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Survivor's Corner (click here for archived stories)
Cindy Bell: Burdick BMW Local Hero
Cindy
was a Race for the Cure photographer for a number of years. Initially, she
became involved with the Komen CNY Race because her sister Marlene was one
of the race committee chairs for many years. After photographing survivors
at the race one year, Cindy said she wanted to better understand what the
survivors were experiencing as they walked/ran. She wanted to capture that
feeling in the pictures. As the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish
for." In November 2003, Cindy was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.
Cindy’s surgery (a bilateral mastectomy) took place on 12/23/03. That
year, Cindy’s family and many friends spent the holiday in the hospital.
Being a commercial photographer and small business owner (Focus Studios), Cindy did not have the luxury of down time after her surgery. With the help of an assistant, Cindy was able to continue her photography both in the studio and on location. She stayed active with her 14-year-old daughter’s many activities. A chemo treatment the day before the 2004 Race forced Cindy to miss the race. She was back photographing the race in 2005, this time fully understanding what it felt like to be a survivor.
Cindy continues to support survivors through her photography and by volunteering at the Komen CNY Affiliate.
Mel Bianchi: John Holtz BMW Local Hero
Things
happen when you are making plans! I was retired for six months, after
working as a Court Reporter for approximately 35 years and was looking
forward to traveling and spending time with family and friends. I went for
my annual mammogram that I had been religious about for years. The
radiologist informed me that calcification in my left breast looked
suspicious and testing ensued. The diagnosis: Ductal Carcinoma in
Situ. The good news: noninvasive.
I was told "If you’re going to get breast cancer, this is the type to
have." Little did I know, that although this type is the least threatening
to life, it’s the most threatening to the breast. Lumpectomy surgery was
not successful. After much research, soul searching and good counsel on
the subject from my wonderful doctors, I elected to have a bilateral
mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on April 3, 2003. That night there
was a crippling ice storm in Rochester. Quite the day and night to be
remembered.
Many of us have wonderful husbands, children and friends to accompany us on this journey. My husband was the best nurse, nurturer, and positive force in my recovery. To him, nothing had changed. I was still the same person he had married 33 years ago. I’m so grateful to him for that.
My daughter was at the end of her first year of medical school when I was diagnosed. She is the one who gave me the courage to make the right medical choices for my surgery, to consult thoroughly with my doctors, and do my research.
The fact that I had cancer has not destroyed my life. Rather, it has taught me to appreciate every day a little more and has been a driving force in my working to make a difference in the lives of those who are afflicted with ill health or disease.