Amanda, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

Just by looking at her, you feel her strength and power. Amanda’s breast cancer journey began in 2016 after discovering a lump through a self-breast examination. She underwent treatment that included chemotherapy and radiation then in 2018, by divine intervention, Amanda found her cancer had returned.

At a routine visit to her doctor, her blood work looked off, which prompted a PET scan. Though the blood work was unrelated, the PET scan revealed more. Amanda was told that it may have metastasized in her lungs. After undergoing a biopsy, they confirmed, her cancer was back.

What does treatment look like these days? Amanda is currently living with cancer and treatment includes taking oral chemo at home, undergoing infusions every 3 weeks, and injections in her lower back once a month. Amanda’s treatments are keeping her cancer at bay and controlling her hormone levels as her type grows on estrogen. She will be continuing these treatments up until a point where they no longer work but will always be in treatment of some kind as her cancer is stage 4, treatable but not curable. As you can imagine, it takes its toll some days.

Family life, however, is looking beautiful. Amanda’s family is an incredible community of support with her Husband stepping up to care for her and their three children as she has been fighting cancer. Her parents have also been amazing, helping with the kiddos and taking her to and from appointments. Malas for Tatas is excited to have this warrior as part of our family and is looking forward to providing Massage therapy and acupuncture to help with the side effects of her extensive treatment as well as providing a sisterhood to stand by her along her way. Welcome,f Amanda!

I’m so happy to introduce you to Danielle Sutley. Here are just a few of the words her friends have used to describe her; amazing, fierce, positive, warrior, strong, hilarious, supportive, vulnerable, and above all REAL. After being able to spend some quality time with her, I could not agree more. Danielle is wife of David and mother of two, Maggie and Jonah as well as a lifelong member of the Who Dat nation. Her family has helped motivate her and has been her inspiration and strength throughout her cancer journey.

Danielle was diagnosed with Stage 2 DCIS in 2019. She had a double mastectomy and endured the Red Devil, Taxol, and 5 weeks of daily radiation. It was not easy, but Danielle maintained her fighting spirit, sense of humor, and strength throughout. She credits acupuncture, massage, and a newfound love of meditation with helping her through. She's currently post-reconstruction and putting up with Zometa infusions every 6 months. Several people told me how she personally helped them through their cancer journey with her cancer blog on Lifeline.com. Danielle is so willing to help others, even through her own struggles. She is currently switching gears and changing careers to become a Cancer Nurse Navigator. Still inspiring and supporting people every step of the way.

We are so happy to welcome Danielle and her family into the Malas for Tatas family. She is a treasure and we are excited to work with her for years to come.

Myra, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

Myra is a vivacious, caring and funny woman. Her smile lights up a room and her laughter is truly infectious. She is married to a wonderful and supportive husband, Rick, and mother to a busy 13 year old hockey playing son, Liam. Myra is a native New Yorker who moved to Colorado in 2000. Originally diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2013; Myra completed chemo, radiation, and a nipple sparing mastectomy. Myra was cancer free for seven years! Unfortunately, in November 2020 Myra was re-diagnosed with Paget’s disease, DCIS, and HER2 positive early stage breast cancer. At first doctor’s said it could not possibly be breast cancer and after finding doctors who listened; she was able to confirm what she already knew. Of course, she was shocked and devastated, but Myra is a fighter. “You will rattle me but you won’t break me,” she thought. Myra used this second cancer diagnosis to remind her to put herself first and make health- body, mind and spirit, numero uno!

2020 was nuts for Myra. She had another surgery and had 14 rounds of Kadcyla chemotherapy as well as 33 rounds of radiation. This chemo made Myra feel absolutely terrible, and her treatment landed her in the hospital with complications at least ten times. She was also trying to balance quality time with her family and running a successful Design and Build residential remodeling company (RW Design and Build). Through it all Myra leaned heavily on her amazing husband, family, and close friends. Especially other survivor sisters who understood the journey. She began using acupuncture and practicing meditation. Radiation left her with a lot of pain, and she continues to work through that with complementary therapies including dry needling, massage, cupping, as well as deep spiritual practices, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and retreats. Combing eastern and western modalities is the best

Myra has chosen to use her cancer journey as a catalyst to inspire and encourage other women going through their own breast cancer battle. She also is a big proponent on being ones own advocate, getting second and third opinions, as well as taking time to grieve your diagnosis but not staying there for long.

