Syracuse Woman Magazine October 2018 by Lorna Oppedisano

October 2018

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October 2018

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C O N T E N T S

October

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR......................................................6 CONTRIBUTORS ...........................................................................7

PAST EVENTS ................................................................................9 FASHION Fashion Forward: The Power of Pink................................. 10

FOOD Syracuse Eats: The Fish Friar .............................................. 15 WBOC WBOC Leading Woman: Susie Ippolito........................... 19 HEALTHY WOMAN Special Feature: The Value of Welcome........................... 20 Beauty: Soul Beautiful ......................................................... 22

ON THE COVER Earnestine Williams ................................................................ 25 SYRACUSE READS Come Back Strong .................................................................. 30

REAL MEN WEAR PINK Chris Panebianco ................................................................. 32 FOR A GOOD CAUSE HOPE for Bereaved ............................................................. 34 INSPIRE Anne Snowden ..................................................................... 36 Chritina Wallace ................................................................... 40 Benedicte Doran .................................................................. 44

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UPCOMING EVENTS ................................................................ 48 MOVERS AND SHAKERS ........................................................ 50

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LETTER from the Editor

hen a series of events happens that seems just too perfect… is it fate or coincidence? Personally, I go back and forth about whether I believe in any sort of fate or if I just think things are totally and completely random. Maybe one day I’ll make up my mind and stick with it. That being said, there are a few crazy random happenstances (extra points for anyone who recognizes the “Doctor Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog” reference!) in my life that seem a little more fate than coincidence.

Getting this job Before being editor of SWM, I worked in Watertown as a magazine staff writer/editorial assistant. It was my first professional job. I figured I’d continue up the ladder until I’d gained enough experience to be an editor. That’s how it’s done, I thought, right? Long story short, I happened to meet the previous SWM editor, Alyssa, through an acquaintance. Having been living in Watertown and working in a predominantly malepopulated newspaper office, I thought, “Yes! Another woman who works in magazines! A friend!” Little did I know, Alyssa and I would be friends from afar. A couple months later, I received word that Alyssa was moving and had recommended I take the job. I took the leap and here we are!

Meeting this month’s cover woman Toward the end of last year, I received an email and phone call from Jason Torreano, Hiscock Legal Aid Society’s Justice For All campaign director. He pitched me a story idea: highlight some of the integral women of the organization. He connected me to some women, including former client and board member Earnestine Williams. After learning a small snippet of Earnestine’s story — that HLAS had helped her fight for custody of two grandsons while she was undergoing cancer treatment — I hoped there would be a chance to share more of her story. I’m excited that thought came to fruition. Learning more about her life and strength was incredibly inspiring. I am honored to share her story in this edition.

Meeting my fiancé Yes, you read it correctly, fiancé — as of the end of this summer on the summit of Dial Mountain during the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Xtreme Hike! I was never the girl who dreamt of getting married. I never thought I’d be back in the north country after leaving Watertown. I never thought I’d fall for an extremely quick-witted father of two. When I’d worked in Watertown, I met a great friend. He was a charmingly charismatic, slightly quirky weekly newspaper editor. When I moved back to Syracuse, we stayed friends. Before long, I realized he was one of the best friends I’d ever made. He motivated me. He encouraged. He inspired me. Then, about two years ago, I realized I love him and want to spend the rest of my life with him. Lucky for me, he agrees! So… maybe it is fate, after all. ON OUR COVER Earnestine Williams was photographed by Alice G. Patterson of Alice G. Patterson Photography at the American Cancer Society offices in East Syracuse. Special thanks for Jillain Salomone, owner of J.Luxe Salon, for Earnestine’s makeup styling.

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OUR TEAM Publisher

Alice G. Patterson Jacqueline Vidler Paul Carmen Viggiano

David Tyler

Editor Lorna Oppedisano

Design Andrea Reeves

PhotographERS Karanya Aksornkoae John Carnessali Ana Gil-Taylor Marita Hughes Susie Ippolito Steven J. Pallone

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nichole A. Cavallaro Susie Ippolito Jamie Jenson Christine A. Krahling Kate D. Mahoney Lorna Oppedisano Carol Radin Lacey Roy

Advertising sales Linda Jabbour Renée Moonan 315.657.0849 315.657.7690 ljabbour@eaglenewsonline.com rmoonan@eaglenewslonline.com

ADVERTISE WITH US Unlike any other publication in the Syracuse 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

The magazine is published 12 times a year by Community Media Group, LLC and Eagle Publications, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206

Copyright © 2018 Community Media Group, 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 Community Media Group, LLC and will not be returned.

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CONTRIBUTORS This month, we asked our contributors what they love about Syracuse!

Christine A. Krahling

Jamie Jenson

Find her work on page 30 What do I love about Syracuse? The generosity of its people, among both friends and small business owners, that I've met along the way since moving here. Connect with me: keepcalmandwrite.com

Find her work on pages 41 and 45 What do I love about Syracuse? I love the wonderful people! I feel incredibly lucky to live in such a diverse and culturally rich city. Connect with me: Twitter or Instagram @jamieljenson

Freelance writer

Marita Hughes

Freelance photographer

Steven J. Pallone

Freelance photographer

Find her work on pages 34 and 36 What do I love about Syracuse? The first warm day of the year where a jacket isn't required. I guess if I lived somewhere south I wouldn't know what's that like. Connect with me: MaritaAHughes@ gmail.com

Find his work on page 15 What do I love about Syracuse? I love that it's just enough city and just enough nature. I live about 15 minutes from downtown and only a couple miles from a major shopping center, but I'm also a block away from a state park. Connect with me: stevenjpallone.com

Nichole A. Cavallaro

Alice G. Patterson

Freelance writer and photographer

Find her work on page 11 What do I love about Syracuse? Destiny Mall Connect with me: Instagram @eneverythingnice

LACEY ROY

Freelance writer

Find her work on page 19 What do I love about Syracuse? The Syracuse culture! Our Opera, the Everson, the Spanish Action League and so much more! Connect with me: eroylacey@gmail.com

Susie Ippolito

Freelance writer and photographer

Find her work on page 22 What do I love about Syracuse? Regardless of our current weather gripe, it is always very beautiful here. Also, blueberry muffins from Harrison Bakery. Connect with me: susie@susieippolito.com October 2018

Freelance writer

Freelance photographer

Find her work on the cover, as well as pages 19 and 25 What do I love about Syracuse? I love that most of the honking you hear is the Canadian Geese flying overhead. I love seeing (and hearing) the huge flocks that pass through here. Connect with me: agpphoto.com or Instagram @alicegpatterson

Carol Radin

Freelance writer

Find her work on page 37 What do I love about Syracuse? The summer music and street festivals. Apple-picking! Great downtown restaurants! Connect with me: cvradin@ gmail.com

Paul Carmen Viggiano Freelance photographer

Find his work on pages 40 and 44 What do I love about Syracuse? The People! Connect with me: paul@ paulcarmenphotography.com or 917-697-5855 SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

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PAST SWM Events

13 October 2018

12 1-5) BizEventz hosted the Successful Business Women Event on Wednesday, July 18, at Embassy Suites, Destiny. Photography by Ana Gil-Taylor. 6-9) The seventh annual Philanthropic Foodies culinary showcase was July 29 at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. The event raised approximately $51,000 for two local nonprofits: Friends of Dorothy House and Shamrock Animal Fund. Photography by John Carnessali. 10-12) Sky Armory and Syracuse Woman Magazine hosted a launch party to celebrate the annual September Style edition of the magazine at Sky Armory on Thursday, Sept. 6. Photography courtesy Sky Armory. 13) The WBOC kicked off its 2018/2019 programming with Growing Connections Through Adversity, featuring speaker Linda Argila, on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at the Genesee Grande. Photography by Jacqueline Vidler.

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FASHION FORWARD The Power of Pink

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An Everyday Staple By Nichole A. Cavallaro

h, pink: the perfect hybrid. Pink is a combination of red and white, a hue that can be described as a tint. It can range from berry pinks to salmon pinks. It can symbolize many meanings, such as love or playfulness. It also stands as the official color of breast cancer awareness, which we honor this month and throughout the year. In almost every culture, one stereotype emerges: pink is associated with girls, blue with boys. However, it’s accurate to say pink is definitely a universal color. Here are some ways to incorporate the hue into your everyday life.

