s grace and mercy. That night, I claimed a new life. I vowed to educate and protect women from domestic violence. I now have dedicated my life to writing books about my horrific experience and to plead with women of every race and age to protect themselves. Because of this, I am also engaging in public speaking, as another outlet to warn, educate, empower and help others. I currently have 10 topics that I speak on and hope to speak at as many high schools and colleges that I can, because domestic violence tendencies begin within our youth. A non-profit organization called Domestic Choices is in the near future, as well. You see, it doesn’t matter who you are, your social status, what life you have lived, or even the color of your skin — everyone is susceptible to domestic abuse. It doesn’t discriminate. We must also teach our youth what is and what is not correct behavior, because I believe domestic abuse is mostly learned. We must all join together to make domestic violence a thing of the past. As an aspiring author, my book “Silent Me” is my powerful story of one woman’s struggle to overcome a lifetime of abuse and heartache, strengthened by her faith in God. This is a riveting, true-life story of survival that everyone should read. You will feel my pain and anguish and, ultimately, my glorious triumph, as I overcome supposedly impossible odds, surviving the brutal assault on my life. I not only survived — I thrived — proving that there is no such thing as an insurmountable obstacle. The “Silent Me” story is much bigger than my own personal narrative. “Silent Me” means being a victim, silently suffering abuse. This type of lifestyle is a major problem in millions of homes and workplaces worldwide.

But on the evening of Jan. 22, 2011, my ex-husband decided to keep his promise.

My organization, Domestic Choices, was created to give women a greater awareness of the choices they can make to free themselves from the “Silent Me” lifestyle. In my own quest for freedom from abuse, I was often haunted by feelings of aloneness. I will work hard to make Domestic Choices a doorway to freedom for abused women, and to let them know they are not alone nor powerless. Existing services do not always offer the help that abused women need. Real life situations usually aren’t cut and dry. The goal of Domestic Choices is to develop alternate options, allowing such victims and their families to get into a safe environment.

He came with a loaded a gun and manipulated his way into the house, past the children, came down to my bedroom, busted down the door, got on top of me and held a gun to my head. He shot me in the head five times at close range. He shot me again from farther away, each time saying, “Why won’t you die, bitch? Why won’t you die?” Then he stabbed me nine times and severely beat me. I could hear my skull

We all know that in itself is a huge challenge, but it’s one that I am fully committed to. I believe that God has saved me to help others in similar situations, and I plan to carry out His plans, which I believe include telling people that my faith in God had much to do with my survival. My primary mission, though, is to help the countless “Silent Mes” find their lost voices!

o I took my chances. At this time, I had been separated, divorced and another four to five months had gone by. I also had a “stay away” order of protection, but this didn’t stop him. I was secretly working with a domestic violence counselor, and we made a plan that included my children. SO I DID IT! I COMPLETELY CUT HIM OFF! I asked God for strength and courage. I asked God to protect us.

words

By Maria Chiarilli | Photo by Ve Jay Broyld, Sr.

::in Her own

Silent

syracuseWomanMag.com :: october 2014

feature ::special

Down

letting their

hair

by Alyssa LaFaro I photo by Jussara Potter

Hair loss victims find courage, compassion and laughter with Hot Cocoa’s Beauty Supply

Clara Hudgins was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1995. Like most women treated with chemotherapy, she began to lose her hair. “She tried to go wig shopping, and didn’t receive much help,” said Clara’s daughter Youlanda Johnson. “She wore a turban to cover her scalp, but had to take it off when she went into the wig store. She was so embarrassed.” It was during those two years Clara battled cancer (she passed in 1997) that Youlanda realized she wanted to help people experiencing hair loss. Youlanda opened her wig/hair replacement store, Hot CoCoa’s Beauty Supply, in 2005 to give women suffering from hair loss the one-on-one attention they deserve. Many of her clients have lost their hair from chemotherapy, stress, depression and chemical abuse, so the moments Youlanda spends with them can often be emotional. “We take hair for granted,” she explained. “People who don’t suffer from hair loss don’t always understand how devastating it is for a woman to lose her hair. But my goal is to make it fun.” One of the biggest struggles of hair loss can often be finding the courage to get replacement hair, but Youlanda strives to change that. One way is by getting a client’s family involved with the process. They often try on wigs, too, and everybody starts laughing. “Having the client’s family around can really help. We just want to make them as comfortable as possible, find something for them that feels good, and make them look as natural as we can.” Not only is the concept of the wig intimidating to women suffering from hair loss, but so is the price. That’s why Youlanda hosted the first annual Cranial Prosthesis Awareness Day this past May at the Southside Innovation Center. “The whole event was organized around the idea to have a feel good day for women experiencing hair loss,” she said. “I also wanted to donate. Some people don’t have the money to buy hair because they have all these extra expenses for medication, or because they are out of work. I really wanted to donate a wig and get someone all glammed up for summer.” Youlanda doesn’t only find hair replacement for women, but men and children as well. “I’ve helped girls as young as 3 who have lost their hair from cancer,” she told me. “Parents come in and buy a wig that looks age appropriate for the child. We’ve had some good times. We don’t want it to be a sad occasion. A lot of little girls start crying because they don’t want to lose their hair, but when they leave, they leave with a smile. We feel good about what we do.” Today, Hot CoCoa’s Beauty Supply is solely an online business. Youlanda made the decision to close her physical locations this past May because her business is already known to many by word-of-mouth. “Word-of-mouth is huge for us. We’ve helped a lot of women, and they tell a ton of people about Hot CoCoas. People know we help people, and that Hot CoCoa’s is more personable than any other wig store. “Three months ago, I helped a young lady who knew she only had four days to live,” Youlanda continued. “All she wanted was hair so she could take a picture with her family before she passed. I brought wigs to the hospital, tried them on her and took pictures. She was so grateful. I just want to help others that have suffered from the same thing I watched my mother suffer from. Hot CoCoa’s cares.” For more infprmation, visit hotcocoasbeautysupply.cpm. 26

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

broken

::cover

story

a friendship never to be

BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BELL

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

yracuse women Frieda Weeks & Ann Marie Stonecypher stand up against cancer

Friendship comes in many forms and at different times in life. Tragedy can test it at any moment, and for some, the friendship may not survive. Would you be there for a friend dealing with grief, loss and sadness? The answer would seem to be an obvious one, but when the unexpected happens — it’s possible that a “friend” makes an unexpected choice. “When you meet someone, you know whether or not you want to be surrounded by their energy and principles…and be their friend,” said Frieda Weeks of her close friend. “She’s beautiful.” The beauty of her friend goes far beyond the surface. Ann Marie Stonecypher returned her friend’s compliment with a smile and great aplomb. “We hit it off right away and always had a connection,” Ann Marie shared. “Who doesn’t love Frieda?” They sat inside Café at 407 in the village of Liverpool and reminisced about how they first met and many other cherished moments. Frieda’s daughter, a vibrant and talented dancer, was one of Ann Marie’s models at AMS Models & Talent. Heather shined right away and made quite the impression on Ann Marie.

story

Heather, a Liverpool High School grad, attended the University of Buffalo in the honors program majoring in dance. She graduated summa cum laude in three years. After graduation, she was on the Caribbean tour of Sesame Street Live. She then moved to New Jersey to allow frequent auditions for Broadway shows or Broadway tours. She even worked as a character actor at Mars 2112 on Broadway at 50th. This was also the place where she met her soul mate and fiancé, Jesse Irwin.