She is a strong believer that the power of the mind is the absolute first part of healing and traveling through the process of treatment. “You’re allowed one pity party per day for about fifteen minutes, then dust yourself off and keep moving! Even if that means moving to the couch to watch something that fills your heart and makes you laugh!” “Don’t stay dark for long!” And don’t forget one step at a time, allowing yourself grace and present moment thinking because that’s all you’ve got, is this moment! Has her amazing oncologist Dr. Virginia Borges told her, “Lean-into Myra, you’ll get through it!”

EMily, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

Part way through pregnancy Emily and her family moved to Ft. Collins. She switched to a new OB in the process. At a routine OB visit one day, she mentioned finding a lump in her right breast to her new doctor. He reassured her that it was likely a change due to pregnancy. Not too much more thought went into it.  November 9th, 2021, she gave birth to her baby girl, Gia (now 3 months) through cesarean section. What an amazing thing to celebrate!

Immediately after Gia was born, still in the recovery room, the nursing staff observed her nursing her baby. Again, Emily mentioned the lump to her nurses, they agreed she should have it checked right away. Later in her hospital room, with an OB and lactation nurse, the topic came up again. They immediately performed an ultrasound to her right breast, results were inconclusive. Maybe it’s just a cyst or a clogged milk duct, she thought. As Emily was preparing to be discharged and go home with her new little girl, medical staff redirected her to the breast diagnostic center for a mammogram and 2nd US. Staff was behaving differently now, more urgency resulted in a breast biopsy that very day. She hadn’t even been home with Gia yet.

Finally, she was able to go home but the concern for her breast was looming in the background as she began healing from the incisions from her C-section, newly biopsied breast, and tried to enjoy her new baby girl. After the weekend passed, she was contacted by her doctor and was informed that she had breast cancer. +++ (estrogen, progesterone, HER2) They confirmed it was a tumor, outside of the milk duct as well as in her lymph nodes (stage 2B). It was overwhelming.

Her oncology team started with chemo on December 14th (her husband Kory’s birthday) 2021 for (12 weeks), also targeted immunotherapy every 3 weeks to start. Breastfeeding had to stop. Chemo is going okay so far (after a bad reaction to Taxol resulting in flu like body aches and a bad rash) now that she has gotten a better chemo med (Abraxine) she is on her way.  Her hair is just starting to fall out and she is adapting. Since Emily is immunosuppressed from the treatment, as well as amid cold/flu/covid season, home with newborn Gia, and her son Leon (6 yo) in school, Emily is on extended maternity leave and is laying low.

After she completes the initial 12 weeks of treatment, likely in March, the plan continues with imaging (MRI) to see if the treatments have been effective. At that time, Emily hopes to return to work as well. She is also likely to have surgery in the future to remove the remainder of the tumor and check lymph nodes. She may also consider a double mastectomy if it Is recommended by her oncology team.

Currently Emily is squeezing in time with an acupuncturist at Traditional Chinese Medicine center in Ft. Collins. She is also going to try massage and any other holistic options that strike her curiosity and encourage healing. We are honored to have Emily as part of the Malas for Tatas family and look forward to the day that we can pay her a visit, give her a huge hug, and meet her loving family. 

Leah, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

What can I say...2020. That's enough right? Leah missed her mammogram because life was crazy at the time. She mentioned to a doctor that she had noticed some vascular changes in her right breast. The doctor didn't seem too alarmed so they trudged their way through a tumultuous year in history, together with her family, husband Chris, and kiddos who are just 13 and 11 years old.

By March of 2021, the fog was beginning to lift, Leah had been happily teaching Pilates and carrying on with busy family life. Things were going pretty smoothly, then during a self-breast exam, she found a density in her tissue. Not what she would describe as a lump but definitely something different. She let it slide until one day, that area became more pronounced, Alarm bells went off. It was time for a mammogram.

Her mammogram revealed the mass. Immediately an ultrasound and biopsy were done. The results came back positive for breast cancer. It was time to investigate deeper. An MRI showed that her tumor measured 7 CM and that it had spread into 3 lymph nodes. She immediately began chemotherapy, with Taxol. Then they upped the treatment by switching to AC (AKA: the Red Devil), much more aggressive chemotherapy with strong side effects. Their goal is to shrink the tumor down before performing a lumpectomy/lumpectomy sometime this fall.

Her cancer journey is just at the beginning stages. We are so thankful that Malas for Tatas has been able to support her from the get-go. We are excited to welcome Leah with open arms into this sisterhood and beautiful community. Together, all things are possible.