Makeup Some of us have pink in our skin tones and that can play a big part in what makeup we choose, if you wear makeup. I have yellow undertones, so finding certain pinks to compliment my skin tone is a different experience than that of someone with a fairer skin tone. I can’t pull off hot pink lips, but a woman with fair skin definitely can. On the other hand, I am able to confidently wear nude lipstick with pink undertones, which can wash out a woman with fair skin. If you wear lipstick, glosses, stains or balms, there’s a pink for every skin tone. Same goes for nail polishes and blushes. The fun part is going to a drug store or even Sephora, plucking a few pinks and swatching them on your hand to see which you immediately gravitate towards. Then, give it a whirl and see which you could easily wear and live with each day. Tip: The lip tints made by “Fresh” found in Sephora are the softest twist-up lip balms and give you a perfect hint of natural pink. I don’t wear lipsticks. Glosses are my thing, and it’s good to have something to put on quickly that can moisturize your lips. They go on like a chapstick, so I don’t need to worry too much about application.

Wear it Whether you’re a romper or pantsuit owner, the tone of pink can make a difference. Pink pantsuits offer a feminist statement; they also make power-dressing easy and flattering. Wear the jacket and pants together or break up the pieces as indies. Team the pants with a blouse or peplum tee. Wear the blazer over a dress or pencil skirt or with a T-shirt and jeans.

October 2018

Pink pantsuits are everywhere — from Topshop to H&M and (yes!) Target — but you can put together a DIY version with any pink pant and blazer. If you do mix, don’t aim for a match, since pinks vary according to fabrics. A light pink jacket and raspberry pink pants send a pulled-together message with creative flair. Same goes for a pair of deep rose cords and a lighter pink cardigan set or T-shirt. It’s not too much of a good thing if it’s done tastefully. A color I am in love with currently: the deep, dusty rose that looks like it might be too “blah.” But, when paired with creams, grays and bright whites, it’s a color worth having.

At work or working out Pink softens black, while black turns pink’s innocent quality edgy. It’s a good way to mix evening and casual, old and new, sporty and tailored, and also update your wardrobe with minimal new additions. You might wear a pink sweater with a dressy black skirt and black platform sneakers or pair a pink sweater with black jeans, sneakers and a bag. Or, do the fun thing like I did, and purchase light pink running shoes from the APL line. Low-key pinks in the rose quartz range have always been urbane, chic and flattering favorites of ours. And, yes, black makes light pink fierce, but you’ll get a more muted tonal effect by pairing it with camel, beige, ivory or dove gray.

Mindset Stop thinking of this hue as a flash-in-the-pan trend or a seasonal thing. Give it permanent wardrobe status. A touch of pink can elevate any outfit, such as tulip pink pants with a simple white shirt and black pumps, a hot pink scarf as a neckline filler or pink-and-white pumps with a white dress. Pink can make an outfit plush (think about a velvet tunic, cashmere sweater or silk blouse) or give it a casual trendy pop (like pink ankle jeans, a neon-pink leather tote or pink suede loafers). Move over, leopard print! Pink might be your new style soulmate. SWM Nichole A. Cavallaro is a Syracuse-based lifestyle blogger. Read more of her work at eneverythingnice.blogspot.com.

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October 2018

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Photography by Steven J. Pallone

SYRACUSE EATS The Fish Friar

Bringing Fresh Seafood Downtown from page 15 From left: Derek Spanfelner, general manager; Lauran Faes, prep cook; Giovanni Giardina, co-owner.

Photography by Steven J. Pallone

Bringing Fresh Seafood Downtown

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By Lorna Oppedisano

hen The Fish Friar co-owner, Giovanni Giardina, began his career in the Syracuse restaurant industry at Alto Cinco, he was asked why he wanted to join the team. “I want to open up my own restaurant one day,” he answered. He spent the next several years learning the ins and outs of the industry and, in 2013, helped open Otro Cinco in downtown Syracuse. The Pink Edition

October 2018

Photography by Steven J. Pallone Photography by Steven J. Pallone

Then, in April 2017, his dream became a reality when he opened The Fish Friar at 239 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. With a simple menu of fresh seafood cuisine paired with craft beer and wines, the restaurant’s mission is “to bring super-fresh, wild-caught seafood from the coast of Maine to Syracuse,” according to its website. Along with influence from his family and upbringing, Giovanni was drawn to specializing in fresh seafood because he found that locally “there’s nowhere to get fried fish and sit down,” he said. Once the location was found, Giovanni and co-owner Phillip Kelly got to work creating the design and atmosphere of the eatery. They aimed to keep things clean and simple, complimenting the existing tin ceiling with dark wood floors, wooden tables crafted from countertops and white walls. In terms of the menu creation and sourcing, Giovanni knew the foundation of the menu would be breaded fish, shipped a couple times a week from Maine and never frozen. “That gives people who want fresh seafood the sense that this is pure,” he said. The Fish Friar’s unique specialty is what brought the restaurant’s general manager, Derek Spanfelner, on board. “That was part of my appeal for joining up here,” he said, “that there was a niche that hadn’t been explored in Syracuse.” Derek brought knowledge of craft beer and fine wines to the table when he joined the team. He’s worked to create relationships with local brewers, which have led to pairing events at the restaurant. Check The Fish Friar’s Facebook page for upcoming events. When the team opened the restaurant, they strove to create a place not just customers would love, but staff, as well. “It’s one big team,” Derek said, explaining that they aim for as little separation as possible between staff who create the food and those who serve it. Many members of the team are even crosstrained, including prep cook Lauran Faes. Lauran actually became familiar with The Fish Friar as a customer. She loved the environment so much that she eventually asked to join the team. What drew her was the “the whole idea: the fresh seafood, the sustainability of it,” she said. “I just loved the whole infrastructure of it all.” Now, Lauran and the team make everything from menu items to the restaurant’s specials,

which are often based on what they find at the market that morning. They also partner with other downtown restaurants to create off-menu specials. It’s a community of neighbors they’re excited to collaborate with. “It’s cool because we’re helping each other grow. We’re here doing this together. It doesn’t feel competitive to me,” Derek said.

“We’re all building downtown together.” “Everyone’s helping each other,” Giovanni agreed. SWM The Fish Friar is located at 239 E. Genesee St. in downtown Syracuse. For menus and specials, hours, events and more, visit thefishfriar.com or facebook.com/thefishfriar. You can also connect with them on Instagram @thefishfriar.

That was part of my appeal for joining up here, that there was a niche that hadn’t been explored in Syracuse.” — Derek Spanfelner, The Fish Friar general manager SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

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WBOC LEADING WOMAN Susie Ippolito

Building a Brand in Syracuse By Lacey Roy

earing a classic sundress and trendy frames, Susie Ippolito is magnetic even from a distance. Laughter and gratitude are sprinkled through conversations. With a Long Island accent you can’t help smile at and an understated-yet-fashionable style, Susie is a breath of fresh air. As writer and creative director of Susie Ippolito, LLC, Susie is constantly working to inspire. With an international team beside her, she takes businesses on a journey of discovery and success through a unique approach. Having started in the makeup industry, Susie quickly learned what a truly successful brand was comprised of. She seamlessly transitioned from makeup-artist-with-a-blog to editor for a beauty platform, which ignited a love affair with writing and the power of words. “Branding isn’t something that can just be established overnight,” Susie said. “With hard work upfront, branding comes from clients and the outside, which indicates what a business’ branding should be.” Collaborating with each client and her team, there’s no brand-building feat Susie can’t tackle. From website design to creative and poignant content to app design, Susie’s team is all-encompassing and valuable. Smiling as she talks about her work and career, it’s apparent Susie cherishes and loves everything about it. With a podcast, “Intelligent Creative Content,” coming out soon and a passion for making other brands successful, she is making her mark.