::cover

Frieda and her husband Gary were filled with joy and pride as their daughter followed her dreams. However, her dream of dancing on Broadway as a lifelong career changed once she was inspired to work with OCRF (Ovarian Cancer Research Fund) in New York City. “Heather became very passionate about raising ovarian cancer awareness,” Frieda shared. Many of the symptoms for this cancer are common, nonspecific or overlooked in women and there is no ultimate test to detect it. Together with our stubborn nature as strong women — ovarian cancer is generally diagnosed in later stages. Symptoms include abdominal bloating or swelling, quickly feeling full when eating, weight loss, discomfort in the pelvic area, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation) and a frequent need to urinate. These symptoms are not only overlooked, but they can easily lead to a misdiagnosis. It was all these aspects that motivated Heather to get involved and raise awareness. It would become her ultimate mission. A few months after following her heart and working with OCRF, the unexpected happen — Heather was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer on June 10, 2008. She was 23 years old. Despite the tumor removal, the disease spread to her liver and bone marrow in less than a few weeks after her initial diagnosis. Heather fought hard and shared her battle with others through her blog, “Heatherina” on Tumblr. Her posts were raw and uncensored. If she felt it, she wrote it. Heather made this post on Oct. 8, 2008: I’m just not ready. I look at my life and I look at Jesse and there is so much more. But I’m so afraid. I find myself on my knees, praying. For strength, for peace, for life. I really feel like I have a purpose on this earth. Like there is more for me to do. And I believe that I wouldn’t be going through this needlessly. It is part of a bigger mission. But there is always that small niggling at the back of my brain. That tiny voice that tells me that so many people are taken at a young age. People that have just as much drive and ambition and purpose. What if I’ve gone through all of this for nothing? What if at the end of this I’m not strong enough?” The truth is, I don’t know my purpose. Only God can know. But I’m scared. More than scared. Terrified. I faced the possibility of death when I was first diagnosed and determined that it wasn’t an option. I didn’t think I’d have to face it again. And I didn’t think that I’d doubt my determination for survival. But here I am, crying again. Crying and praying and trying to keep the faith. I don’t know what to expect. But I realize how much I love everything I have in my life right now. If I found out that I was going to die tomorrow… would I be satisfied? No. I don’t accept it. I can’t. There is more for me. There simply has to be. Pray for me, please. I need all the strength I can get. After a gallant battle, Heather passed away on Nov. 14, 2008, at the age of 24. Without a doubt, this was a life taken too soon. We can’t view a loss like this without wondering what might have been. However, without knowing it, Heather’s legacy was going to grow daily and touch the lives of countless women and men. These words have always stood out to me, even years after I first read Heather’s blog: “And I believe that I wouldn’t be going through this needlessly. It is part of a bigger mission.”

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness became incorporated in March of 2009. It has since raised tens of thousands of dollars for research. Also, Hope for Heather has led the way in raising awareness for the disease in Central New York and surrounding areas.

::cover A journey full of friendship: Frieda & Ann Marie “When we were looking forward to our life, we envisioned our children going off to college and having children,” Frieda said. “Then it changes.”

From the beginning, Frieda and Ann Marie knew there was more to their friendship than just good laughs, fabulous hair and a love for fashion.“I’m still in awe of the fact that Frieda has taken the ultimate tragedy as a mother and turned it into something that helps people,” said Ann Marie as they sat across from each other. Her understanding of Frieda’s grief and Heather’s cancer battle could have certainly stemmed from her own bout. In 2003, Ann Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy. At this time, Frieda was already a recipient of Ann Marie’s pink ribbon newsletter, which reminded women to do breast exams and it included other related topics. There were even mentions of Heather’s battle in the e-newsletter as the years went on. “When Heather died, we were in prison…we might as well be prisoners feeling locked up inside,” Frieda said. “People left our side, people we thought were our friends.” When grief and tragedy strikes, it is not to be assumed that everyone will automatically be supportive…something Frieda and her husband Gary learned right away. However, Ann Marie stayed. Both Ann Marie and Frieda agreed that cancer, death and grief can make people “funny” — it changes them and even brings out their true colors. For the Weeks family, it caused “friends” to abandon them when they needed the most support. Ann Marie was there for her friend in the greatest time of need. She lifted her spirits by bringing positive energy into their conversations. “You’re able to process things when you talk with family and friends,” Ann Marie said. “Tragedy brings out the best and worst in everybody. People surprise you, and you find out what people are made of.”

story

gratitude for life at a Hope for Heather fundraiser. Frieda was brought to tears during this speech. “She talked about what it’s like to ‘live like you’re living’ rather than living like you are dying,” Frieda shared. This concept could be so easy to understand, but are we truly comprehending it and following through? Ann Marie’s powerful presence and long-lasting message has prompted the community to look to her for guidance on fighting cancer or simply lending an ear on the other line to listen to a woman who has been recently diagnosed. “I was never opposed to it,” she said. “People that knew women who had cancer would refer them to me. They’d call and we would have an hour-long conversation.” Sometimes Ann Marie made these women laugh or she consoled them during tough times. One of these phone calls was actually how she met Syracuse Woman Magazine cover photographer Cindy Bell, who is now a close friend and also a breast cancer survivor. “Cindy was three months behind me with the same kind of cancer,” Ann Marie said. “If you ever wondered that anything good came out of cancer…it did. Cindy would call after treatments and after a bad day. She knew what I was going through and I knew what she was going through.” Ann Marie was cancer-free for almost 10 years when she was re-diagnosed. She was gardening and tossing around heavy amounts of mulch when she started experiencing back pain. She took some Motrin, saw her chiropractor, Kenneth Iles, and thought that was that. However, her chiropractor suggested she also get an X-ray. In the end, that X-ray saved her life. Ann Marie had a cancerous mass the size of her fist on her sacrum.