Jenn, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

Jenn is a hero, ah-hem, AKA: an Emergency Medical Responder, and small business owner of Action Medical, a medical response team present on film and production sets as well as large events. Her business offers continuing education to Medical responders and the community. She is 39 years young and is a loving mother and wife who has it all... including breast cancer.

Let's start at the beginning when at the tender age of 28 she was diagnosed with Cervical cancer, did treatment, and was promptly told that she would never be able to have children. This was at the start of her EMS career. A few good years into her career she sustained a work-related accident that required her to get an x-ray of her pelvis. The x-ray revealed that she was pregnant! She now has a son, Daniel (6.5 years) who is the light of her life. Jenn is primed as a person who can beat the odds.

As the years went by, Jenn developed and opened her business Action Medical. things were great. Classes were going strong, business was booming, and she was meeting some really great people in the field, including Zander, a disabled veteran attending classes to continue his education. They hit it off and before you know it were married. Good times, busy times, times that made Jenn forget about taking care of herself and focusing on taking care of others.

Now, Jenn is no fool, she is a trained medical professional. Her mom has a history of breast cancer so she knows how important it is to do regular breast exams but life was a hussle and her self-breast exams took the back seat for 2 months straight. On May 11th, 2021, what was a simple reach to scratch an itch, litterally, she dicovered a lump un her left breast. By May 14th, 2021 she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic carcinoma and grade 3 ductal carcinoma, tripple neagtive breast cancer.

She started treatment by the end of May 2021, beginning with chemo. After 4 rounds of AC (The Red Devil) the tumer had reduced in size. Wonderful news! On August 1st, Jenn began the next phase of treatment, a dense treatment of Taxol and Cytoxon. She expected the side effects to be more intense, what she didn't expect was an allergic recation to the Taxol. This left her feeling awful to say the least. They switched to Abraxcan with a similar reaction, leading her oncologist to believe Jenn may have a sensitivity to all things Taxol related. For now, as far as her treatment goes, it's back to the drawing board. Her incredible taeam of oncologists are sure to find a good fit for Jenn.

Malas for Tatas is honored to have Jenn as part of our sisterhood of support and we are looking forward to aligning her with the right holistic team to get her thought the side effects of treatment. She is excited to get started with acupuncture, Reiki, Pilates, and meditation coaching once her meds get back on track. Jenn is the type of woman who beats the odds and finds gifts hidden in the challenges of life. I have have all the confidence in the world that Jenn will rally and recover beautifully.

Tish, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

Tish is one of the strongest women I know, battling things over many years that most human beings would not have the capability to handle. Her confidence that God will guide her through this next chapter is relentless! To say she is an onion with so many layers of depth, a zest for life, strength for seeing the positive side in everything she has faced and the love for everyone around her is an understatement. However, the book of her life has taken a turn, yet again, since 2015.
Her cancer has come back...again.
Her story continues with a new chapter...
For those of you unaware of her chapters since 2015, I offer a brief recap:

Chapter 1:
In February of 2015 she was diagnosed with Stage I Breast Cancer after she found a lump. With her faith in God, the love of her 2 young boys and family and friends, she was able to find the strength to endure several rounds of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries to successfully say she was cancer-free! However, she was physically and mentally exhausted. Yet, she never showed it. Always faithful. Always strong. Always living life to the fullest. Her opposition and attitude about cancer always left me in awe.

Chapter 1a:
She decided, because of her age and to be proactive with her health, to undergo genetic testing. It was discovered that she has the BRCA2 gene which "basically" increases her risk of developing certain cancers three-fold. Because of this knowledge, she decided to make the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy. She believed this would have reduced her risk of developing breast cancer in the future. Having this gene also presents a greater risk for Ovarian, Prostate (in males), and Melanoma risk. She also decided to prevent Ovarian cancer by undergoing a Bilateral Oophorectomy. What was conveniently left out of explanation was that by removing all breasts she would be more likely to have Breast Cancer metastases somewhere less easily spotted.

Chapter 1b:
After her surgery, the oncologist called to let her know the tumor had been sent to the lab after removal and she had a medium risk for metastases. He recommended she do chemotherapy to reduce that risk. She didn't want to but she figured he was an oncologist for 20+ years and knew more about cancer than she did. Because of this, she got her head shaved and did chemo surrounded by many friends and family along the way.

Chapter 1c:
In December of 2015 she underwent the Bilateral Oophorectomy and in January of 2016 was declared ''cancer-free".