October 2018

Having spent most of her life downstate until her recent move to Syracuse, Susie’s missed her family the most throughout the new transition. “I’m the middle of five kids and being away from them, my family and friends, is the toughest part,” she said. “I’ve never lived this far from home before.” Making connections and getting established in a new environment can be difficult and take time. Thanks to the strong community of women in Syracuse, though, Susie didn’t face that problem for long. At the WISE Symposium in April 2017, Susie connected with a number of people, including Syracuse Woman Magazine editor Lorna Oppedisano, which led to an opportunity for Susie to contribute to the magazine. That connection led to other key introductions, including membership in the WBOC and volunteer involvement in Father Champlin’s Guardian Angel Society. Within a short period of time, she started establishing roots in Syracuse. Although Manhattan can feel like a world away, Susie’s found she enjoys the fine points Syracuse has to offer, including the more laidback lifestyle. A foodie who loves to cook, she’s found Central New York’s produce to be invaluable and something Manhattan just can’t compete with. Offering new friends and connections, great food and a different culture, Syracuse has been fun to explore and learn, she said. Taking into account her drastic move to the area, it’s no surprise that Susie is brave. Her fearlessness extends to her writing, as well. Recently, she began to explore the raw and emotional side of writing. She tested her courage in the face of vulnerability by delving into writing and publishing deeply personal writing. “That moment revealed so much more to me and so much more bravery,”Susie said. Cherishing language and connection, she’s grateful for the lessons she’s learned and the new chapter of her life that is unfolding. With her dedication to and involvement in the community, Susie is a welcome addition to Syracuse. SWM To learn more about Susie’s business, visit susieippolito.com.

Women Business Opportunities Connection (WBOC) is a non-profit organization that has been supporting the Syracuse and CNY area for more than 25 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. Hair styling by: Ashleigh Greenough (@blondedmane) of The Salon at CNY Face Candy.

That moment revealed so much more to me and so much more bravery.” — Susie Ippolito, writer and content creator SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE The Value of Welcome

Colorblind Caring By Kate D. Mahoney

What if everyone always felt welcome? I had the opportunity to share State Fair on Women’s Day. it’s a tricky business, women

hat if, in the month of the pink ribbon, we were color blind? What if the patient with the diagnosis was given a marketing budget, resources, treatment an invitation to be a part of a conversation — before there was of worthiness? In a time when division is getting a lot of play in our culture, what if we committed to elevating each other, in all phases of wellness and illness? What would that really look like?

for a long time now. So, why are we still so comfortable with letting what we do or don’t have Even though the noise around it is often the loudest, jobs, money, neighborhoods and even cancer aren’t what make women great leaders, mothers, teachers or people. Love, respect, dignity – that’s at our core. We don’t always ask for it. We don’t always acknowledge that we need, or needed, more of it. We don’t always believe we deserve to give or receive it.

We are deeply engrained in a much so, I think we forget it’s actually a framework of members and guests. In crisis, what we choose may feel like the only option we have. In reality, the truth doesn’t always match the hindsight. We have the power — and dare I say, the responsibility — to invite one another in. We are the world’s welcome wagon. Twenty-six years ago this month, I was diagnosed with stage 4 germ cell ovarian cancer. I was 14. Cancer was kind of like an unexpected visitor, one who arrived on the doorstep unannounced and invited itself to stay for few days. Mail arrived in its name. Furniture was delivered. Rooms started being taken over and, before I knew it, cancer had made its home in my life

and my family. In our collective vulnerability, my parents and I decided to welcome cancer, setting in motion a chain of events in which we often became the spoils and it the victor. Surviving cancer — in a world in which many do not — challenged my belief in my

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own worth. I’ve doubted my deservedness to be loved. As a professional, I’ve questioned my capacity to command respect. I neglected to see cancer as something I could collaborate with. I forgot to welcome myself. I forgot that I wasn’t cancer. Today, my travels take me all over the world sharing and hearing people’s stories. My favorite moment continues to be

regardless of medical status. We are all members and guests, depending on circumstance.

they have been given a seat at the table, just as they are. Amidst fundraising and

Kate D. Mahoney is a speaker, actor/educator, patient & caregiver ambassador and author. Her book,

cancer but upcoming elections as well — consider looking not at what someone or something will give or take from you, but what both sides might

and Barnes & Noble. To continue the conversation or book Kate for an event, email MahoneyKateD@ gmail.com.

responsibility go hand in hand. We are all patients and caregivers,

October 2018

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Stop by to visit with Kate and pick up a copy of her book, Junior League Holiday Shoppes on Nov. 9, 10 and 11.

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Strength in Grace and Beauty soul beautiful

BEAUTY Soul Beautiful

Story and photography by Susie Ippolito

errie McNeil, founder of Soul Beautiful, Inc., and That Hair Place in Baldwinsville, is an inspirational woman. Her positivity is contagious and her spirit is vibrant. Terrie lives her life’s mission to create beauty from ashes and, in the process, serves as a reminder of women’s responsibility to care for one another. Terrie has been on a lifelong journey that led her to create Soul Beautiful, a nonprofit foundation that gives surprise makeovers to women undergoing cancer treatment. Recently, Soul Beautiful evolved to include “any woman who is broken from a life circumstance or illness,” Terrie said. When Terrie was just 9 years old, her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at age 41 with five children. Her mother lived for nine more years, going in and out of remission. Terrie watched her mother’s appearance change many times as her illness progressed. Throughout her teenage years, Terrie wished she could help her mother look and feel better, but she didn’t have the skill set to help. At age 16, Terrie decided she would go to BOCES for cosmetology to gain the skills to help her mother. Terrie’s mother passed shortly after Terrie graduated high school and two weeks before she got married. Terrie never got a chance to help her mother feel better. “I knew at that point that I wanted to help women with cancer,” Terrie said. “It is my way to pay tribute to my mother and to honor her.”

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You give what you get It’s often said that when we give of ourselves, we get back far more than we give and many of the benefits are unknown to us in the moment. Terrie is a living example of this. Her generosity and kindness are her way of paying forward the many ways people helped her family though her mother’s illness. “People always gave of themselves to help our family,” she said. “I could not comprehend that at 9 years old but, looking back, I realize that I was brought up this way. I never forgot everyone that gave and how it impacted our lives.” A generous spirit seems to come naturally to Terrie, who describes herself as “an all-in girl.” She recalled the first time she donated her own money. “I was in church and I had just finished babysitting. I think I had $8 in my pocket. I remember the basket came by and something in me said ‘Just give it all,’ and I did!” Terrie remembered. “I remember putting it all in without hesitation.” It is with this same spirit that Terrie created Soul Beautiful. She followed her heart and listened to her instincts and, once again, went all in to gain the knowledge she needed to accomplish her goals.

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Follow your heart

To fund the makeovers, Terrie accepts donations of gently worn

undergoing cancer treatment. She connected with the foundation’s “Little did I know, I would meet someone who would help me obtain a plan for something that has been a dream of mine for a long time,” she remembered. Terrie wanted her salon to be part of their program. She was initially include a spa. Terrie was disappointed but didn’t take no for an answer. Gorgeous foundation was so impressed with her yearning to make a Terrie went through intensive training on how to address the special beauty needs of a woman undergoing cancer treatment. “Her immune system is compromised, so we have to take care of certain aspects of how we do things,” she explained. “Everything we use Soon after Terrie started giving Hello Gorgeous surprise makeovers to local women, she “had a heart to launch out and do it on [her] own,” she said. In January of 2018, Terrie incorporated Soul Beautiful and was “A vision is just a dream until you have a plan to see it through,” she said. “Working with Hello Gorgeous for a year gave me a good idea on how things need to run.”

Boutique located inside her salon in Baldwinsville. Terrie has been able to fully support the program with the proceeds from the boutique and 100 percent of the funds go towards the makeovers.

Get past the struggle At various times in her life, Terrie had to choose between her desire to help women battling cancer and all the curveballs life was throwing her. Soon after she lost her mother, her young husband was diagnosed with cancer. He beat it, living a long life until he was diagnosed again decades later. He was sick for three years. In that time, they faced the requisite battles with health insurance copays and exhaustion of resources to cover prescriptions costing more than a mortgage payment. During that season of her life, Terrie kept her faith and she knew she had to “get past the here and now and the struggle that [she was] in in order to get to the purpose of it,” she remembered. women in the area, she said. Her mission is to tie beauty and self care into “an important soul truth,” she said. “It’s about making an imprint on the soul and how we feel in the moment,” Terrie said. SWM To learn more about That Hair Place and Soul Beautiful, Inc., visit thathairplace.org.

