Did you know that one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime?
Kelly is a Vero Healthcare Recruiter and an 8-year breast cancer survivor. Her story began on April 2011 when she felt uneasy and stressed. She discovered a lump in her breast during a self-examination at home. Immediately she knew she needed to go see a doctor. By May 2011 she had an operation to remove the cancer, and then received four rounds of Chemo for several months afterward.
Like anyone in that position, Kelly was worried. “When I was diagnosed, I remember looking at my kids who were so young, only two and four at the time, and being scared for them. Luckily, my mom came out and stayed with us for three months. At that time, we lived in a rural area in Maine. Doctors weren’t as accessible.”
One thing that kept Kelly moving forward, was having a positive mindset and finding ways to look at the bright side. Now in her current line of work, as a Healthcare recruiter, she reflects on the great care she received. She said, “I found a great cancer treatment center in Portland, ME. I had stage 1 breast cancer, and the medical team was able to move quickly and stop the cancer from spreading. I was blessed with great doctors, nurses, and a specialist from Boston who really helped me through the entire journey. If I wouldn’t have gone to the facility I chose, I don’t know where I’d be now. They had the best equipment and care possible.”
Kelly’s family and close friends were also the key to recovering. They were her support system and rock. Now, Kelly enjoys life more than ever before and cherishes moments with her family. “Breast Cancer is very emotionally tiring and financially draining. It’s a lot. Now, I don’t take any day for guaranteed. I tell my kids every day that I love them, even if I get an eye roll for it,” she says.
Today, Kelly is cancer-free, working in healthcare staffing where she helps nurses, who she views as family, find the best position available for them. She enjoys each day with her husband and their two boys. She loves to craft and travel, especially to Virginia Beach (her hometown).
She knows others are fighting this battle, so she offers this advice.
“Be proactive. Go to the doctor and get a mammogram when it’s time. Do your self-examinations, and most importantly, don’t ignore any unusual feelings. Catching it early makes all the difference.”
We’re very thankful to have Kelly on our team. She’s a fighter, survivor, and a caring person.
For more breast cancer resources, visit https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month.
At Vero, we supported the breast cancer awareness cause by donating to the Susan G. Komen 5K Walk and wearing pink in solidarity. How are you showing support this month?