“You need to surround yourself with the good people, not those with toxic energy.” — Ann Marie Stonecypher

Now, after numerous scans, radiation to shrink other tumors and a switch in medication, Ann Marie says she is “feeling good.” And as Frieda would attest, Ann Marie always looks great. If you had the pleasure of making her acquaintance, it would be a far cry to assume she was fighting cancer.

“There is no cure for this,” said Ann Marie of her prognosis. “I need to stay on top of it and get my scans.”

The friendship grew with every get-together, every phone call and some weekly (and daily) positive text messages. Receiving text messages might be misconstrued as a poor way to communicate with others, but along with Ann Marie and Frieda, I have a continuous text message thread that dates back several months now. I must report that the messages are powerful and meaningful, and have been saved in my archives.

Frieda and Ann Marie continued their exchanges of gratitude while also remembering all the times they have come together in the name of awareness, research and support. People throughout the café noticeably smiled as they passed by. Could it be that they were just being polite? Or could it be that the energy this friendship exudes is so powerful that it moves others to also become joyful?

Fighting on

I’ll leave that one to you, and to everyone who finds a friendship so genuine and beautiful that it endures pain and sadness, all the while it cannot be broken or beaten by anything — and especially not by cancer.

Just last year, Ann Marie was diagnosed with cancer yet again. This time metastatic breast cancer had spread to her bones. She is currently undergoing a monthly treatment and will continue to be in treatment for the rest of her life. “And I am hoping that’s a good long time!” From a rocky earth flourished a friendship that’s stronger than ever. Frieda has always been in Ann Marie’s corner, but their friendship has been reinforced once again in a time of need. “You need to surround yourself with the good people, not those with toxic energy,” Ann Marie said. “Sick or not sick, those people make you feel better.” Frieda says that she still cannot believe that it’s been six years since Heather has “gotten her angel wings” — and even more so, she can’t believe how people still turn away from her when they hear about the family’s loss. No matter what, she knows one friend will always be there. “You need grace and gratitude in your life,” Ann Marie said. “Squandering the gift…when it’s the one thing you really have…I’ve been given the gift once with life and again with cancer, and I am going to make the most of this gift.” Last spring, Ann Marie spoke about her battle with breast cancer and her

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Energy

::wboc’s leading

women

Filling the World with Positive by Alyssa LaFaro I photo by cindy bell

Michelle Howe glows. Energy emanates from her, and you can’t help but want to share your life story with her. She listens patiently with a smile and an open mind. But she wasn’t always this way. When she was in her 30s, Michelle suffered from anxiety. “I had anxiety for no reason,” she explained. “And my life was pretty good — my husband took care of me, I had three great kids. My life was not difficult. But I always felt moody. All I had to do was sit next to someone in a rotten mood, and my whole energy would shift.” She began searching for the cause. She increased her magnesium intake, began to exercise more and tried to stabilize herself. Then one day she came across the word “empath.” “An empath is a man or woman who is very gifted and highly sensitive to energy,” she said, and the number-one way to know if you are one is if people tell you their stories. “It’s as simple as that. You didn’t do anything. You didn’t necessarily ask them anything. They found you and talked to you. And you just listened.” The concept can be hard to grasp for some — particularly logical thinkers — but it’s legitimate. I’m an empath, and that’s why I became a journalist. People have shared their stories with me openly since I was a child. But I’ve never had a problem accepting it. Unfortunately, many empaths don’t understand why people open up to them. It’s a lot to absorb and can be hard to cope with. But Michelle hopes to change that. This month, she plans to launch her own business, Empath Evolution, with the desire to draw empaths together in order “to teach, to guide and to heal” them. Her goal? “To gather a team of advanced empaths to guide and develop together. I would like them to have a strong understanding of who they are and the road that they’re on — and walk it. In the long-run, it will be a training, an education.” With Michelle’s heightened sense of energy, it’s no wonder she’s a WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections) member. “The women at WBOC are just so down to earth and authentic. The egos are removed, and the energy is always good.” Having attended myself for the first time this past September, I know what she means. (And having written this column for the past two-and-a-half years, many of the women I’ve interviewed have revealed that the energy is their favorite part.) The positive vibes of WBOC have influenced Michelle to give back to the organization by becoming a director at large on the board. “The way the board manages its interactions with other people is very balanced,” she said with appreciation. “I don’t see any one person stronger than the other. I went to their planning meeting this summer, and it was phenomenal. These ladies were all collaborating and bringing ideas to the table, so the organization truly gets the best of the best.” Michelle truly believes WBOC’s mission is in line with hers: Help others and they will help you. “Being in business and being successful is not easy, so the more we come together, the more we become who we are, and the more we can help each other. I don’t belong to WBOC to grow my business, I belong to create a family and network of support for myself.” When we look at the world this way, we bring a different energy to the people around us.

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Women Business Opportunities Connections (WBOC) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 20 years. To become a member, visit wboconnection.org or follow the organization on Twitter at @WBOConnection. Syracuse Woman Magazine is a signature sponsor of the WBOC.