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COVER STORY Earnestine Williams

EaRNESTINE WILLIAMS BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

Photography by Alice G. Patterson

You make your outcome what you want it to be.” — Earnestine Williams, breast cancer survivor

October 2018

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COVER story Earnestine Williams

Paying Strength Forward By Lorna Oppedisano

n Dec. 7, 2011, Earnestine Williams treated herself to an annual birthday present: a trip to the doctor’s office for a mammogram. Soon after, she missed a few calls from the doctor’s office. Thinking it was likely about a client from her work as an enrollment department manager at Molina Healthcare, she wasn’t worried. A few days later, she received a letter requesting she call the office. Then, she began to worry. She learned they’d found something during the routine mammogram. After a biopsy that weekend — her birthday weekend — Earnestine was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. To make matters worse, her mother also suffered from a stroke that same week. Then, months later, while Earnestine was going through chemotherapy and radiation, her daughter, Shontravia, passed away suddenly and Earnestine was forced to fight for custody of her grandson. The story doesn’t stop there. When her cancer treatment was almost complete, she found herself in a custody battle once again for another grandson. When Earnestine recalled these challenges, she did so with quiet and confident inner strength.

Join Earnestine in the fight against breast cancer at this year’s American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. When: 8:30 to 11: 30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14 Where: SRC Arena, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse Help raise money to fund research, provide free information and support and help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. For more information, visit facebook.com/ MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancerOfSyracuseNy.

“My mind was all over the place,” she remembered, adding that she thought about her job, finances, long-term effects and her hair. “I wasn’t ready for any of this. I prayed on it. I took it for what was and I never looked backed. I didn’t let it get the best of me. Easier said than done, but a lot easier when you don’t focus on what it could have been.” Just face things and keep going, she advised. “Don’t think about what the outcome could be,” Earnestine said. “You make your outcome what you want it to be.”

Building a foundation Earnestine moved from a small town in Georgia to Syracuse almost 30 years ago with her then-boyfriend and 7-year-old daughter. Earnestine was pregnant when they moved to Syracuse in October and had her son the following March. Soon, she was a single parent raising two young children. Her family gave her a strong base. “I’m thankful for the strong women in my life,” she said. “My mother, my aunt and my cousins gave me the foundation to make it here. My mother’s words of wisdom were, ‘You can’t give up if you want to make it.’ My aunt’s support and two wonderful cousins here in Syracuse and Auburn area taught me how to be a strong woman. It’s hard working, raising children, going to school and taking care a home, but it makes you strong.” So, Earnestine earned an associate’s degree from Bryant & Stratton College and began working for temp agencies. Being a single parent with two young children, she knew it was crucial to have health insurance. Initially, Earnestine was eligible to have her children covered through Medicaid. When she began working full time for Total Care through a temp agency, her children were covered by Child Health Plus. Through her more than two-decade-long career with Molina Healthcare, Earnestine has relied on her own experiences to help people navigate through the health care system. “I love it because it gives me opportunity to give back to the community,” she said. “The people that we work with, they’re going through what I’ve been through. I moved here with no income and no job, pregnant with my son and in need of health insurance. Many of the clients we assist are new to the area and in need of health insurance.” With options aimed at making health insurance more widely available, Earnestine would like to see more people have health insurance for themselves and their families. With health insurance, illness can more easily be prevented and fewer people will struggle, she explained, adding that more people will be able to work and give their family a better life. “You don’t know what’s out there for you until you get into those situations. There are so many people who don’t know where to start,” she said. “So, being in the field that I am in, I’m thankful that — from my own personal experience and then from my job — I can help people navigate through that system.” Continued on page 28

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Photography by Alice G. Patterson

Don’t take life for granted. Go get your mammograms.” — Earnestine Williams, breast cancer survivor

October 2018

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COVER story Earnestine Williams

Paying Strength Forward from page 26 When Earnestine was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatments, she saw firsthand the importance of having health insurance when battling a serious illness. “If I hadn’t died from the cancer, I would have died from the bills,” she said with a chuckle. “I’m just thankful I had health insurance.”

Connecting with CLASP After finding out in early December 2011 that she had breast cancer, Earnestine wanted to start fighting it right away. “So, I went in and had my surgery three days before Christmas. I wasn’t waiting,” she said. “I refused to wait.” The surgery was successful, and in February 2012, Earnestine began treatment — three cycles of chemotherapy and 48 shots of radiation, lasting until 2014. Her worst fear with the treatments was getting sick. Thanks to a few different nausea medications, she managed to avoid that. “Even though it was a really bad situation, I received really good treatment the whole time,” she remembered. “My oncologist prescribed me great medications to help prevent nausea during my chemo treatments. So, I was very thankful for that.” While the cancer was caught in its early stages and the treatments were manageable, Earnestine faced tragedy in other areas of her life during that time. “I had gone out of town for the weekend,” Earnestine remembered. “That Sunday morning, my grandson, Deiondre’ — then only 12 years old — called to tell me his mom had a seizure. We had taught him that when she had seizures, the only thing he could do was try to keep her from falling on the floor and call 911. He had did everything we had taught him.” She drove back to Syracuse to meet her family at the hospital. “Never did it cross my mind that she was gone,” she remembered. “But I knew something was wrong.” She arrived at the hospital and learned the news that her daughter had passed away. After Shontravia’s funeral, Earnestine began to look into the process of gaining custody of Deondre’. Though he was living with her, she was not his legal guardian at the time. Through a coworker, Earnestine became familiar with the Hiscock Legal Aid Society, an organization founded to help provide free legal assistance to anyone in the area in need. She learned the organization offered a program specifically for cancer survivors, the Cancer Legal Advocacy and Services Project or CLASP. According to HLAS’ website, the program offers legal services including lifetime planning, access to healthcare, income maintenance, family law, employment and housing preservation/eviction prevention. The legal aid society helped Earnestine through the process and she finalized custody of her grandson in October 2012.

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The following year, when Earnestine’s treatments were almost complete, she found herself turning to HLAS's once again to gain custody of Malique, the son of her son, Tracey. Now, Earnestine and Tracey share joint custody of Malique, with Earnestine functioning as his primary caregiver. While battling breast cancer, Earnestine became a parent all over again — twice. “It was a change,” she said, comparing her experiences parenting. “Raising my kids and these kids, it’s like two different worlds.”

Giving back Through every struggle Earnestine has endured and conquered, she’s found an opportunity to give back and pass on her knowledge and experience. Though she’s been cancer-free for almost six years now, Earnestine stays involved with the American Cancer Society through the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. She’s raised more than $3,000 for the organization and recruited more than 15 people to help join the fight. Along with the work she does with Molina Healthcare to help people navigate the health care system, she’s personally connected with many people diagnosed with cancer, as well. “It’s not part of my job, but because I’ve been there, I’m thankful that I can help,” Earnestine said. She also served on the HLAS board for three years, assisting not only in guidance but also helping to organize the society’s largest fundraiser. Though she’s no longer a member of the board, Earnestine hopes to stay involved with fundraising efforts, to continue giving back to one of the organizations that helped her through an overwhelming and difficult time. It’s no exaggeration that Earnestine has been through a lot. When people remark that she’s a strong person, she assures them she “has her days,” she said. “There are some days that I just want to sit in a corner and cry, but that’s not going to get me anywhere,” she said. “I have to get up and keep going. I have to be strong.” For anyone who finds themselves faced with so many challenges at once, Earnestine’s advice is to take things one day at a time and keep pushing forward. She finds strength in her faith, she said, explaining that she’s here for a reason. “Don’t take life for granted,” Earnestine said. “Go get your mammograms. Support those who are out there struggling. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October. Support us.” SWM

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Photography by Alice G. Patterson

Cancer Legal Advocacy and Services Project Learn more about Hiscock Legal Aid Society’s CLASP program at hlalaw.org.

Support the organization at HLAS’s Justice For All event.

When: 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10 Where: Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse RSVP: jtorreano@hlalaw.org October 2018

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SYRACUSE READS Come Back Strong

Interview with Lori Ann King By Christine A. Krahling

his month, we talked to athlete, author and wellness coach Lori Ann King, author of “Come Back Strong.” In our interview, Lori candidly discussed her experience having a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and both ovaries) at the age of 43, which thrust her into surgical menopause. Read on to learn about what she learned from this experience and what she wants other women to know about balance and empowerment during difficult times.

