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Adrianna ShowalterFounding Member/President
Diagnosed in 2006 My breast cancer diagnosis has left me with so much more gratitude, and I feel thankful to wake up to each new day. I choose not to forget that life is precious and can be taken away at any time, for any reason. Breast cancer, just like any cancer, is life changing and it is my passion to help others fighting this disease! Being a part of Support Sisterz allows all of us to be there for our community, both financially and emotionally. Find your inner strength and you will find your inner beauty.
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Lynn JohnsonFounding Member/ Vice President
Diagnosed in 2004 I am a founding board member of Support Sisterz because I have a desire to Shine a Light down a dark tunnel and give women Hope for a Healthy Future.
My treatment consisted of: lumpectomy, dose dense chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy. I feel I was "chosen" and blessed with the responsibility to educate, mentor, and support women through their breast cancer battle. I suggest you be your own medical advocate, keep a positive attitude and reach out to someone who has "been there ~ done that" for support from a Sister! |
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Stacy Azevedo NicolaDiagnosed in 2019
After being by my mom's side since her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2004, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in July of 2019. My mom and I have no genetic abnormalities, but her doctors still encouraged me to get an MRI in addition to my yearly mammogram. Praise God that I listened and had an MRI because it detected my cancer and the mammogram did not. My cancer was very small, but I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy given my age and family history. I had multiple complications following the mastectomy, and I'm still undergoing reconstruction.
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The month before my diagnosis, my mom discovered her stage 4 metastatic breast cancer traveled to her brain and caused leptomeningeal disease. This devastating news, along with my own, seemed unbelievable. I was able to get through because of God, family, and the Support Sisterz. The amazing Sisterz took care of my mom when I couldn't, and supported me in countless ways. It's my honor and privilege to serve on the Board and give back to an organization that has done so much for me and my family. Breast cancer is beyond awful, but God's blessings have been extraordinary.
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Kendra BrunsonFounding Member / Secretary
Diagnosed in 2013 I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2013. Like most of us I wasn’t sure where to start so I called my friend, Kathy Azevedo who had been through it twice already at this time. Kathy scooped me up and became my “Marge in Charge”.
I saw her doctor 2 days later and my treatment plan was in motion. I began with Chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy and then radiation. During this time I also found out I was BRCA2 positive as well. |
During this tough time Kathy was the first example of what selfless love and support looked like and it is how I try to live my life today!
I would never wish breast cancer on anyone… but as survivor I feel that I have gained more than I have lost, including these amazing women that I have found myself a privilege to be a part of.
I would never wish breast cancer on anyone… but as survivor I feel that I have gained more than I have lost, including these amazing women that I have found myself a privilege to be a part of.
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Candy LeachMarketing Director
In 2005 I found my first lump, lack of insurance was making it difficult to get scheduled for mammogram/ultrasound. I was introduced to a local nonprofit who offered the help I needed. They paid for my diagnostic treatment and eventually my surgery to remove the large mass. Thankfully the mass was fibroadenoma and not cancer.
At that time I was told I had multiple masses & clusters of cysts due to a condition called fibrocystic breast disease. My extensive family history of cancer, combined with my history this increases my risk factors. I have mammograms every 6 months, they frequently find new masses to test or watch, but my health, faith and outlook remain good. |
When I discovered the first lump in 2005, I prayed that God wouldn’t let cancer affect my life, but my prayer was answered in a way I didn’t expect. I didn’t have cancer, but cancer did affect my life. I began volunteering to give back to the organization that helped me which eventually led me to Support Sisterz. I don‘t do this on behalf of my own battle like the other Sisterz, but on behalf of my family members, some who've won and some who've lost their battles and for all the warriors I have been touched by along the way.
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Analiza SchlarmannOutreach
Diagnosed in 2015 I am part of the Support Sisterz because the thing that gives me power and strength is my deep desire to help others receive the help they need so they can concentrate on healing and their family. It gives me a purpose in life, and I forget about being scared.
