Barbara Chiangi

Many cancer survivors will say that you can't let your guard down. Fourteen years after her original diagnosis, Barbara had a recurrence of breast cancer, which she self-detected, and acted upon immediately. Four years later, she is now involved inmany fund-raising and awareness raising projects with the Backus Foundation and other community organizations. She continues to enjoy life with family and friends, and her hero models. She especially loves dancing with the Pink Ribbon Tappers. "Attitude is everything," she says, "Live, love, laugh and enjoy every day-and always share your smile -it goes a long way."

Barbara DeFronzo

Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, she then decided to have a mastectomy. She and her husband Frank, married for 49 years, have two children and four grandchildren. The 25-year breast cancer survivor says: "I have learned to trust my instincts regarding my health, don't sweat the small stuff, laugh, have some fun, dance, and surround yourself with positive people."

Barbara Kokosky

Barbara found a lump in 1999, and her worst fear was confirmed by mammograms. She had a modified mastectomy in 2000 to her left breast; in 2006 she found tumors in her shoulder and more cancer cells, followed by weeks of radiation. After being off radiation six months, the cancer showed up again. This time it had traveled into her bones and liver. This was the hardest one. She has been on chemo ever since June 2008. "It is now a disease that I will never get rid of. In 2006 I was hoping for a cure. Now I just want to stay alive."

Barbara Paul

Ms. Paul refers to herself as a 65-year survivor of life and a 16-year survivor of breast cancer. "My family has been there for me through it all, and my Sisters in Pink have walked every step of my journey- sometimes carrying me. Thank you all."

Catherine Scacciaferro

In May 2005, Catherine discovered a lump in her breast, then had a mammogram in February of that year and it showed nothing. She waited until her daughter got married that June to call the doctor. "After the surgeries, with the help of my family and friends, my physical and mental health got a great deal better."

Denise Samaha,

now 50, kept busy when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2006. It all happened in the middle of taking care of her husband, who was going through extensive treatments for colon cancer for more than 5 years, running a self-owned business, taking care of four children (one was a foster child), among other responsibilities. Her aggressive treatments included a lumpectomy, lymph node removal, chemotherapy and radiation. She is cancer-free and has never stopped her positive outlook on life. Denise attributes her strength and courage to her God, her husband Joseph of 24 years, her family, and her friends. Widowed in 2008, she is thankful for the continued support, love, and prayers of her family and friends. "I keep regular check-ups. My youngest son is 9 years old, and I want to be here for him."

Donna Palumbo

Many know Donna Palumbo as "the pink boa lady" - a reference to the many hand-knitted scarves she makes for breast cancer patients and in support of the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund. She is also known for her outgoing, fun-loving personality. Donna's breast cancer was discovered during her first routine mammogram at 40 years old. Her comfort during this trying time came fromher positive mental attitude, a sense of humor and a strong support system-especially her husband, Michael. She married Michael one week before her last chemo treatment in July 1997. They not only celebrated the beginning of a new life together that day, but life itself. At a time when a woman's self image can be particularly fragile, Michael was by Donna's side offering her love and support-which continues to this day. Donna has learned many lessons through this experience with cancer, the most important being to celebrate life. This year they are celebrating 12 years of marriage and 12 years cancer-free.

Eileen Kaplan

Eileen found a tumor in her right breast in June of 2005. Following a right breast partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, she discovered a tumor in her "good" left breast. Eileen's immediate decision was to have a bilateral mastectomy. With her wonderful medical team, the care fromher husband, daughters, family and friends, she is now four and a half years beyond her diagnosis. Her commitment to a positive attitude and her mantra for laughter and humor has carried her through treatment and recovery. Eileen has recently written and published her own book, "Laughter Is The Breast Medicine."

Elisse Rosen

Coming from a family with extraordinarily high incidences of breast and ovarian cancer, Elisse was diligent in doing her self examinations and in scheduling her preventative medical exams and mammograms. Nevertheless, in 1996 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In partnership with her doctors, her approach to treatment was aggressive-surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, Tamoxifen and Letrozole. Thirteen and one-half years later, she is cancer-free and leads an active life. She lives with her husband, Paul, and her shaggy dogs and loves dancing with the Pink Ribbon Tappers. Her advice to all is "trust your instincts and be an advocate for your own healthcare."   