SWM: For those who may not be familiar, let’s start with the obvious: what is surgical menopause and how is it different from typical menopause? Lori: Surgical menopause occurs when the ovaries are surgically removed (oophorectomy) or are damaged by disease, radiation, chemotherapy or other medications. This causes a sudden drop in estrogen and an immediate plunge into menopause. By contrast, in natural menopause, symptoms appear gradually and are sometimes so subtle that we barely notice the changes; and when we do, we can tackle one or two symptoms at a time as they pop up. So, the symptoms are the same, but the main difference is the timeframe and intensity.

and push, staying up late, getting up early. We don’t rest. We forget to play. We work hard. When our schedule overflows, our self-care activities are what get dropped. Slowly, the cumulative effects of stress build up and we find ourselves burned out, overwhelmed and fatigued. We are already stressed out and then a life event like surgical menopause pushes us beyond our limits and intensifies things that are already out of balance. I have since learned that a balanced life requires — even demands — rest, recovery and play on a daily basis. I had to learn to make this a regular aspect of my life, not a quick fix.

SWM: In “Come Back Strong,” you suggest women stay empowered by playing an active role in their medical plan. What are some suggestions for doing so? Lori: Know your personal and family medical history and share it with each of your doctors. Educate yourself on your options and alternatives, especially when it comes to surgery, drugs and lifestyle changes. Ask questions. Remember, there are no stupid questions. Ask and keep asking.

SWM: You discuss the importance of the mind-body connection in your book. Why is it so vital to healing after surgery and for handling menopause? Lori: Our minds can be our most powerful tools or our worst enemies. If we let negative thoughts run out of control, stress will most certainly manifest. When my system was compromised by the hormonal fluctuations of menopause, negative thoughts and emotions made my symptoms even more challenging. The more I focused on my symptoms, the more frustrated, anxious and overwhelmed I felt. I found that positive thoughts and feelings of gratitude, love, hope and happiness helped to lessen my symptoms.

SWM: You say in the book’s introduction that even two years after your hysterectomy, you were still seeking balance. What do you think attributed to that? And why do you think, as women, finding a healthful balance after surgery can be difficult? Lori: Months after my surgery, most people thought I was living a normal life and fully functioning. But I wasn’t myself. I was no longer calm and peaceful and I certainly did not exude joy. So many women, myself included, are praying for “a break” from our crazy, busy lives. This is the opportunity to take it. If we don’t, healing and recovery can take longer. What if our symptoms are our bodies’ ways of saying, “Hey? Love me. Hug me. Nurture me. Think good things about me. Get more rest. Stop feeding me that.” Are we listening? If I’m honest with myself, life before my hysterectomy was lived at 180 miles per hour. I think this is common for many women. We push 30

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Get a second opinion; it is perfectly acceptable. Take notes and/or bring a friend to your appointment. I’ve found that when I invite a friend along, my friend provides an objective point of view, along with the opportunity to take notes. Do your part. Part of staying empowered is doing your part to live a healthy lifestyle. Fortify the body with good nutrition. Reduce stress. Stop smoking. Lose weight if you need to. If you have other conditions, discuss them with your medical team to make sure they are well-controlled. Get adequate rest. Remember to play.

SWM: You discuss complementary medicine, practices rooted in ancient beliefs and healing practices. What advice do you have for women who would like to add complementary wellness practices into their lives — either post-surgically or otherwise — but are hesitant? Lori: I believe we hesitate for two reasons. We don’t understand something and/or we have told ourselves a story. So often, our stories are borrowed. In any case, holding onto these beliefs and fears can leave us resistant to trying something that could be extremely beneficial to our health. Education is power. Most practitioners will offer a consult to help you understand their treatment.

October 2018

SWM: In the section “Uncover and Embrace Your Passion,” you say women may not know or realize their purpose right away. What would you say to women who are trying to find their purpose after a surgery such as this or as a result of another major life change? Lori: Consider what makes you laugh and what makes you cry. If you are moved to either emotion, it deserves exploration. Think back to your childhood or to a time in your life you were truly happy. What were you doing? Your passion and purpose may become obvious.

SWM: If there was one thing you’d want women who have experienced surgical menopause to know, what would that be? Lori: We have more control than we think we do. This may feel like a major setback, but take the time to heal and know you can come back from this. You can come back strong. SWM For more information on Lori Ann King, “Come Back Strong” and her story, visit loriannking.com. Interview was edited for length and clarity. Read more from Christine A. Krahling at keepcalmandwrite.com

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REAL MEN WEAR PINK Chris Panebianco

Creating Community Change

ach year, men in our community volunteer their time and efforts to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer as part of the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. This year, we talked with Real Man Chris Panebianco, CMO of Bankers Healthcare Group, about his role in the community, how he got involved with the ACS and how his sister’s battle with breast cancer inspires him.

SWM: Tell us a little about yourself. Chris: I’m chief marketing officer for Bankers Healthcare Group, a leading provider of financial solutions for licensed healthcare professionals. I manage an integrated marketing team of 23 individuals in creative, digital marketing, media, direct mail, public relations, email marketing and web development.

SWM: Why is supporting charity efforts in the community important to you? Chris: I have a history here and I’m committed to building a future here. No matter where you look in the community, there are needs that aren’t being met. If there’s something I can do to help, whether it’s donating, fundraising or volunteering, I’m up for the challenge. I’m fortunate to work for a very good company whose owners believe that if the business is successful, it’s our obligation and civic duty to give back to our neighbors. Caring is what BHG stands for and we built a platform for which to do it, called BHG Cares.

SWM: How did you become involved with the American Cancer Society? Chris: We knew we wanted to partner with the ACS, but we had to figure out the best way. For BHG, giving is more than just writing a check or buying a table at an event; we want to contribute to something tangible, impactful and immediate. Rebecca Flint reached out to me about the Real Men Wear Pink campaign and, at that time, I couldn’t have predicted how BHG and ACS would end up truly working together.

October 2018

SWM: Your sister is a breast cancer survivor. How did her diagnosis affect your family? Chris: Our entire family was affected deeply and we rallied around her. It took some time for it all to sink in — the diagnosis, the treatment, the road ahead. We dusted ourselves off, prepared for a big fight and told her to kick cancer’s ass. We watched her attack it with reckless abandonment, kick its ass, survive and continue to thrive. I admire her inner strength to battle breast cancer while juggling her family and business life. The experience taught me to appreciate everything and everyone around me.

SWM: Bankers Healthcare Group is the sponsor of a new transportation initiative that helps ACS provide alternative transportation options to patients in need. Why is that important? Chris: When we heard there are people in our community who don’t have rides to and from the life-saving treatment they need, we knew we had to help. No patient should be deprived of their treatment because of a lack of transportation. It’s something so many of us take for granted. Knowing we can now help people get the treatment they need without it costing them is extremely rewarding.

SWM: Is there anything else you'd like to add? Chris: I want to challenge other companies and leaders in our community to step up. There are so many critical causes and needs, but limited funding. If you have the means to give, think creatively about how you can make an impact. Align yourself with an organization that makes sense for your business. Uncover what you care about and pledge to be part of the change. If we can do it at BHG, it can be done at others companies. SWM To support the ACS Real Men Wear Pink campaign, visit goo.gl/dhjgcT. Interview was edited for length and clarity.

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FOR A GOOD CAUSE HOPE for Bereaved

A Conversation with the Founder

fter Therese Schoeneck’s daughter passed away in 1977, she discovered there were no support groups in the area to help parents dealing with the death of a child. So, the following year, she founded HOPE for Bereaved. This month, we talked with Therese about the organization’s evolution during the last 40 years, how it’s helped her and how people can get involved.

SWM: Tell us about those first few months of HOPE for Bereaved and how they helped you.

Photography by Marita Hughes

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Therese: Our 21-year-old daughter, Mary, died August 21, 1977. I did not think we would survive or ever be happy again. If there had been a support group anywhere in the state, I would have attended. There was none. Realizing from our own experience how difficult the holidays were, the following year we decided to hold a meeting for bereaved parents on coping with the holidays. The parents asked if we could meet again. I held the first meeting in order to help other bereaved parents. I never realized how much it would help me. Since I was one of the coordinators, I had to be prepared to speak on a different topic each month. In order to do this, I had to face my own feelings about anger, depression, expectations, etc. I also read a lot to gain more understanding. In talking and listening to other parents, I learned that so many of my feelings were normal. It is really true that in helping others, we help ourselves. It is possible to survive grief and eventually even grow from it. I have come to

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treasure my memories of Mary and have become determined to build more memories with my family and friends.