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::fitness 36

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

::fitness

by Alyssa LaFaro I Photos by Heather Kline

For most new runners, the 5K is a testament to their strength and ability. But that wasn’t quite cutting it for recent college grad Brianna Kline. This past summer, she ran an event called 4K for Cancer. And no, that’s not 2.49 miles — it’s 4,000. Twenty-six runners from all over the U.S. spent six weeks running cross-country from San Francisco to Baltimore. Every morning, the runners separated into pairs, each of which would run three- to fourmile increments, three to four times a day — that’s anywhere from nine to 16 miles a day. This process, which included two vans that would pick up and drop off runners throughout the day, lasted until the last set of runners reached the sleeping location for that evening. “We stayed in big cities like Salt Lake, and tiny towns like Gunnison, Utah,” explained Bree. “Wyoming was one of my favorite places. We went to Jackson Hole — which was gorgeous — and hiked the Grand Tetons.” This experience, however, was more than just a postcollege adventure for Bree; it was personal. On New Year’s Eve in 1998, Bree’s mom Heather rushed her to the emergency room at University Hospital. “She started getting these bruises,” explained Heather. “At first she could explain them — she’d bumped into a desk or fallen at the playground. But then she started to get a ton of these huge bruises for no reason at all. I took her into the pediatrician’s for blood work. A few hours later, they called me and told me to bring her to the emergency room for more testing. Then a few hours after that, they told me they were almost 100 percent sure she had Leukemia.” Bree began her treatment the following day, postponing their Christmas trip to Disney World. Heather, a single mother at the time, quit her job to be with Bree full-time. “The whole experience was lifeconsuming,” said Heather. Although Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) has an 80 percent cure rate in children, the treatment process takes two-and-a-half years. “She had numerous bone marrow biopsies and lumbar puncture procedures (to determine if the cancer had spread to her spinal fluid and to administer chemo since that is a known relapse site) during the two-and-a-half years of treatment. She was put under conscious sedation for these procedures, so she was able to talk — and cry hysterically — through them. One staff member would hold her still in a curled up position, while another was behind her back doing the procedure. I was up by her head trying to calm her and failing miserably. Many times we both ended up in tears.” “It wasn’t as hard for me as it was for my mom because I didn’t always know what was going on,” added Bree. “Plus, the hospital was really amazing to us, and there were a lot of kids there. It was easy to make friends, and we were always surrounded by people going through the same thing. My mom was always there with me, so that definitely made things a lot easier. She never left my side. My grandparents were around, too. My whole family was really supportive and always there.” Heather’s dad Peter often drove her and Bree to appointments, and was constantly at the hospital along with Bree’s grandma Sue to visit Bree during in-patient procedures. Bree’s school, Huntington Elementary in Eastwood, organized a benefit to raise money for the family. “Bree’s school was amazing,” said Heather. “Teachers would visit her when she was in the hospital and at our house. They made a significant effort to keep her involved

with what was going on in the classroom when she was absent from hospitalizations, and had all the kids send her cards when she was sick. They were very understanding when I would present them with a concern about infections or how to keep her healthy while she was there. It was great because it gave her some kind of normalcy.” The normalcy couldn’t come soon enough, however. In May 1999, just five months after Bree’s diagnosis, Peter was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. “He’s been in and out of remission for 15 years,” explained Heather, “and is still on treatment.” Last year, Peter was diagnosed again, this time with a different kind of Leukemia — the same kind Bree suffered from when she was 6. Although Bree had an 80 percent cure rate, Peter had only a 40 percent cure rate. Doctors discovered cancer cells in his spinal fluid, and the cancer didn’t respond well to the chemo. His odds of survival began to dwindle quickly “But he’s still alive,” added Heather. “He had an experimental treatment, and there’s currently no evidence of disease. Bree has been in continuous remission.” Both Bree and Peter’s experiences influenced the whole family to fundraise for better treatments, because a cure often comes with lifelong side effects. When Bree finished treatment, Heather joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training. She ran three marathons and one half marathon to raise money for the organization that helped her family. For the past nine years, Bree’s grandma Sue has shaved her head each year to raise money for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to increasing research funds for child cancer treatments. Bree has begun to make her mark, too. While attending SUNY Brockport, she organized a St. Baldrick’s fundraiser with two other students, and co-chaired a Relay for Life event in 2013. She was also president of Cancer Doesn’t Fly with Eagles, an organization that spreads awareness about underfunded cancers, and the ceremonies chair for Colleges Against Cancer. Overall, Bree’s 4K for Cancer running team raised more than $100,000 for cancer, and the four bike teams that also participated raised more than $1 million. Bree personally raised $4,600. “I was able to see how Bree’s cancer journey and her 4K for Cancer trip were parallel,” noted Heather. “You know, with cancer, there is no break, and you have to ask for help. It was the same with the 4K — you run and run and run, and you don’t really get much of a break.” “And we still had to find food,” Bree added, laughing. “Each night we’d have to beg a local restaurant to feed us, because we were responsible for finding our own food. The goal is that most of the money raised actually goes to help cancer patients. Then, on all the rest days, we would go to hospitals with care packages and go to the Ronald McDonald house. That was the other part of the 4K — reaching out to communities and giving back to them when traveling.” When I asked Bree what was next for her, she responded: “I’m supposed to be resting. But I signed up to do the Wineglass Marathon in October.” To learn more about Bree’s 4,000-mile journey, visit facebook.com/ bree4kforcancer or her blog 4kforcancer.org/profiles/bree-kline, both of which she regularly updated during her trip. syracuseWomanMag.com :: october 2014

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at Upstate Cancer Center ::new in the

eauty Inside and Out

by Alyssa LaFaro I photos courtesy of Upstate Cancer Center

cuse

When you walk through the revolving door at the new Upstate Cancer Center, you are greeted by what I’m donning the “Grand Staircase” — four flights of creamy blocks that guide you to the top floor. On the particular morning I visited the center, a man with an oxygen tank sat below in one of the first-floor loungers attempting to read a novel, distracted by the view, breathing in and out to the beat of the morning’s commute — stop, go, stop, stop, go. To see the view for myself, I leaned over the third-floor balcony and looked out the endless menagerie of glass windows to watch the cars zooming past on East Adams Street, which drove idly by, unaware of the remarkable things taking place inside this building. “Patients are so thrilled with this facility,” said thoracic surgeon and Upstate Cancer Center Medical Director Dr. Leslie Kohman, “compared to the crowded, windowless places some of them have experienced before. They now have brightly lit, spacious areas to be treated in — and they love it. The building is gorgeous, and most people agree.” But the awe the $90 million center receives is not simply from its appearance. Part of the reason the center is so ahead of the curve is because all the doctors a patient with cancer needs are all in one place. “We wanted to get all the specialists that take care of cancer and all the cancer patients that are getting outpatient cancer care together in one building,” explained Dr. Kohman. “This facilitates proper multidisciplinary care of patients. Patients these days may need surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or some other type of treatment. Many need two or three different types of treatment. To be able to have all the doctors in one place where the patient can get the best of a mutual opinion for treatment is the right way to do this in the increasingly complex world of treatments.” Along with all the doctors come an array of services and programs. An integrative medicine room is home to reiki masters, massage therapists and acupuncturists. A family resource room available to patients and their families lets them research their disease and video conference with the patient research librarian to help them find additional information. A boutique in the main atrium offers fittings for breast prosthesis and garments to help women feel their best during and after treatment of breast cancer. Also available is a spiritual care program with active chaplain volunteers, a nutritional counselor, genetic counselor, oncofertility consultants, and financial counselors to help patients figure out their financial obligations and challenges in getting the right cancer care. The above is just a short list of what the Cancer Center currently offers, but there’s so much more it strives to do. “We will be adding consultant services in pain management, cancer rehabilitation and other areas in the next few months,” added Dr. Kohman. “We are developing more support groups for patients with different types of cancer, and will be adding nurse navigators to all our disease areas as we develop the services there. “It has been a dream of mine for more than 15 years for Upstate to showcase its wonderful cancer treatment in a proper facility with the emphasis to add programs,” concluded Dr. Kohman, who’s been with Upstate for more than 31 years. “I have been working on this for many years and to advocate our cancer research in such a beautiful facility is a wonderful opportunity.” syracuseWomanMag.com :: october 2014