Karen Bourque

was diagnosed in February 2005 with Stage III breast cancer. She and her loved ones quickly learned how cancer affects everyone in a family, both as patients and caregivers. Karen underwent several surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, mastectomy and breast reconstruction all while helping to care for three family members who were also diagnosed with cancer. Karen uses her personal experiences to mentor women through their journey through the American Cancer Society's Reach to Recovery Program. As Ghandi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. "Karen, of Norwich, is very happily married to Douglas. They have four children-Liam (28), Bryan (25), Matthew (23) and Kara (20). She would like to thank them and her entire family for their love, support and "failure is not an option" attitude during her journey.  

Kathie Rothaupt

comes from a family with a high incidence of cancer. But at age 39, after moving her family to Hawaii, being diagnosed with breast cancer was not in her plan. After having a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and Tamoxifen, Kathie is a 17-year survivor who counts her blessings every day. She is also proud to be a Reach to Recovery volunteer with the American Cancer Society. She has three daughters and her husband of 36 years who have all taken roles in the fight against cancer. Now with a baby granddaughter, she feels the fight against breast cancer is more important than ever.

Laura O'Connell

You always hear about people who retire and some terrible disease occurs, right? It always happens to someone else, someone to your left or right, but not you. Laura retired from the United States Air Force in 2004 with her son and daughter to Connecticut with a half century worth of goals. After achieving a couple of these goals, including becoming a nurse practitioner and loving her job, getting her son off to the Army and getting her daughter into high school, Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer. "That diagnosis changed my life in many positive ways," she said. "Thanks to the extraordinary help of my sisters, daughter, friends, family and workplace, I am a one-year survivor with one more goal...to find a meaningful way to help other women."

Lori Yourell

In 1989 Lori was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma and had intensive radiation therapy. In 1999 she was diagnosed with cancer in the right breast, and had a mastectomy with no follow-up treatment. In 2003, she once again was diagnosed with cancer in the left breast and had another mastectomy, followed by reconstruction in 2005. Her loving family and friends played a major role in her recovery each time. "I have been given a beautiful family-Brendan, Cameron, Molly, and Owen. Each day is a gift filled with life, love, and laughter shared with loved ones. Cancer has taught me to live for and appreciate the little moments."

Marie Joly

Since being diagnosed with breast cancer twice in the past 11 years, 54-year-old Marie Joly joined a bicycle club, climbed to the tallest waterfall in North America, and traveled to England, Italy, Alaska and Hawaii. Marie is celebrating 11 years as a breast cancer survivor this month. She is also a Reach to Recovery Volunteer for the American Cancer Society and a One-to-One Volunteer for Eastern Connecticut Hematology Oncology, bringing support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. She was diagnosed in October 1998 and had a mastectomy and tramflap reconstruction followed by medication. In 2002 she had radiation treatment and is currently taking medication following a recurrence. She enjoys each day with her husband, Mike, the man she married 32 years ago, who has been there for her throughout the good and not-so-good times. She is the proud mother of two - a daughter Kristin, 30 who lives in Colorado and works in cardiovascular research and a son Steven, 27, who lives in Connecticut and works as a professional firefighter. She credits early detection and excellent care for her being able to watch her children grow into adulthood and witness her son's wedding to a lovely young lady this month.

Michele Flowers

has been a cancer survivor for 12 years, and she hasn't wasted a moment of her time. Six months after her mastectomy in 1997, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Paris and Northern Italy. While working full-time, she returned to finish college as well as complete her certification as a yoga instructor. She went on to start her part-time business, "Inner Harmony Yoga." Since her fight with cancer, her intention is to make the most of every day, be grateful for her blessings and follow her heart. "Don't let anything destroy your spirit," she said.

Susan McIvor

is a 2-year breast cancer survivor and was able to accomplish this with the love and support of her husband, Ken, her three children, her family and friends. She was diagnosed at the age of 38 due to early detection by a mammogram. Susan continued to work during her chemotherapy and radiation thanks to the understanding of her co-workers at OB-GYN Services. Sadly, her grandmother, Helen Muench, lost her battle with breast cancer in 1973. Susan is proud to say her grandmother's memory lives on with the arrival of her new niece, Helen Muench. Susan is also grateful for her tap dance teacher, Louise Neistat, and the Pink Ribbon Tappers. 

Sharon Gideon

"One in eight"were the words Sharon Gideon heard a few years ago as her boss shared breast cancer statistics-realizing then that someone in the office would get cancer. Those words hit home as Sharon was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in October, 2007. Through the support of coworkers, family and her boyfriend, who she eventually married, Sharon took one day at a time and got through her surgeries (lumpectomy, node removal, port) and treatments (chemotherapy, radiation and a year of Herceptin). She receives inspiration from her sister, Carol, who has been dealing with lung cancer for the past three years. This month, Sharon celebrates two anniversaries -her one-year wedding anniversary with husband, Ron, and two years of being cancer-free.