Chapter 2:
In June of 2015, during a CT scan after her mastectomy, they spotted something in her neck that they wanted to watch. In January of 2016, they asked her to come in for an ultrasound and a biopsy. She did and was shocked when she received a call telling her she had THYROID Cancer. In quiet desperation, she cried and begged for guidance. It didn't feel like anything she had done had protected her or healed her. She was certain there must be another way. A friend introduced her to Gerson Therapy. She chose to do this therapy and for 2 years juiced heavily, ate organically a special Gerson diet, and detoxed with multiple coffee enemas daily. Within 4 months she had a PET scan that was clear. Dr. after Dr. called and congratulated her on being cancer-free even though they didn't understand where her cancer had gone as she had not let them surgically remove her thyroid. She had chosen not to pursue surgery as it felt like the 2 surgeries the previous year combined with the chemo should have kept her safe but had not. She knew she needed to find a different approach to curing this cancer and put her body into a zone that would allow her to live a healthy, cancer-free life in the future. With the financial support of her family and friends, she found this outside of the United States. She continued after the initial PET scan to finish the 2-year treatment through Feb. of 2018. She continued to get a yearly PET scan and bloodwork to make sure it was kept at bay.

Chapter 3 (the new chapter):

Starting her new life as a single mom (enjoying her 2 boys finally), during a recent routine pet scan in February 2021, she received the diagnosis of stage 4 Breast Cancer that has metastasized to her bones. Her spirit has not broken. But, again at the young age of 46, she needs to follow her path of healing to again put this cancer at bay.
Story details pulled from her Go Fund Me page, written by her friend Kim.

Tracey, currnt Malas for tatas recipient

Tracey’s story is not unlike many others, a rollercoaster of emotion and constant changes. What makes Tracey stand out to me is that even though there were many uncertain and scary moments, her attitude of positivity and gratitude allowed her to shine through it all. 

Her journey began in April 2020 with a biopsy that revealed a mass that at first appeared to be a small and manageable size but after an MRI, which is much more detailed, her family was informed that the mass was much larger than previously thought. The MRI also showed some “suspicious” shadows in the left breast as well. What was first a manageable journey soon felt daunting and uncertain.

After conducting several tests and consulting a surgeon, the treatment plan became clearer. She was to start with a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction in May of 2020. Thankfully she was not BRCA positive, this was a silver lining as she knew this meant that she would not be susceptible to other forms of cancer, nor would she be passing the gene along to her kiddos. There were some blessings happening through all of this and for that Tracey and her family were thankful.

Tracey and her family prepared for the double mastectomy with the team. The procedure was executed just as they had planned and thankfully, Tracey was able to come home that evening to begin her recovery process. Once the days went on, it was eye-opening how intense the procedure and recovery were. Drains are placed on each side of the breasts to keep lymphatic fluid and blood flowing out of the surgery site. Her devoted husband, Brian helped her to empty these collected fluids three times a day as well as document the amount of fluid that is drained each day. Tracy couldn’t shower to wash her hair, so Brian washed and conditioned her hair, helping Tracey feel more human and to care for his loving wife. The love and positivity in this family makes my heart swell!  

Tracey’s next step in her breast cancer journey was chemotherapy. She began chemo in June of 2020. The side effects were to be expected, hair loss, suppressed immune system, nausea, headaches, and GI issues. During chemotherapy treatments, she wore iced gloves and slippers on her hands and feet to prevent any neuropathy, which is a common side effect. She toughed through this with grit, grace, and gratitude, hanging on to positive news like the fact that she didn’t have to undergo radiation. Silver linings kept her and her family in a positive mind frame and made it possible to keep going.

Tracy honed her meditation practice through the duration of her treatment. She also made a point to improve her vegetable and fruit consumption and cut out sugar, which was a challenge for her sugar-loving family. With the help of the Malas for Tatas community, Tracy also began seeing a life coach and has been able to turn some important corners in her self-care and wellbeing. In August 2020 Tracey completed her chemotherapy treatment. Like all survivors, Breast cancer was a life-changing experience for her. She plans on continuing life coaching and living a life filled with love, positivity, and gratitude.

“Knowing you are surrounded by such caring and supportive people makes it feel like we are not going through this alone and for that, we will be eternally grateful.”

"I’ve learned so much about myself and what it means to be strong and even though I wish I never had cancer, it has helped me to become

more grateful for all of my blessings".  

I love you all,

Tracey

Paige, Malas for tatas previous recipient

I had the pleasure of talking with our newest recipient Paige about her breast cancer journey. My first impression was, damn, this woman is so strong. Her story is one of courage, shocking setbacks, unbridled love, and following her dreams at all costs. In the end looking breast cancer in the eye and refusing to let it stop her from living her best life.