Breast

::healthy

woman

Bringing Hope to

Cancer Survivors

by Chris Iven I photo by Stefanie Noble

Johanna Birkland was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer just three weeks after giving birth to her daughter in early 2013. With help from friends and family, little Anna Louise was well cared for while Johanna underwent surgery and five months of chemotherapy. But with seven weeks of radiation treatment to go, she could no longer rely on friends who had full-time jobs and family members who lived far away. “I was in tears because I had no idea what to do,” she said. She cried again when she learned about Laurie’s Hope, but this time it was tears of joy. Laurie’s Hope is a free YMCA program dedicated to helping breast cancer survivors maintain health and well-being through the first year of their survivor journey. “I didn’t have to worry about my daughter being cared for during my treatment,” she said. “The Y would do it, for free, through Laurie’s Hope. There were other benefits, too — a family membership, classes for survivors and events.” With help from Laurie’s Hope, Johanna got the treatment she needed, and she began to rebuild her strength. She participated in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, which provides free group support and customized exercise with fellow cancer survivors. She was also able to take her daughter to swim lessons at no cost. “It is so important when you are going through treatment to have a sense of normalcy,” she said. “Taking these classes enabled me to have that sense of normalcy, even when at times it felt like my world was crumbling.” When treatments left her just exhausted, Laurie’s Hope paid for a personal chef to cook healthy meals in her home. The program also found funding for her to travel to New York City for a clinical trial. “We are blessed to have the YMCA in our lives,” she said. “They have always been so supportive and loving to my family. If I need anything, they are simply a phone call away — willing to help in any way they can.”

About Laurie’s Hope Laurie’s Hope is offered at no cost to breast cancer survivors. It provides them and their families with the full strength and community of the YMCA, helping them thrive. Participants learn to maintain physical fitness and strength, improve their diet and build connections with other breast cancer survivors. As a result, they have less fatigue and stress, and they feel more confidence in themselves and their ability to advocate for their health. Program components include: • a breast cancer support coach; • participation in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA — a 12-week group exercise and support program for adult cancer survivors to build strength, flexibility and endurance, and to reduce the side effects of therapy; • restorative yoga; • Prime Time Plus, which provides supervised play, crafts and fun at the Y for children of cancer survivors while their parents attend to healthrelated activities such as medical appointments, treatment or rest; • peer support; • survivor mentors; and • family membership at the YMCA for one year. The YMCA of Greater Syracuse created Laurie’s Hope in 2011 following a major gift from the Saint Agatha Foundation. The foundation was created by Laurie Mezzalingua, an accomplished young woman, skilled professional and passionate community volunteer who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 at the age of 29. She refocused her career to fight the disease and became a passionate advocate of patient support. Laurie passed away on July 4, 2009. With the Saint Agatha Foundation as her legacy, she will continue to improve lives for decades to come. For more information about Laurie’s Hope or any of the free cancer survivor programs at the YMCA of Greater Syracuse, contact Breast Cancer Coordinator Tess Kenney at 315-451-2562, extension 209.

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Mother Daughter Jill Smith talks her inherited battle against breast & ovarian cancer

::special

feature

by Alyssa LaFaro I photo by Jussara Potter

Jill Smith was 4 years old when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Twenty-eight-year-old Susan Kelley told her daughter right then and there that she could die. “I watched her go through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation. It was terrible. I always thought, Is she going to die today? I lived with that fear. But, it did prepare me in a way.” When she was older, Jill learned about BRCA1 and BRCA2 — genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins, which help repair damaged DNA. If a child is born with a mutated or altered version of this gene, however, damaged DNA cannot be repaired properly. The body’s cells are likely to develop other genetic mutations, making them more susceptible to cancer. Because Jill’s mom had cancer twice (she found it again when she was 32) and her Aunt Barb was diagnosed at 31, Jill knew there was a chance she had the gene. “Then my aunt was diagnosed again when she was 49,” explained Jill, “and I knew: It was time to get tested.” Jill, who was 32 at the time, was eight weeks pregnant with her fourth child AJ when she took the blood test that identifies the gene. She tested positive for BRCA1. “I took my pregnancy as a gift — it gave me nine months to do my homework, to see different doctors and come up with a plan.” People who inherit the BRCA gene can tackle its threats through enhanced surveillance, chemoprevention (using drugs or vitamins to reduce the risk) and/or prophylactic surgery. “Halfway through my pregnancy, I made the decision to have the surgery as soon as I possibly could after my son was born,” said Jill. “When AJ was 12 weeks old, I had two prophylactic bilateral mastectomies. “I thought it was going to be a piece of cake,” Jill continued. “But it wasn’t. What’s the saying? ‘You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.’ After the surgery, I thought, Whoa. This really affects me. It was hard, and it hurts, but I got through it.” Fifty-five to 65 percent of people who are BRCA1 positive are likely to develop breast cancer by the time they are 70 years old. What’s not as prevalent, but is also a factor, is ovarian cancer, which develops in 39 percent of BRCA1 cases. The next decision Jill has to make is much harder. She has to decide whether or not to have her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, which means she’ll need hormone replacement therapy. “It will put me into early menopause. But no one knows how my body will truly react to it because everyone’s body is different. I could have slight or severe symptoms.” Doctors recommended that Jill, now 34, gets the surgery no later than 35 years of age. “It’s tough because I feel like I lost a part of me already, and I feel like I’m so young — but I don’t want to lose myself to cancer, either. I went through two surgeries: one for the mastectomies, and the other when I had to have my implants put in. It’s just a lot physically, mentally, emotionally. But I feel like I have been given a gift. I have a head’s up to remove these parts so the cancer will never start.” A mom of three boys and one girl, Jill hopes to have a serious conversation with all her kids when they’re ready. For now, she just tells them little pieces of the story. “A lot of the precautions I took, I did for my kids. I think my mom telling me since I was 4 better prepared me. I saw what she went through, and I feel like it really helped. It was one of my life lessons. I hope to introduce it to, especially, my daughter so she’s aware. I can only hope when her generation comes to the forefront, doctors will know how to better treat it.”

