Survivor Stories

from Social Eastern Shore | October 2022

New & Noteworthy

By Liesel Schmidt

When God prompted her to get a breast exam at a screening in a Walmart parking lot in 2015, Beverley ValRie knew to listen. What came from that screening was an early diagnosis of Stage One HR2 breast cancer, which eventually led to the removal of her right breast. It took months to recover from surgery, coupled with the effects of the chemo treatments she was receiving. “I fought every day,” says ValRie, a Realtor in Fairhope. “But even though I was scared, confused and thinking of my family’s future if things went badly, I knew in my heart that it was not time for me to die.”

Through the support of her family, friends and daily prayer, ValRie made it through multiple surgeries, the loss of her hair, months of chemo treatments, countless appointments, loss of appetite and constant fatigue. After going into remission, she underwent a breast implant. “I have scars from all the surgeries, but they remind me every day that I am a cancer survivor, and I am blessed to be here.” She is now in her sixth year of remission and offers this: “To anyone facing cancer, I would advise them to stay strong and fight this illness. Find the support of your family and friends, and pray that God will bring you out of this so you can ring that bell in victory!”

SURVIVOR STORIES Beverley ValRie Beverley ValRie

Brenda Jackson Brenda Jackson

By Liesel Schmidt

More vigilant than many, Brenda Jackson did everything right: the annual check-ups, the regular mammograms…It was that watchfulness that caught a problem in her right breast in time to do something. “I received a call that I needed to come back and redo my mammogram because an abnormality was showing up—I didn’t have a lump, but it was a mass that could only be seen with 3-D imaging,” explains Jackson, who works as a postal carrier for the USPS. “I did and then received a called that I needed a biopsy. When they called with the results, I had to pull my mail truck over.” The news Jackson was given on December 6, 2021, during that call was a diagnosis of invasive carcinoma cancer.”

Determined to survive, Jackson called some prayer warriors in her circle. “My faith is strong, and I knew if I stood on God’s Word, I would win my fight,” she says. “I have been so blessed to have a large support group, and if it hadn’t been for my faith and that support, I may have given up.” With the end of her treatment in sight, Jackson continues to hold steady in her faith. “I already know that I’m healed. To all women, I say please do your monthly self-examination and don’t forget your yearly exam and mammogram.”

KELLY WELFEL

While growing up in St. Louis, Kelly always longed for the day she could live close to the beach. Every year her family would head South for their annual vacation, and she knew early on that she wanted to chart a path that ended close to the water. Her life has taken her from St. Louis to Little Rock, and when the opportunity presented itself, Kelly made the decision to call Fairhope home.

Going back to her childhood, Kelly has always had a passion for all things beauty related. At a very young age, her enthusiasm inspired her to jump into the cosmetics industry in which she has built an impressive resume. Kelly's desire to open her own boutique began to cultivate. Blend Boutique is the result of that desire coming to fruition. Alongside her interior designer, Hunter Bridges, she has created an environment that captivates you as soon as you walk through the door. Blend Boutique will offer an array of products and services, along with curated gift boxes and wrapping. From skincare and cosmetics to lashes and spray tans, Blend will truly be a one-stop shop for everything beauty services related.

Photo Concept and Design: Hunter Bridges

Interiors/Gulf Coast Staging

ADDITIONAL PHOTO CREDITS: Photographer: Rhand McCoy, McCoy Visuals Dress: Sadie's of Fairhope

BlendBoutique

VISION

Blend is a luxury beauty services boutique carrying the best quality in carefully cultivated makeup, skincare, bodycare and men's grooming products. Our experienced makeup artists and certified lash and spray tan technicians are ready to provide you with a complete beauty experience.

SERVICES

Our professional makeup artists will customize a beautiful look for you for any event on and off-site. From personal makeup lessons to all out glam sessions, we have you covered. We can also help you with beautiful lashes and the perfect glow. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best!

ENVIRONMENT

The environment will be luxurious yet inviting with a lounge area for the girls to relax and have champagne before a night on the town! Husband(s) with you? Blend will have a men's lounge with luxury men's grooming products.