SWM: HOPE for Bereaved celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. How has the organization grown in these last 40 years?

Therese: I never envisioned all the various support groups that would be formed or the many services we would be able to offer. HOPE has grown from one monthly support group to 12 groups. Attendance has grown from 25 to 250 people each month. In the beginning, we sent 35 newsletters; now 1,200 newsletters are mailed/emailed monthly. Staff has grown from three to 11, seven of whom provide counseling. In 1991, HOPE’s Center was purchased.

SWM: What services does HOPE for Bereaved currently offer?

Therese: HOPE provides 12 support groups for anyone experiencing the death of a child, spouse, parent, sibling, infant, partner, relative, friend or coworker by accident, illness, drug overdose, homicide and suicide. The organization also offers two support groups in the Fulton/ Oswego area. Our core services, counseling, monthly newsletter and 14 support groups are free of charge. After seven years of research, our Grief Resource Kit: K-12 is available.

October 2018

SWM: The Celebration of Hope Dinner is slated for Friday, Nov. 2, at the Nicholas J. Pirro OnCenter Ballroom. What can people expect from this year's event?

Therese: The Celebration of HOPE is a fun-filled evening with our silent and live auctions, raffles, photo booth and surprise entertainment. This year’s celebration is in loving memory of Mary Schoeneck and honoring Wegmans. Community co-chairs are Jeffrey and Dorothy Booher. Emcee/auctioneer is Dan Cummings. As we celebrate HOPE’s 40th year of service, the committee is hard at work planning a special event, themed “HOPE is a Jewel.”

SWM: How can people get involved with the organization?

Therese: To get involved with our events or volunteer, call Pat at 315475-4673. We have more than 30 co-facilitators who volunteer their time each month at our 12 support groups. We are blessed to have more than 400 volunteers who help in so many ways throughout the year. So many of our volunteers are “paying it forward” as their way of giving back for the help they have received. SWM For more information, visit hopeforbereaved.com. Interview was edited for length and clarity.

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INSPIRE Anne Snowdon

ANNE SNOWDON

Photography by Marita Hughes

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

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Breast Cancer Warrior By Carol Radin

hen Anne Snowdon started treatment for breast cancer, she decided to be like a phoenix, the mythical bird that dies and is reborn. A nurse by profession, Anne based her prediction not only on her medical care, but also her own resourcefulness and a deep connection to her faith, family and colleagues. Anne was 40 when she was diagnosed with cancer after reporting an oddly persistent pain in her breast at a routine wellness exam. Fortunately, her routine mammogram had been scheduled for the same day. Unfortunately, the radiologist took one look at the films and told Anne to go right back to her doctor. A subsequent biopsy revealed stage 2 invasive ductal triple-negative breast cancer. It was already so invasive that Anne had a lumpectomy within two weeks of that initial checkup. The surgeon found 26 suspicious lymph nodes and, because some suspicious areas remained, Anne started a standard nine-month chemotherapy series. At the end of the treatment, Anne and her family booked a cruise to celebrate. But before they embarked on the trip, Anne found another lump. The cancer had returned. Over the next year, Anne endured the return of the cancer not only that second time, but also a third time, when she developed a painful rash on her back which proved to be cancer spreading to her skin. With a total of 19 months of radiation and chemotherapy regimens, it was a rough time physically and emotionally. Yet Anne persisted. “I’m a warrior,” she said. “You have to shore yourself up for battle.” While in the fray, Anne gained a deeper understanding of herself and her needs, as well the needs of others struggling with cancer. As a registered nurse, she knows a strong medical team is paramount, and she’s grateful for the team she had. She was a part of that team, too. Although Anne had the advantage of knowing medical terminology and which questions to ask, she also did online research. She urges all cancer patients to do the same. “You have to advocate for yourself,” she said. Anne stressed to practice caution during online research, though. “Don’t spend too much time on the internet,” she suggested. “You’re going to read all the bad stories. In life, there can be good stories.” Websites she found particularly helpful were Never Surrender (no-surrender.org) and, specific to her illness, the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (tnbcfoundation.org). She sought out alternative therapy strategies — like nutritional therapy, spiritual therapy and Reiki for emotional balance — which, after consultation with her doctor, she was able to use as supplements to her medical treatment. “You have to come outside the box a little bit,” she said.

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It’s important to “find your people,” Anne said. During treatment, she intentionally surrounded herself with positive people and still does. Her husband, sons, father, friends and even memory of her late mother’s staunch spirit gave her the will to persist. Her father helped immeasurably when he stepped in help care for her sons, ages 2 and 11, when Anne was diagnosed. Anne also values her colleagues at Upstate Medical University, where she continued working throughout her 19 months of treatment. Far from wearing her out, she found support from her colleagues and her own daily focus on other people’s needs. Anne’s inner spring of spiritual faith, which deepened as she struggled, helped her, as well. “I think that’s why I’m sitting here today,” she said. “It’s more than faith. I know there’s a power.” Anne was recently faced with another heartbreaking ordeal. Her 2-year-old granddaughter, Rosie, was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. “She is a warrior, too,” Anne said. “I cope with her fight as much as I did my own.” Reliving her own experience, Anne knows that “a great medical team at Golisano, educating [herself] and [Rosie’s] parents and essentially fighting as a team” will help her granddaughter, she said. Anne’s also received support from the many friends, family, coworkers and Baldwinsville community where Rosie lives. “They have given us courage and strength,” Anne said. SWM

I’m a warrior. You have to shore yourself up for battle.” — Anne Snowdon, breast cancer survivor

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INSPIRE Christina Wallace

CHRISTINA WALLACE

Christina was photographed at the American Cancer Society offices in East Syracuse.

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Photography by Paul Carmen Viggiano

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

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Teaching the Importance of Early Detection By Jamie Jenson

hristina Wallace was only 38 when she found the lump that would completely change her life. “I was lying on my couch watching TV, and my cat, who had been unusually clingy for a few weeks, jumped up on my side and it hurt,” Christina said. “I went to reach to figure out why it hurt so badly and that’s when I felt the lump.” Christina, now 41, made an appointment to see her gynecologist. When she told the nurse she had felt a lump near her armpit, the nurse immediately took action and scheduled an ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram for her. On Friday, December 5, 2014, after the mammogram illuminated the lump Christina had felt and a biopsy confirmed it, she was given the news no one wants to hear: she had cancer. After discussing her options with the surgeon, Christina chose to have a lumpectomy three days after she was diagnosed. The surgery revealed some good news for Christina. The margins of the tumor were clean and hadn’t spread to her lymph nodes. The aggressive chemotherapy and radiation that followed were just a precaution; the doctors and Christina wanted to be sure there was no cancer left in her body. Christina’s relief didn’t last long, though. Shortly after her lumpectomy, her doctors told her she has a predisposition for cancer. “I found out I have a genetic mutation — a PALB2 — that’s actually the gene that is responsible for keeping the BRCA gene in check,” she explained. Christina also found out the type of breast cancer she had was extremely rare. It comprises about 3 to 5 percent of breast cancer cases and normally doesn’t occur until a person is in their 50s or 60s. She learned she wasn’t the only one who carried the genetic mutation; her mother did, as well. In 2016, about a year after Christina finished her treatment, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. “She got diagnosed, I believe, in June,” Christina said, “and, by Thanksgiving, it had spread to her brain.” Christina’s mother passed away in July 2017. She was only 59 years old. Christina, who has two children and two stepchildren, worries about what this genetic predisposition could mean for her biological children. “Knowing that I have the genetic mutation, did my kids get this, too?” she said. “And what do we have to watch for with them?” Christina said her daughter, who is in high school, will be monitored closely and begin getting mammograms in her late 20s. Under normal

circumstances, women typically don’t start getting mammograms until their 40s. The important thing, Christina said, is to make sure her children are educated about the disease. “I’ve talked to both my girls — my stepdaughter and my daughter — about breast exams,” she said. “It’s good that they know what is normal for them and they know that if they feel anything weird, they’ve got to let me and their doctor know.” Christina isn’t just teaching her children about the importance of early detection, however. About a year-and-a-half after finishing her treatments, Christina found out about a cancer services assistant job with Oswego County Opportunities, a nonprofit organization that delivers services and programs to people in Oswego County. Christina said the program is state-funded. There is one in every county in New York. In her role, Christina enrolls people in Oswego County into the program so they can get access to routine cancer screenings, including mammograms and colonoscopies. Many of the program’s participants don’t have insurance and would not have access to these screenings otherwise. “When I found out about that position, I knew it was for me,” Christina said. “I love my job because I get to help people. I can talk to people because of my experience and it helps me really enforce the importance of early detection.” Christina wants to tell her story — and her mother’s — to as many people as she can because she wants to educate them. “You have to pay attention to your body and take care of yourself because you don’t get another chance,” she said. It’s been three years since Christina received the news that there was no evidence of cancer in her body. Last October, after her mother passed away, Christina opted to have a double mastectomy as an added precaution. She said she wants to make sure she’s here for her children, who are her No. 1 priority. Even after all she’s been through, she remains positive and thinks she’s lucky. “I’ve made friends. I’ve learned a lot. I have a job that I love getting up and going to,” Christina said. “It gives me the opportunity to educate the community. It’s setting a good example for my kids that if you fight hard enough, you can overcome almost everything.” SWM For more information on Oswego County Opportunities, visit oco.org.