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

If you are BRCA positive and would like to learn more about Jill and the gene, consider joining the Syracuse BRCA Support Group. Contact the support group leader Andrea Riccelli at syracusebrca@gmail.com for more information.

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Inspire syracuse women

JOAN KESSELRING & MARY GOSEK Sisters and Survivors

BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER “It is much harder to face cancer when it affects someone close to you than within yourself.” Mary Lester Gosek was 12 months NED, which means no evidence of disease. In her case, this meant that there were no more traces of ovarian cancer. Fighting her fight was never assumed to be difficult, but when it came to family — the battle was on. At the time of Mary’s one-year NED for ovarian cancer, her own sister, Joan Kesselring, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma — breast cancer. “I have little interest in a life without my sister,” Mary said. Growing up, Joan always had Mary as her role model and she enjoyed being around her. However, Joan now lives in DeWitt while Mary has stayed in their hometown, Oswego. They have had fewer opportunities to see each other and spend quality time together. “Mary’s fight with ovarian cancer brought many gifts,” Joan admitted. “It sounds crazy, but I was able to spend time with her at chemo that enriched our relationship. I would bring her a crazy little gift every time to make her laugh.” Because they were so close to each other, the sisters even found humor in what most would call a terrible situation. “I took this into my own recovery and tried to find humor in all of the craziness,” Joan said. “Mary has always been my role model and we joked that here I was again, copying her.” Before Mary was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she first battled a bout with thyroid cancer when it was detected in November of 2001. Mary was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer in July of 2012. Mary “never truly wanted to know” all the technical terms of this cancer because all she needed to know was that she was going to beat it. She has been a survivor of thyroid cancer for 12 years and she is now a survivor of ovarian cancer for two years. “Joan was my rock,” Mary said. “She did everything for me…visited during every chemo, brought me healthy options of food. I could not have gotten through chemo or the weeks after surgery without her.” After Joan was diagnosed, the two shared lunch visits around appointments. “We no longer live in the same city, so as weird as it seems [cancer] gave us visits we would not have gotten.” Although Mary and Joan are unaware of any other women in the family ever having breast or ovarian cancer, every woman in their life is very much aware. There are five sisters in the family, Mary has one daughter and Joan has two. They also have four nieces. “Our sisters and daughters are being very proactive for their own health,” Joan said. The current prognosis for Joan is “excellent” thanks to her treatment and care by her oncologist, she says. Joan first learned of her breast cancer diagnosis last November. Joan has become a certified yoga instructor and once her surgeries are complete, she wants to teach cancer survivors as well as others who (continued on page 48)

inspire

“My work has always focused on human dignity and social justice. That is my passion.”

::sw

Kate Flannery

Executive Director for the CNY affiliate of Susan G. Komen by Samantha McCarthy I Photo by Jussara Potter

“My background is in social work. For years I worked as an advocate for women victimized by domestic violence and sexual assault at both the Rape Crisis Center and Vera House,” said Kate Flannery, the executive director for the CNY affiliate of Susan G. Komen. Kate is not only passionate about women’s issues, but is driven to help people with their everyday problems. “My work has always focused on human dignity and social justice. That is my passion,” shared Kate, who is also a licensed social worker. Helping people in the community is something Kate strives to do, and being a social worker allows her to do that. After losing a dear family friend to breast cancer, Kate was drawn to the cause and wanted to raise awareness about the disease. “My life and my work are very intertwined,” she explained. When the opportunity to raise awareness came about, she had already heard about Race for the Cure, a fundraising event organized by Susan G. Komen each year. Kate wanted to be part of an organization that was donating dollars back to research to help as many local women suffering from breast cancer as possible. “For every dollar that is donated to Komen CNY, 75 percent is allocated for screening, treatment and education, right here locally in Central New York.” Since Kate lives and works in Onondaga County, she wanted to make sure the organization she worked for helped local women. “Twenty-five percent is combined with monies raised at other Komen affiliates, and used for breast cancer research nationally. Last year, that number was $40 million!” she shared. With a small staff, the CNY affiliate office partners with non-profit organizations to provide treatment. “Presently, the local grantees include Upstate Hospital, Crouse Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Onondaga County Health departments, Oswego Health departments and more.” The Race for the Cure is a series of races across the United States. Held in May each year in CNY, it is “the largest race of its kind nationally,” said Kate. It originally began at ShoppingTown Mall, but recently, the race has been held at the New York State Fairgrounds. “Last year, the local edition at the Fairgrounds marked the 20th anniversary of the CNY Race. More than $500,000 was raised and more than 5,000 people participated,” she explained. A new fundraising event for the CNY affiliate called “2014 Pink Tie Guys” is coming in October. The purpose of the event is to “engage the men in our community who support their mothers, wives, daughters and friends in this initiative,” said Kate. In the month of October, men will pledge to make a minimal donation of $500 to become a 2014 Pink Tie Guy. “2014 brings with it a new fundraising initiative here locally. One hundred local men dedicated to supporting women’s health will be designated Pink Tie Guys.” The diversity of men is important to show the community, explained Kate. All different types of men support breast cancer, and the Pink Tie Guys will be given a tie to show their support. Kate will have a launch party and a wrap-up party for the event because “we know that it is not just women who are affected by breast cancer.” (continued on page 48)