I was diagnosed with very aggressive DCIS Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer on August 2015. I received Proton radiation 14 rounds and 8 rounds of chemotherapy. I was placed on Tamoxifen for 2 years then had hysterectomy and was then placed me on Arimidex for 8 years totaling 10 years of medication. |
Remember what may seem like the most devastating news in your life, can always open doors to a whole new world of possibilities. Cancer can go wherever it wants. I can’t stop it, but it can’t take my attitude and it can’t take my faith. I was always determined to stay strong and fight. I am here to help other women know that NOBODY FIGHTS ALONE.
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Mindy FloryFounding Member
Previvor From the time I was a young girl, I can remember my mother fighting for her life after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and later breast cancer; which she eventually succumbed to. We were unable to find a support group that “fit”the need of both a caregiver and a patient. The Support Sisterz do exactly this! It only made sense that I took the opportunity to join these amazing women.
I have been diagnosed with both BRCA2 and Lynch Syndrome. I am what is called a “pre-vivor”. My course of treatment included a prophylactic mastectomy and hysterectomy. |
I need the Support Sisterz just as much as our community needs them! Every single one of these dynamic ladies bring something very special to the table, including support for one another. I’m so honored to be a part of them.
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Kris DuboisTreasurer
Diagnosed in 2019 I was one of the original cheerleaders and supporters for the Support Sisterz. My dear friend and business partner, Kathy Azevedo, had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and she began her fight. When several of my friends were also diagnosed, it was time for them to found this family. No on fights alone.
From the very first walk and fundraiser until, and beyond, my diagnosis in May 2019 with a very aggressive Moderately Diffrentiated Pleomorphic Lobular Cancer of the Breast - Stage 3 (including my lymph nodes) I have donated of my time and money. |
I would tell my friends, while fundraising, "We don't know who this will help". Well, it helped me. For the first time I was on the receiving end of this incredible family. My sisters surrounded me, empowered me, sat with me, prayed with me, talked to me, explained to me, and made me feel so loved.
I have always felt like this happened so I could be there for someone else. I will continue to do my best for each and every woman that comes across my path. I am only the messenger; you are loved, you are strong, and you are never alone.
I have always felt like this happened so I could be there for someone else. I will continue to do my best for each and every woman that comes across my path. I am only the messenger; you are loved, you are strong, and you are never alone.
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Kathy AzevedoFounding Member/Past President
Earned her wings 5/20/21 Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and battled for 17 years, she passed away in May 2021. In honor of Kathy's courageous fight, we have left her story below. Although Kathy is no longer with us, she will always be in the hearts of our board members and the community that loved her so much! We miss her dearly and her legacy will continue on Kathy was first diagnosed in 2004 with DCIS. and was told there were 8 calcification’s that were cancerous, but that there was no invasion. That being the case, her chances of re-occurrence would be the same if she chose a lumpectomy and 8 weeks of radiation, or a double mastectomy. She decided on the first choice. |
In 2011, her annual mammogram told her everything was fine, but the following week, she detected a lump and returned for a biopsy and the results came back as lobular breast cancer in the same breast. The lump was so large, that it was determined she'd had it for at least 3 years.
They said it went undetected due to the scarring from radiation. A PET scan revealed that the cancer had spread to 3 lymph nodes. She quickly had a double mastectomy, followed by chemo. In 2013 she started the reconstruction process. She had to have a lat-flap due to the tightness from radiation followed by one more surgery to complete reconstruction.
In 2019, Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time and passed away on May 20, 2021. She left an indelible mark in our community and in our hearts. Support Sisterz mission was so important to Kathy, we will remember her in everything we do.
In 2019, Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time and passed away on May 20, 2021. She left an indelible mark in our community and in our hearts. Support Sisterz mission was so important to Kathy, we will remember her in everything we do.