You have to pay attention to your body and take care of yourself because you don’t get another chance.” — Christina Wallace, breast cancer survivor

October 2018

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INSPIRE Benedicte Doran

BENEDICTE DORAN

Photography by Paul Carmen Viggiano

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR

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The Pink Edition

Facing the Unplanned By Jamie Jenson

enedicte Doran is a planner. Jack, a senior at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, wanted to do Whether it’s at her job as an event planner for John Katko for something, too. So, Benedicte reached out to Rebecca Flint, who Congress or at home managing the many activities in which her manages the Syracuse Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Real three sons are involved, Benedicte likes to plot things out ahead of time. Men Wear Pink campaigns. Benedicte met Rebecca after Onondaga So, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2017 at County Sheriff Gene Conway created a Making Strides team in the age of 48, she was understandably frightened, especially in the Benedicte’s honor. beginning, before she knew the plan of action. Rebecca thought they could put Jack’s artistic abilities to good “My personality is that once they gave me a plan, I was good,” use. He designed the T-shirt they’re using for the Making Strides Benedicte said. “The way that I dealt with it was, ‘OK, I need a plan.’” campaign. Benedicte thinks it was a great way to teach Jack some The doctors’ plan was terrifying: surgery — Benedicte opted to get a important lessons. double mastectomy — followed by four doses of chemotherapy every “I’m trying to turn this harder situation into something positive,” other week for two months, followed by 12 weeks of radiation. she said. “I’m teaching him about fundraising for nonprofits because This was not how Benedicte had planned to spend her summer, I think everyone should do that in whatever their interest is.” especially since her middle son, Will, was an active member of his Benedicte is also hoping to remind people of another lesson she Little League team. He was scheduled to go to Cooperstown for a learned after her diagnosis and treatment, one that was hard to weeklong baseball event Benedicte referred to as “Disneyland for swallow for a planner like herself. kids who love baseball.” “I realized that if I let somebody help me at work and something “I didn’t want anything to be different, so I only missed two of my doesn’t go perfectly, it’s OK,” she said. “It’s not going to be the end son’s baseball games,” she said. “We’d been of the world. If something doesn’t planning it for so long, so I would go to get done, that’s OK. Everything isn’t the games and come back because I had important as you think it is when you started my chemo at that time, but I was have something looming over you.” You always want to help more than trying to keep everything the same.” Learning how to let go and delegate While it was understandably tough responsibilities enabled Benedicte to you’re helped.” — Benedicte Doran, when Benedicte was getting her keep working even while receiving breast cancer survivor treatment — the first few days after her treatment. Though the situation was chemotherapy treatments were always the surreal, she tried to not let it slow her worst — she tried her best to keep things down, she explained. business as usual, especially for her sons, Being a planner helped, too. Jack, 17; Will, 14; and Harry, 7. “If you look at the statistics, most people with this particular “I didn’t want to scare them,” she said. “I didn’t want it to weigh on cancer are OK,” she said. “There are different bumps but you have them too much.” to understand it’s something you have to get through and try to Benedicte received overwhelming support from her friends and look ahead.” family, especially her husband, Matt;, her mother and sister; and her The ability to look ahead helped Benedicte maintain her positivity boss and colleagues. One of the lessons she learned during her treatment and sense of control over the situation. She feels that’s important for was how to accept the help they so willingly gave. anyone who is going through a difficult time. “You always want to help more than you’re helped,” she said. “Put your head down and think forward to a year,” she said. “I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone.” “There’s a light at the end of this tunnel.” SWM Friends and family cooked meals for the Dorans. People sat with Benedicte while she was getting her treatments so she wouldn’t have to be alone. Will’s coach for all-star baseball picked up Harry and let him For more information on the American Cancer Society’s Making go to all of the practices, which meant the world to Harry. Strides Against Breast Cancer and Real Men Wear Pink campaigns, visit makingstrides.acsevents.org.

October 2018

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The Pink Edition

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UPCOMING SWM Events Wednesday, Oct. 3 WBOC Monthly Meeting When: 4:30 p.m. What: This month’s topic is “Rethinking Networking,” led by WBOC members Dianne Rizzo and Lisa Baker. Cost: All access member, free; member, $10; guest, $25. Where: Genesee Grande Hotel, 1060 E. Genesee St., Syracuse. Info: wboconnection.org. Wednesday, Oct. 3 1 Million Cups When: Doors open, 8:30 a.m.; presentation, 9 to 10 a.m. What: Presentations by local early-stage startup companies aim to draw feedback from peers, mentors, educators and advisors. Open to the public. Cost: Free admission. Where: Syracuse CoWorks, 201 E. Jefferson St., Syracuse. Info: 1millioncups.com/syracuse. Thursday, Oct. 4 How to Drive Better Media Coverage for Your Business When: 8:30 to 10 a.m. What: Conversation with local experts about how to drive stronger media coverage for business and events. Cost: Check online for cost. Where: Mower, 211 W. Jefferson St., Ste. 1, Syracuse. Info: centerstateceo.com; lmetot@centerstateceo.com. Saturday, Oct. 6 Out of the Darkness Walk When: 10:30 a.m. What: Supports efforts by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Cost: Check online for registration and donation info. Where: Long Branch Park, 3813 Long Branch Road, Liverpool. Info: afsp.donordrive.com. Tuesday, Oct. 9 Civic Celebration When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. What: The Salvation Army fundraiser featuring guest speaker, gold medal gymnast and team captain, Aly Raisman. Cost: $150. Where: OnCenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: syracuseny.salvationarmy.org/syracuseny/civic. Friday, Oct. 12 Festival of Nia When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. What: One-day movement feast gives a taste of a variety of dance class experiences. Cost: $149. Where: 6181 Thompson Road #101, Syracuse. Info: nianow.com/node/1185626. Saturday, Oct. 13 Bernstein to Broadway When: 7:30 p.m. What: Features Syracuse Pops Chorus, vocal soloists and music to celebrate Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday. Cost: $39 to $81. Where: Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater, 800 South State St., Syracuse. Info: experiencesymphoria.org/concert/bernstein-to-broadway. 48

