Why I’m Wearing Pink This October: 5 Women Share Their Stories
Think Pink
Join us in supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October. We are thrilled to partner with Breastcancer.org this October, a national organization with the mission to provide the tools, resources and education to help people make the best decisions. This month, we’re donating 10% of proceeds from our limited-edition pink Gemma Scarf to Breastcancer.org.
Join us on Saturday, October 15th for Think Pink Saturday in support of Breastcancer.org. When you shop online or in-store on October 15th, 10% of all proceeds will be donated back to this vital organization. Learn more at Breastcancer.org.
Below, five incredible women share why they’re wearing pink this October.
Mary Everard wearing the Flannery Blouse, Watson Velvet Jeans, Lina Belt, and Gemma Scarf.
Name: Mary Everard
Location: Los Angeles, CA
About Me: Creative director & founder of Mary&Crew. A lifestyle brand featuring interiors, motherhood, travel & style.
Why I’m Wearing Pink This Month:
It’s quite simple. Breast Cancer awareness saved my life. I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in my mid-thirties and discovered it personally during a self exam. I had 2 young children and a 9 month old at the time. I went through 30 rounds of chemotherapy & immunotherapy, a lumpectomy and 6 weeks of daily radiation during the height of the pandemic. I want to not only be an advocate but also a source of inspiration for others who might be fighting this battle.
The Most Notable Part of the Community of Breast Cancer Battlers & Survivors:
It’s much more common than one might think which makes awareness and research funding all the more important. Breast cancer truly does not discriminate. It’s just incredibly remarkable the number of resources and communities that are out there and available to help. I’m so grateful for the advances that have been made in the last several years. Especially with targeted treatments for HER2 positive breast cancer.
My Message To Those Currently Battling Breast Cancer:
Take the time to thoroughly understand your treatment and what you can do to support your body during the process. What can you do to not only get through it but come out stronger on the other side? Your diet, exercise, and mindset.. it’s all part of the healing process. I radically changed my diet by eliminating inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol, dairy, and gluten. By doing so I gave my body an opportunity to fight back and get through each round of treatment. I’m nearing three years in remission. I workout 3 - 4 times a week mixing in weights, running & pilates and while I’m not quite as strict with my diet, I make choices every day to nourish my body with foods that help me thrive.
Linda wearing the Francie Blouse, Masie Pants, and Mary Jane Flats.
Name: Linda Carey
Location: Saddle River, NJ
About Me: Co-founder of the Tutu Project, a non-profit that raises funds to help others in need of financial support as they manage their breast cancer diagnosis.
Motto: One of my favorites is: Stop. Pause. Breathe. Cry if you need to. But darlin’ keep going.
Why I’m Wearing Pink This Month:
Amidst the fear, loneliness, and confusion of my breast cancer diagnosis, when I wear pink, I feel solidarity with others in my situation, and it brings me solace.
The Most Notable Part of the Community of Breast Cancer Battlers & Survivors:
My first thought is how many women and men in the community take a terrifying situation and turn it into something bigger than themselves to help others deal with their diagnosis. I feel fortunate to call many of them my friends and know that when I need support, in any way, it’s there.
My Message/ Advice To Those Currently Battling Breast Cancer:
Living with metastatic breast cancer has taught me so much. You must be your own advocate. It’s imperative to ask questions and if you don’t understand the answers, keep asking until you do. It can be overwhelming, and if you’re unable to do this on your own, enlist help from a family member or friend.
Take care of yourself by feeling and expressing your emotions, but give it a time limit and step back into your day.
Amy wearing the Annalyse Cardigan, Lexi Jeans, Mary Jane Flats, and Gemma Scarf.
Name: Amy Taylor Meadors
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Motto: My faith > My fear
Why I’m Wearing Pink This Month:
In 2014, at age 44, a routine mammogram saved my life. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy and have been cancer free for 8 years.
I’m forever grateful to my excellent team of doctors and nurses who worked to provide me with the most amazing care. I’m blessed beyond measure with a loving, supportive family and circle of friends. I’m wearing pink this month, and every month, because I’m hopeful that someday there will be a cure. I’m grateful for my health today, I’m prayerful for those beginning/on their journey, and I’m humbled by the goodness of others.
The Most Notable Part of the Community of Breast Cancer Battlers & Survivors:
To me personally is how many it truly includes…while I battled breast cancer, my children battled breast cancer. I am a breast cancer survivor, as are my children. We battled and survived it together. My children, Claire and Cameron, showed such bravery, respect, honor and unconditional love for me during our battle. I still think back and am amazed and proud of the purest beauty and strength I witnessed in both.
Today, together, we are survivors.
My Message to Those Currently Battling Breast Cancer:
Lean on your team. My team we lovingly named “Amy’s Anchors,” and I’m grateful for each and every anchor! I leaned on and needed each of them during my battle. I drew strength from their strength and courage from their courage.
I would also express the importance of being patient and graceful with yourself. Breathe.
Robin wearing the Jamey Sweater, Watson Velvet Jeans, Briggs Belt, and Concetta Suede Loafers.