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

“Everything was special before; now it’s priceless.” ::sw

inspire

Traci Aikens

Breast Cancer Survivor by Amari D. Pollard I photo by Gerard H. Gaskin

Traci Aikens had been a vegetarian/OCC pescatarian since 1993, had never smoked, and occasionally had a glass of wine — but it wasn’t enough to keep the cancer away. In May of 2009, two months after her 38th birthday, Traci was diagnosed with stage 3A Her2-positive breast cancer, with less than 10 percent estrogen positive. After five years Traci’s cancer is still present. One day, Traci noticed a swollen area under her right armpit, so she put herself on antibiotics to see if it would improve. It didn’t. After getting a mammogram, she was told by a radiologist that she would need a biopsy. “My husband met me at home as I sobbed. So did he. We told just my parents and my best friend,” recounted Traci. “They all kept hoping for something that never came — a benign diagnosis.” Traci’s first surgeon said not to be anxious because she was probably stage one. Without further evaluation, her surgeon said all she needed was a lumpectomy and a little radiation, but in her heart Traci knew something was wrong. “If I had done that, I would be dead by now.” Traci and her family kept hoping things would get better, but each test was worse. When she met with a breast surgeon in Syracuse, she had an MRI, which showed she had three masses in her right breast and one in her left. Eventually her doctor discovered that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes. For months after her diagnosis, Traci sank into a depression. She couldn’t eat, dropped 25 pounds, felt dazed and cried a lot, especially when looking at her children. Traci’s son Declan and her daughter Quinn were almost four and two at the time of her diagnosis. While working for the County of Oswego Council on Alcoholism & Addictions (COCOAA) substance abuse office, Traci saw lives thrown away and people who didn’t take care of themselves. That was difficult for her to witness when all she wanted was to live for her family. At the same time, she worked as a nurse practitioner for Oswego Health and on the OB/GYN floor in Oswego Hospital (an Oswego Health affiliate). Eventually, Traci had to leave her positions at both Oswego Health locations because of mental and physical health concerns; it was too much for her immune system. Until recently, she was still working with COCOAA, but now Traci is solely working with Oswego Medical Consultants in adult practice part-time. Today, Traci and her husband try to keep their lives as normal as possible. “My husband or I are at every school function, moved to a great area for families, and eat dinner each night together,” shared Traci. “It is hard at times, but has been amazing. My children — I love them with all my heart.” Traci doesn’t know what she would have done without her family, and is so grateful to have a wonderful husband and great father to her children. She never doubts his love for her. “He has been there every step of the way. He is such a good man — he doesn’t deserve this. No one does. I love you, Roger.” Her dad takes her to treatments so (continued on page 48) syracuseWomanMag.com :: october 2014

inspire ::sw

JOAN KESSELRING & MARY GOSEK (cont)

Kate Flannery

kathie morris

need to heal. “My mantra is ‘breathe, the rest will come,’” shared Joan.

There are so many memorable moments for Kate as the executive director. “The blessing of my work is the people I meet — survivors, family members and advocates,” she explained, adding that the Race for the Cure takes her breath away every year as she watches the community come together. “Each year, we both celebrate the increasing number of survivors present and remember those we have lost. Progress is being made, and these people who walk together serve as a visual reminder of that fact.”

her husband doesn’t have to take time off from work, and he’s always supportive. Her mom, who she can’t imagine life without, is the main caretaker of her family and always has been. Traci’s aunts, uncles and friends make her laugh, respect her and treat her like her — not a cancer patient.

Both sisters have become well-known in the Central New York community with their advocacy efforts for breast and ovarian cancer awareness groups. Together they have raised awareness in addition to funds for local charities. This year, Joan led the way at the sixth annual Teal Ribbon Run as the top individual fundraiser while Mary’s team, Mary’s Mighty Team of Teal, raised more than $6,000 for Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness. Joan said, “It is healing and empowering to be a part of benefits for Hope for Heather as well as Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer because it gives us all connection and hope!” Mary said she considers herself lucky to have such a supportive family and to be a part of Hope for Heather, which truly has the same mission that she has in life — to raise awareness and to cure cancer. They both encourage women they meet to pay attention to their bodies and stay informed on the latest tests and developments. Together, these strong sisters are not only surviving two of the most prominent cancers in women, they are also working to protect other women and help them through the battle.

(cont)

Kate is a driven and supportive community member in Central New York. Her dedication to the cause is obvious through her kindness, passion and unending hope for others, evident in both her job as a social worker and role with the Susan G. Komen Fund. Helping local women and their families fight the battle of breast cancer is a goal for Kate and the CNY affiliate. “Where you live should not determine if you live.” For more information about the CNY Susan G. Komen Fund, visit komencny.org, like Komen CNY on Facebook at facebook.com/ CNYSusanGKomen, or follow @CNYKomen on Twitter.

“Be proactive and stay calm,” Mary says. “I believe my battle is bringing awareness to many. I try not to ever miss an option to talk to other women.”

(cont)

Traci has also received much support through the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program, which helps patients fighting cancer manage the appearance-related side effects of treatment. “The wonderful people with that program helped to make me look like a woman again, not just a cancer patient,” she explained. “The most important thing the Look Good Feel Better program does is support women who are lost, and sometimes, even for a little while, help them feel beautiful and confident again.” From her experiences, Traci hopes “cancer patients never forget who they are, who loves them, and never forget their goal is life — to be here, to give love and to be loved.” And for those without cancer, who love and care for those with cancer: “Never give up on us. We need everyone on our team to fight this.” She also wants people to not just aim for cancer prevention, but at further research for later stages as well. “Overall, my experiences with cancer made me take time out to realize what is most important every day; to not worry about the little things, and still make plans for your future,” expressed Traci. “That is what we are all fighting for. I love life, and I want more of it.”

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Maureen’s Hope

Celebrating 10 years of love, support and hope by Samantha McCarthy I photo by tara polcaro

“I started the foundation in memory of my sister, Maureen Horan Humphrey, who passed away from cancer in 2003 at the young age of 31 after a two-year battle with clear cell adenocarcinoma, a very rare and aggressive cervical cancer,” says Susan Bertrand. Susan is the founder of the Maureen’s Hope Foundation, which began in 2004. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Maureen’s Hope. To honor all it has accomplished, Susan and the foundation are hosting an event called Love, Laughs and Lager on Friday, Oct. 24. The event will be held at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Baldwinsville from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $75 a person and must be purchased by Oct. 10. Maureen was diagnosed with clear cell adenocarcinoma on June 5, 2001. “What was worse than the diagnosis was the grief she felt knowing she was going to lose her unborn child and never have the chance to conceive or carry her own child again,” shared Susan. “I can’t let go of what she taught me or how she made me feel and that is what brought me to starting the Maureen’s Hope Foundation.” Maureen’s Hope has been very supportive in Central New York for the past 10 years. Since Maureen’s birthday is in April, the foundation donates 60 Easter baskets in honor of her to children in the hospital. For the past six years, Maureen’s Hope has surprised many children on Easter morning with spring baskets, which are valued at about $150. In the fall, Maureen’s Hope takes 30 mothers — all of whom have children who have recently survived cancer or are currently battling cancer — to Skana Spa at the Turning Stone Casino. “Every women receives a treatment, lunch and, most importantly, time with other women that understand their journey,” said Susan. 50

