I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January of 2018. I started the drug Tamoxifen, had a double masectomy in February, began my 8 chemo sessions in March and did 28 days of radiation in August. I lost the skin necessary for reconstruction so I did a DIEP surgery to use my stomach skin and fat to build breasts. I had complications and wore a wound vacuum for 21 days. I started Letrozole until August when I could no longer handle the side effects. I went back on Tamoxifen for 4 years until the side effects became too much. I began Exemestane and will continue on this drug for the remainder of my 10 years. I began Verzenio which I will take for 2 years. The side effects have been pretty rough as I prepare to be bald again before I finish the drug.
Why do I share this information? Breast Cancer or any cancer is a journey that doesn't end. It is a life time of dealing with side effects of drugs, scars, negative body image, and FEAR that it will come back.
I still need to know my body and recognize changes. I still need therapy for how I view my different body. I still need prayers. I still need support. Everyone with a cancer diagnosis needs support for the rest of their lives. Please help Cancer Support Community Center provide that for cancer patients across the St. Louis region. Help them support patients with therapy, exercise, learning opportunities and the chance to support one another.
Join us for Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis' 26th annual Steps for Hope, and inspire others to celebrate hope, honor loved ones and join in community on Saturday, May 4, 2024! This year, we will gather at Creve Coeur Park to take Steps for Hope and extend support and compassion to those impacted by cancer in our community. Walkers and runners choose a 1 or 3.7 mile route at beautiful Creve Coeur Park!
Proceeds from the event stay in the St. Louis area and fund Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis' programs, all of which are available at no charge to anyone impacted by cancer. When you take your own STEPS FOR HOPE you help share knowledge, community, and hope with individuals and families affected by cancer.
Planning to attend on May 4th? Register here and make sure to select your team to ensure your registration amount goes toward your team goal!
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Brad and Rhonda Kloeppel | 05/02/2024 | $500.00 | Andrea Angelo | 04/15/2024 | $25.00 | You are inspiring! Love you! | Nicole Cramer | 04/14/2024 | $25.00 | You are an inspiration to all of us! | Debbie Grimshaw | 04/09/2024 | $45.00 | Craig Varusa | 04/08/2024 | $95.00 | Mandy Delmain | 04/01/2024 | $50.00 | You are inspiring! | Sarah Guest | 03/25/2024 | $25.00 | I am here for you! | Bergen Toth | 03/25/2024 | $10.00 | You are my hero! | Maggie McDonald | 03/25/2024 | $20.00 | Kerri Srsen | 03/25/2024 | $20.00 | Lanie Hunt | 03/25/2024 | $10.00 | Andrea Garner | 03/25/2024 | $50.00 | Love you, girly!! | Amber Choate | 03/25/2024 | $10.00 | Love ya, girl!! | Anonymous Friend | 03/25/2024 | $5.00 | Chris Colgren | 03/24/2024 | $25.00 | Kirsten Dietrich | 03/23/2024 | $200.00 | Thank you for bringing awareness and support to this very important cause. | Cynthia D. Seltzer | 03/20/2024 | $45.00 | Bonnie Murray | 03/20/2024 | $50.00 | Kyle Weber | 03/20/2024 | $25.00 | Keep fighting the good fight. | Julia Iannazzo | 03/20/2024 | $10.00 | Rhonda Kay Kloeppel | 03/18/2024 | $90.00 | Amy Earley | 03/18/2024 | $10.00 | I got ya sister! We fight on. | Elizabeth Burger | 03/18/2024 | $100.00 | Go get ‘em Rhonda! You are such an inspration. | Mary Schroeder | 03/18/2024 | $20.00 | Julie Powers | 03/18/2024 | $10.00 | Leslie Thompson | 03/18/2024 | $50.00 |
| Total | $1,525.00 | ||