TBBCF Survivor Series: ‘A determination to survive and live life to the fullest.’

By ELLYN SANTIAGO

In 2022, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Survivor Series was born. Since then, 18 powerful stories have been written about the many women who bravely and candidly shared their breast cancer journey with TBBCF. The result has been widely read accounts and narratives that elicit tears and laughter. They are heart-wrenching, yet uplifting, poignant, and inspiring. Make sure to have tissues nearby when reading. They are all survivors and for many, they are thriving.

Shelley Gregory, herself a survivor and among the first women to be featured in the series, so strongly believed that these stories should be told, she took on the challenge of recruiting women to share. She reached out to breast cancer survivors associated with the TBBCF Walk for a Cure. The goal was to find women willing to share their stories.

“Breast cancer is such a life-changing experience, and some may prefer not to speak about this time in their lives, and that choice is respected and honored,” Shelley explained. “Some may find it cathartic to share their experiences, be it during their treatment, or after they've recovered, and we encourage more of our survivors to do so if they are comfortable.  The hoped-for goal with this Survivor Series is to educate and inspire others who are struggling with this disease.”

Shelley began to create a list of breast cancer survivors who were willing to tell their stories.

“As a breast cancer survivor myself, I know their journey is deeply personal.  I let them know that a vital part of my healing was to share my story, and from that, I gained support, love and strength. These personal stories are worth telling and can encourage others going through the same ordeal, either personally or with a family member or friend,” she explained. “Each incredible woman we have featured has shared her inspiring and arduous journey, detailing the loving care and support they received from family, friends and medical professionals throughout their diagnosis and treatment.  What resonates the most is their determination to survive and live life to the fullest.”

Survivor Patricia Santacroce said she “drew the short straw” on breast cancer. But as a survivor, she’s thriving. “I’m in a really good place right now.”

Survivor Marie Joly hoped her story could help, “even just one person.”

Survivor Cassie Morrison went from the best shape of her life one day to a cancer patient in full-blown treatment the next.

Survivor Lacey Irons shared that breast cancer was “a bad chapter in my life, but cancer doesn’t scare me.”

Survivor Uma Kuruganti said what many women felt: ''You’re just trying to get through. It is a journey, and you just do the best you can.”

One story featured many survivors: The Pink Ladies. “We were all on sinking ships, but rescued in one lifeboat.”

For Shelley, who has coordinated the Series, and for countless Survivor Series readers, the breast cancer journey stories are important accounts that need to be told.

"These remarkable, beautiful warrior women tell their breast cancer journeys in such detail with persistence, conviction, courage, and spirit,” Shelley said. “Their stories are so moving and powerful!  They are survivors in every sense of the word. I am so grateful to these women for sharing their stories, their words have helped inspire all of us.”

Read all the TBBCF Survivor Series stories here. 

To be part of the TBBCF Survivor Series, contact Shelley Gregory at [email protected] or 860-227-3143.