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Sunday, Oct. 14 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk When: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. What: Help raise money to fund research, provide information and support. Where: SRC Arena, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse Info: facebook.com/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancerOfSyracuseNy. Sunday, Oct. 14 City Market When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. What: Local vendors selling ceramics, vintage clothing, furniture, home décor, handmade crafts, antiques and more. Free museum admission on City Market Sundays. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Wednesday, Oct. 17 100 Women Who Care When: Doors, 5:30 p.m.; program, 6 p.m. What: Members vote for which of three local nonprofit organizations should receive donations. Cost: Check online for membership details. Where: The Preserve at 405, 405 Spencer St., Syracuse. Info: 100womencny.com; facebook.com/events/2010546725662394. Wednesday, Oct. 17 People Map for Business Training When: 4 to 7 p.m. What: Led by Insight Business Works, event includes snacks and passed appetizers,water, tea and soft drinks, PeopleMap assessment tool and workshop instruction and cocktail reception. Cost: $25. Where: SKY Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Info: skyarmory.com. Wednesday, Oct. 17 CenterState CEO: Speed Networking When: 8 to 10 a.m. What: Informal networking; refreshments provided by Salt City Coffee; pre-register. Cost: Member, $15; nonmember, $25. Where: TERACAI, 217 Lawrence Road E., N. Syracuse. Info: centerstateceo.com; lmetot@centerstateceo.com. Wednesday, Oct. 17 Syracuse Tomorrow’s 2018 Meet the Candidates Reception When: 5 to 7 p.m. What: Meet business leaders and invited candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives, NYS Senate and Assembly, Onondaga County Sheriff and a Syracuse Common Council at-large seat. Cost: Members, $25; nonmembers, $40. Where: 246 W. Willow St., Syracuse. Info: centerstateceo.com; khallahan@centerstateceo.com. Thursday, Oct. 18 Monthly Pop-Up Dining When: 6 to 9 p.m. What: Fresh, local menu created by Sky Armory kitchen paired with beverages from around the world. Cost: $35/person gratuity not included. Where: Sky Armory, 351 S. Clinton St., Syracuse. Info: skyarmory.com. The Pink Edition

Saturdays, Oct. 20 & 27; Sunday, Oct. 21 & 28 Zoo Boo When: 10 a.m. What: Halloween party at the zoo includes trick-or-treating with the animals, keeper talks, games and more. Cost: $8. Where: Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 1 Conservation Place, Syracuse. Info: rosamondgiffordzoo.org. Wednesday, Oct. 24 2018 Excellence In Healthcare Awards When: 5:30 to 8 p.m. What: Seventh annual event produced by BizEventz and presented by Bankers Healthcare Group. Cost: $80. Where: OnCenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: cnybj.com/2018-excellence-in-healthcare-awards. Thursday, Oct. 25 Syracuse Go Red For Women Luncheon & Festival of Red When: 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. What: Includes networking, program and luncheon. Cost: $100. Where: Oncenter Convention Center, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: heart.org. Thursday, Oct. 25 Syracuse Snarl: Mythological Monsters & Creepy Creatures When: Doors, 6:30 p.m.; show, 7 p.m. What: Featuring the work of S & M designs, JPHii Designs, Inspired Designs, Fashion Fix and more. Proceeds to benefit the food bank of central New York. Cost: $20; VIP tickets, $50. Where: Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St., Syracuse. Info: Tickets available at cnytix.com; syracusefashionweek.com. Thursday, Oct. 25 Women in Architecture Series When: 6:30 p.m. What: “Large Parks: Trends & Possibilities,” by Julia Czerniak, is a presentation on contemporary park design trends to address global challenges. Cost: Members, free; nonmembers, $8. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events. Thursday, Oct. 25 Master Class Series at St. James Presents: “Confronting the Opioid Epidemic” When: 7:30 p.m. What: A panel discussion on the local opioid epidemic. Panelists include SU assistant professor and author Cheryl L. Reed. Moderated by NewsChannel 9’s Christie Casciano. Cost: $10 suggested donation. Where: Hazel Smith Parish Hall at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 96 E. Genesee St., Skaneateles. Info: stjamesskan.org.

October 2018

Friday, Oct. 26 Reds, Whites and the Blues When: 5:30 to 9 p.m. What: Chadwick Residence annual fundraiser features live music by Donna Colton and Sam Troublemaker, silent auction, raffles, food by Pascal Catering and more. Cost: $55; pair, $100. Where: Drumlins, 800 Nottingham Road, Syracuse. Info: chadwickresidence.org or 315-345-1010. Saturday, Oct. 27 Wanda Sykes: Oh Well Tour 2018 When: 7:30 p.m. What: Nationally recognized comic. Cost: Check online for seating and pricing. Where: Civic Center, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: wandasykes.com. Saturday, Oct. 27 Sorcerers, Wizards and Witches When: 10:30 a.m. What: Special Halloween-themed kids performance. Symphoria’s instrument discovery zone opens at 10 a.m. Cost: Adult, $15; senior, $10; college student, $5; ages 17 and younger, free. Where: Inspiration Hall, 709 James St., Syracuse. Info: experiencesymphoria.org/concert/sorcerers-wizards-and-witches. Tuesday, Oct. 30 2018 Economic Champions Luncheon When: Noon to 1:30 p.m. What: Celebrates the region’s outstanding businesses and organizations as Economic Champions. Cost: $60. Where: OnCenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: centerstateceo.com. Wednesday, Oct. 31 Lunch and Learn: Out of the Vault When: 12:15 to 1 p.m. What: Bring your own lunch and learn about work in the Everson’s permanent collection. Cost: Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesdays. Where: Everson Museum of Art, 401 Harrison St., Syracuse. Info: everson.org/connect/events/lunch-and-learn-out-vault. Wednesday, Nov. 7 2018 40 Under Forty When: 5 to 8 p.m. What: Celebrates young leaders in the CNY area. Cost: $70. Where: OnCenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: cnybj.com/2018-40-under-forty. Thursday, Nov. 8 WCNY’s 4th annual Taste of Fame When: 6 to 9 p.m. What: Dinner event includes cocktails, silent auction and guided four-course dinner crafts by Vivian Howard. VIP ticket options available, including VIP Studio Soirée, in-studio recording and more. Cost: $150; check online for VIP ticketing. Where: OnCenter, 800 S. State St., Syracuse. Info: wcny.org/tasteoffame. SYRACUSEWOMANMAG.COM

movers AND Shakers Loretto hires new directors Dr. Diane Zeni deFerrante has been hired as the medical director of skilled nursing for all three skilled nursing facilities – Loretto Health & Rehabilitation, The Commons on St. Anthony and The Nottingham RHCF. Diane comes to Loretto from Crouse Hospital where she specialized in palliative care. She’s held previous positions at Cortland Regional Medical Center, Hospicare and Southern California Permanente Medical Group, among others. She received her doctoral degree in medicine from Tufts University, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. Patricia Vail Dellonte has been hired as director of development for marketing and the Foundation at Loretto. Patricia has more than 30 years of experience in government affairs and comes to Loretto after working as the district director for the office of U.S. Representative John Katko. She’s held previous positions at the office of U.S. Representative Richard Hanna, Welch Allyn, U.S. House of Representatives, The White House, among other government offices. Patricia holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Keuka College.

St. Joseph’s named a “Best Regional Hospital” St. Joseph’s Health Hospital has been named Best Regional Hospital in Syracuse and Central New York for 2018-19 by U.S. News & World Report, and ranked No. 10 in the state. This is the fourth consecutive year St. Joseph’s has received this designation. It comes shortly after St. Joseph’s was named the only hospital in Syracuse and Onondaga County to earn the highest rating for patient safety by Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, and the only CNY hospital to be named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Orthopedics, Bariatrics, Obstetrics and Heart Care by the Women’s Choice Award.

New cardiovascular center opens at St. Joseph’s Health After $32 million of investment and less than a year of construction, St. Joseph’s Health recently opened a new 45,000-square-foot cardiovascular care 50

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center that will allow the hospital to become a destination center for all cardiac services by providing a dedicated space for the integration of services to enhance the patient experience and provide the highest quality of efficient care. The newly named “St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute” is the most awarded heart care program in the region and is ranked among the Top 15 heart surgery centers in the nation.

Junior League honors members The Junior League of Syracuse, Inc., recently selected Sharon Slater as the 19th recipient of the Spirit of Mary Harriman Award. The award honors an outstanding Junior League member who has developed as a civic leader and created community impact. Sharon received the award at the Junior League of Syracuse’s annual meeting and dinner on June 12. Also recognized were: the New Member Award, to Jessica Pease; the In League Award, to Whitney Browne; the League Cup, to Jenny Donahoe; the Community Service Award, to Karen Krogman Daum; and the Sustainer of the Year, to Maria Miller.

The Summit Federal Credit Union hires new personnel

Heidi Stewart recently accepted the position of manager of The Summit Federal Credit Union’s Camillus branch. Heidi has been with The Summit for one year as a member service specialist at The Summit’s Erie Boulevard branch. Maggie Rossen is now manager of The Summit Federal Credit Union’s Taft Road branch. Maggie has been with The Summit for 10 years, most recently as the branch manager of The Summit’s Camillus branch. Submitted content has been edited for length and clarity.

The Pink Edition

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October 2018

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