october 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Most recently, Maureen’s Hope has sponsored the Beads of Courage Program at Golisano Children’s Hospital. The program began in 2012 to help pediatric oncology patients, and in October 2014, it will expand to support cystic fibrosis patients as well. “The Beads of Courage journey begins when each child is first given a length of string with beads that spell out their first name. Then, colorful beads, each representing a different treatment milestone, are given to the child by their professional health care provider to add to their Beads of Courage collection throughout their treatment,” explained Susan. To date, the Maureen’s Hope Foundation has given assistance and hope to more than 1,400 families facing the challenges of a cancer diagnosis or other life-altering disease, according to its website. At this year’s Love, Laughs and Lager event, three special appreciation awards will be given to an Outstanding Business Donor, Outstanding Individual Donor and Outstanding Volunteer. Event host Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., which has been a big supporter of Maureen’s Hope over the years, is set to receive the Outstanding Business Donor award. They are also donating their full array of products at no cost for the event. George Townsend, owner of Honda City in Liverpool, is the Outstanding Individual Donor; and Karen Anthony, who organizes the Easter Basket Project each year, will receive the Outstanding Volunteer award. Susan is an inspiring and motivated woman who has carried on the remembrance of her sister Maureen through a truly amazing organization that strives to help families stay hopeful while a family member is battling cancer. “I don’t think I had ever truly understood how essential it is to live your life with hope until I watched my younger sister Maureen during her two-year battle with cancer.” To order tickets, make a donation or for more information, visit maureenshope.org.

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Syracuse Woman Magazine

events SWM’s Events OUR JUNE COVER WOMAN TIES THE KNOT! A gifted wedding, loveGIVESwell, was a stunning success, according to planner Kate Brown, of The Lovewell Post. Thirty local wedding professionals generously gave their talents to Becky and Craig’s dream wedding. You may remember this story of a “love local bash” after Becky graced the cover of Syracuse Woman Magazine this past June. The gilded glory of the Landmark Theatre was the perfect backdrop for both the ceremony (officiated by Chris Fowler of Syracuse First) and their sparkling celebration. The event was hosted and planned by The Lovewell Post, “CNY’s beloved bridal blog.” To experience the whole story, and all the incredible contributors, visit lovewellpost.com. Photo Credits: Leo Timoshuk Photography and Tyler Brown Studio MAKING STRIDES FOR BREAST CANCER 2014 KICKOFF BREAKFAST On Thursday, Aug. 14, approximately 250 people gathered at the Double Tree on Route 298 in Syracuse to kick off fundraising for this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 19, in Clinton Square. Twenty survivors were honored at the breakfast, and the American Cancer Society’s community engagement representative from the Buffalo office, Joanna Jacob, emceed the event. Gordon Sullivan, a lead fundraiser and husband of a breast cancer survivor, and Danielle Delfanian, who makes and sells duct tape roses to raise money for the event, were just a few of the speakers there. Photo Credits: KDPritts Photography SIXTH ANNUAL TEAL RIBBON RUN & WALK More than 800 teal-clad runners and walkers came together at Lewis Park in Minoa on Saturday, Sept. 13, to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer. The rain came down hard at Hope for Heather’s Teal Ribbon Run and Walk, but that didn’t stop supporters from coming out and celebrating the cause — including local Congressman Dan Maffei. More than $60,000 was raised for ovarian cancer research. Wear Teal Day was also celebrated by many just one week prior to the race on Friday, Sept. 5, in recognition of September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

October 25, 2014 at 6 p.m.

Beak & Skiff at the 1911 Tasting Barn @ Apple Hill Campus LaFayette, NY A pouring extravaganza featuring tastings of wine, hard cider, food, entertainment and lots of fun to benefit the hungry in our community. Tickets on sale at www.samcenter.org/our-events/pour $70 per person

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october 2014 EVENTS CALENDAR

SWM Ladies’ Night at Saunacuse & Green Beauty Bliss

14 Empire State Marathon & Half Marathon

19 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

19 Love, Laughs & Lager

WHEN: 5 PM to 7:30 PM WHAT: Syracuse Woman Magazine, Saunacuse and Green Beauty Bliss by Erica Abdo have joined forces to host a ladies’ night. Enjoy wine tasting, light hors d’oeuvres, a Lulu Lemon trunk show, sauna sessions and salon products for sale, a raffle and good music. Come join us for a night of food, wine, fashion and friends! WHERE: 835 Hiawatha Blvd. West, Syracuse INFO: Free to attend. WHEN: 7:30 AM WHAT: The fourth annual Empire State Marathon and Half Marathon kicks off with the New York State Health &Wellness Expo Friday, Oct. 17, at Driver’s Village in Cicero. Marathon runners take off from NBT Bank Stadium parking lot on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and half marathoners will follow at 8 a.m. A family fun run begins at 8:30 a.m. WHERE: NBT Bank Stadium, 1 Tex Simone Dr., Syracuse INFO: For more information, visit empirestatemarathon.com. WHEN: 10 AM to 2 PM WHAT: Show your support for breast cancer awareness with this noncompetitive 1.5to 2.5-mile walk. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer celebrates survivors and shares hope and determination to cure breast cancer. It unites communities, raises awareness about how we can reduce our risk, and raises money for the American Cancer Society’s fight for breast cancer research, services and mammogram access. WHERE: Clinton Square, Syracuse INFO: To register, volunteer or for more information, visit main.acsevents.org. WHEN: 6:30 PM to 11 PM WHAT: To celebrate 10 years of helping people face the challenges of a cancer diagnosis or other life-altering disease, the Maureen’s Hope Foundation hosts “Love, Laughs & Lager” to raise funds and celebrate the impact made since inception. Enjoy food and drinks, as well as an award ceremony to announce the most outstanding business donor, outstanding individual donor and outstanding volunteer. WHERE: Anheuser-Busch Brewery, 2885 Belgium Rd., Baldwinsville INFO: Tickets are $75 a person and must be purchased by Oct. 10. To order or learn more visit maureenshope.org.

This walk gets us to

e n i l h s i n i f e h t faster.

When you walk and fundraise in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, you help the American Cancer Society make the greatest impact and save more lives in more communities, through groundbreaking research and programs like clinical trials matching and free rides to treatment. Walk with us, because you can help us finish the fight.

MakingStridesWalk.org/syracuse Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Syracuse October 19, 2014 Clinton Square ÂŠ2014, American Cancer Society, Inc.

Connecting Lives At St. Joseph’s, our doctors and nurses connect with patients and families from the moment they walk through our doors. It may be as simple as an honest conversation. Maybe it’s a few extra moments to make everyone more comfortable with a procedure. Whatever it is, you know that while you’re here, the people caring for you or a loved one are truly invested in delivering the best possible outcome. It’s our way of connecting lives – and that’s what it means to provide A Higher Level of Care. www.sjhsyr.org Resource Line (physician & program information): 315-703-2138 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203 St. Joseph’s is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis. Franciscan Companies is a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center system.