Ruth "Ann" McCloud

was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer on Feb. 14, 2005. She and her husband, Les, built their dream home in Groton in July 2008. Ruth is a nurse at Mystic Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She would like to thank her wonderful husband for his love and great support.

Marci Brensilver

"Life can be too short. Start with dessert!" Those are the words 18-year cancer survivor Marci Brensilver lives by. Bilateral mastectomies and chemotherapy would not keep her down. She now taps, tutors, walks marathons, knits, and swims and is involved in fundraising for four nonprofit organizations.

Barbara Souder

was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 49. After undergoing a lumpectomy and lymph node dissection, along with radiation treatment and five years of Tamoxifen, she is now 60 and cancer-free. After retiring from Computer Sciences Corporation in July of 2004 she has adapted very well to retired life. She has been married to Bill, her best friend (who is also retired), for almost 41 years and has one son, Christopher, who, along with his wife, Silvia, has blessed them with two grandchildren, Gabriella, who will be 4 in December, and Nicholas who turned 2 last July. Barbara is involved in many ministries at her church, some of which include perpetual Eucharistic adoration, the hand bell choir and the prayer shawl ministry. She has been tap dancing for the last five years with the Pink Ribbon Tappers and is a One-to-One breast cancermentor with the ECHO Cancer Foundation. She enjoys being with her grandchildren, traveling, knitting and crocheting, reading, kayaking, playing the handbells and the piano and spending time in the Adoration Chapel.

Denise Braley

Fourteen years ago, Denise Braley was diagnosed with breast cancer. It came as no shock as her mom had had a radical mastectomy and her aunt, a modified mastectomy. She had a lumpectomy followed by five years of Tamoxifen. Today, she encourages women to have mammograms as that is how her cancer was found. Now she has started a doctorate of education degree in organizational leadership. She is proud to say that her son, Drew, is also working towards his doctorate degree. She and her husband, Rick, are still enjoying life to its fullest. Denise and her colleagues are having fun to ensure that all women are able to get the help they need when it comes to breast cancer. "We truly appreciate all the support you give us through our fashion show. We will survive!"

Florence Barth,

at 85 years old, has survived breast cancer three times - 1972, 1992, and 2002. A registered nurse, most of her working years were spent in the operating room at L&M Hospital as head nurse. She has been called upon many times over the years to provide support and encouragement for other women facing breast cancer, including her daughter. "Enjoy life, hope for peace, and maintain a positive outlook," she said.

Lynn Sobotta

is the store manager of Dress Barn in Norwich. She was diagnosed with aggressive cancer in the left breast in January 2006, followed by a modified radical mastectomy, chemotherapy, oophorectomy, and then another mastectomy of the right breast with bilateral reconstruction in March 2007. Lynn lives in the moment and said she cherishes each gift as a gift from God to be enjoyed to the fullest. Not only has she benefitted from the love and support of her friends, family, doctors, and fiancé Kevin, Lynn strives each day to inspire other breast cancer patients and let them know that there is a wonderful life to be lived after diagnosis. Her positive attitude and beautiful smile always has a way of bringing joy to others.

Heather-Jo Purcell

Forty-five years ago, Heather-Jo competed in the Miss America pageant as Miss New York. She won the grand talent award for classical singing. In 1976, she had a featured role in"Rocky II." In 2001 she became a cancer survivor. She discovered a lump in her breast and underwent a lumpectomy, lymph node removal, chemotherapy, and radiation. After being widowed three times, she is very busy with her four children, three stepchildren, and six grandchildren. Heather-Jo is also an active One-to-One Mentor for Eastern Connecticut Hematology Oncology. She lives by her favorite saying, "Yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift-that's why it's called the present."

Eileen Siefert Kennedy

admits to collecting Social Security, but will not discuss her age, since aging is for "wine and cheese." She met Fred Commentucci the same year she was diagnosed with Stage V breast cancer (1999). Fred's comfort, care and love carried her through the difficult times. They married in February 2001. She is owner of Sewtique, a textile studio in its 40th year in Groton. She is most proud of her two sons, daughter, four grandchildren and a great grandson. Also, their home is always open to Fred's two sons, daughter, and granddaughter.

Sandy Wayne

Sandy (Florence Barth's daughter), was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995. She feels the wonderful support of family and friends helped her maintain a positive outlook during surgery and treatments and that, along with regular check-ups, has contributed to her 14-year survival. "Keep busy, stay involved, and love life," she said.