Name: Robin Timmer-Rogers
Location: Palm City, FL
Why I’m Wearing Pink This Month:
I am a proud survivor. Ten months after my marriage ended, I was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I found a lump, marked it, and scheduled my annual appointment. Afterwards, I received a letter from the radiologist stating that I was positive and needed to call for more information. When I called, I was told it was a mistake, a false/positive, and that I was fine. Neither the mammogram nor the ultrasound was able to detect the lump. I knew something was wrong and kept pushing. I followed up with a breast surgeon, and after an extensive ultrasound exam, he confirmed what I suspected: Cancer. Looking back, I believe that the stress, sugar, and lack of sleep during the divorce contributed to my situation. Plus, I have family history: My maternal grandmother had breast cancer, and my mom’s brother had colon cancer. Assessing the current situation (newly divorced with two young teenage boys), I decided to go aggressive with my treatments. In 2015, I underwent a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and reconstruction. My goal was to be ‘one and done’. I didn’t want the boys, myself, or my Mom to have to go through this again.
That was seven years ago, and I am cancer-free. Mine has been a blessed journey. As a second-grade teacher at the time, I saw my situation as a teaching opportunity. Choosing to go bald opened many conversations with young and old, students and strangers. I found I was able to inspire and educate others through my experiences, and it gave me confidence and pride that I did not initially feel after the surgeries. I was surrounded by such positivity: loving and caring family and friends who helped to keep my spirits and energy up.
The Most Notable Part of the Community of Breast Cancer Battlers & Survivors:
In my experience, they are THRIVERS! They challenge themselves to stay up & stay active. My breast cancer community is my dragon boat community. I was introduced to dragon boating through the Nurse Navigator at Jupiter Medical Center, where I had my surgeries. I was going through treatments, and a new breast cancer dragon boat team was forming in the area. Bald as a bowling ball, I started paddling with Lighthouse Dragons and was instantly hooked. They call it being ‘Bit by the Dragon’. It gave me something positive to focus on, and the camaraderie was AMAZING! We were like a support group on water, as everyone on the team had experienced a similar journey to my own.
Years later, I’m still loving it. My current team, Hell Gate Sea Dragons*, is made up of breast cancer survivors, their supporters, and others who simply love being on the water. Our ages range from 35 to 79 and enjoy each other’s company and the opportunity to paddle and compete together. We talk, we share, we laugh, we cry, we celebrate each other, and the opportunity life has given us. Oh, and we paddle, too! We are athletes, and we love it! We also are very involved in our community, and participate in our local Making Strides, Every Boob Counts 5K, and Komen events, as well as supporting other breast cancer organizations in our area. We want to be able to mentor and support those sisters who need it.
Dragon Boating can offer you all levels of involvement: social or competitive. I’ve competed in festivals around the state of Florida, traveled to Nationals in Colorado Springs (2019), Club Crew World Championships in Sarasota (2022), and as a breast cancer survivor I traveled to Florence, Italy (2018) to join nearly 4,000 other breast cancer paddlers from all over the world for a week of fellowship and competition on the Arno River.
The old mindset that breast cancer survivors are limited is no longer in play.
*Our name is representative of the area in Martin County where we live. Hell Gate is not only a narrow water marker to be navigated in Martin County but for breast cancer survivors on the team it symbolizes the movement from diagnosis to post cancer treatments. Upon diagnosis, one’s world becomes very narrow with the focus on surgery and treatments. Then, as one moves forward, the world opens, and the opportunities are endless.
My Message to Those Currently Battling Breast Cancer:
Most importantly, know your body, trust your instincts, and be your own advocate.
A breast cancer journey can be pretty daunting; physically and emotionally taxing. Here are some things that helped me through it:
- Surround yourself with positivity and try to keep a positive mindset yourself.
- Get a couple of minutes of fresh air and sunshine each day.
- Eat as healthy as you can. That being said, my mom moved in with me and the boys and took me to each appointment. After those appointments, we treated ourselves to a healthy treat at 3 Natives ACAI & JUICERY…something to celebrate getting through that small moment.
- Find a positive support group that can answer questions and lend support. I highly recommend finding a breast cancer dragon boat team in your area.
- Finally, look for the blessings in each day of your journey…even the little ones (a stranger’s smile, hearing a favorite song, seeing a friend, eating a good meal, a nap).
Yanais wearing the Callum Sweater, Lexi Jeans, and Shauna Suede Heels.
Name: Yanais Ortiz
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Why I’m Wearing Pink This Month:
To honor and show my solidarity with all women—from our amazing J.McLaughlin customers to my co-workers who are survivors and have gone through breast cancer.
Especially my maternal grandmother Maria De Leon 1942-2021 who recently passed away from cancer.
Two years ago, I experienced a health scare related to Breast Cancer. Given my familial history of the disease and of cancer, in general, I jumped into action and contacted my doctor. After visits to multiple doctors, several tests, and procedures it was determined that what I found during a self-breast examination was benign, however I get examined every six months with a mammogram to make sure.
While my outcome was positive, I have been sharing the message that early intervention with routine screening needs to be taken seriously by all women across all demographics.
How We’re Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness in Our Vero Beach Store This Month:
This October we are hosting a sip and shop with the organization, “Answer to Cancer” on October 15 in our Vero Beach store.