Paige was first diagnosed on January 5th, 2016 when she found a lump 2 weeks after a breast exam. This discovery resulted in a biopsy and ultimately a unilateral mastectomy and hormone therapy meds for 2 years to treat and recover.

Then, 2 years later after having regular hip pain, she was sent to PT. Deep down she knew it was more than a hurt hip and advocated to look deeper into the pain. After speaking with her doctor, she had a PET scan and the area was biopsied. Then on 2/22/18, the day before her 28th birthday and the weekend of her bachelorette party, she got the news, the breast cancer had metastasized to her right ilium bone. She was utterly shocked. The doctor told her she had 3 years to live and “he would be surprised if she were alive in 20 years”.

She kept the news to herself that night, except for confiding in her father. The news spread quickly to her sister and close friends who were in town to celebrate with her. They tried to not let the news take over the joy of the weekend, after all they were here to celebrate! I genuinely believe things happen at the time they are meant to and, though this news was devastating, and the timing was less than ideal, having family and friends close while Paige and everyone absorbed the news, couldn’t have been more meaningful.

Paige had to start treatment right away. There was no time to waste, after all, the wedding was just around the corner. Her Oncology team at the Cleveland Clinic explained that Paige’s cancer was estrogen positive cancer, more specific test results showed that this type of breast cancer would not respond to chemotherapy. Her treatment plan began with 3 radiation treatments then it was off to Estes Park, Colorado where she and her fiancé, Cody, married on March 27th at a beautifully simple wedding in one of the most gorgeous places on the Earth. Just days later the newlyweds road-tripped to Cleveland after packing their belongings into a storage unit. Upon arrival in Cleveland Paige started her ovarian suppression treatments and moved into her childhood home to focus on her healing journey.

After a whirlwind trip with newlywed excitement, Paige and her husband had clear intentions to move back to Colorado, and her oncology team was on board to make that possible for them. Soon after Paige began Yoga teacher training in Denver. In July, once she completed her yoga training it was back to Cleveland to visit her Oncology team. She had great results from that PET Scan. It was a wonderful time. The family gathered on July 28th for a celebratory reception for the newlyweds.

Just a few days after their wedding reception Paige had to make the hard decision to have her ovaries removed and forfeit her option to have children of their own, but she knew in her heart of hearts that it was the right decision. Just a week after her procedure, in August of 2018 Paige and Cody made their move to Colorado where they have lived for the last 2 years. Most recently, during the height of the COVID Pandemic, they made their final move to their beloved Estes Park in April of 2020.

Paige commemorates each year of the anniversary of her diagnosis with a new tattoo as a reminder of how far she has come and where she has the potential to go. A new tattoo for Paige is on the horizon as she approaches her 31st birthday and another year of living a full and beautiful life. She continues her treatment at UC health with Dr. Borges. Every six months she makes her way down from Estes Park to stay for a couple of days, receive CT and bone scans, and await results. Though she is there all day to prep and receive scans she remains grateful and positive.

“Do not lose your hope no matter what! Remember you still have control over your mind and your body”- Paige

Mitsue, Malas for tatas previous recipient

Recently, Erin and I had the chance to speak with Mitsue, one of our new recipients. She told us about her cancer journey which began in 2018 only 6 months after her wedding day. She discovered her cancer through a routine visit to her OBGYN. Soon after, she had a biopsy that returned with abnormal results. Mitsue’s breast cancer diagnosis brought more strain to their new marriage than expected. She knew that their bond wasn’t strong enough to sustain a challenge this big. Not only that but her new career as a baker had to be put on hold. Big changes were on the way. She had to face a scary diagnosis and an uncertain separation from her husband with no one from home to lean on. Mitsue knew she had no control over the situation and had no other choice but to be strong and completely trust the process. Mitsue bravely started cancer treatment on her own. She had a lumpectomy and received close care from her oncology team in Denver. She also traveled to Japan for routine visits and follow up procedures with her oncology team there and spent time with her parents. This February, at a follow-up visit with her Japanese oncology team, they did an MRI. The scan showed that cancer had returned, and it was time to consider a more aggressive approach. Mitsue returned to Colorado with a tough decision to make. Her trips to Japan were put to a halt in March with the COVID Pandemic. Her Colorado team was to perform her latest procedure, a double mastectomy completed in May 2020, here in Denver. Throughout her journey, she has cultivated friendships in her community, both neighbors and friends from an awesome support group in Stapleton called The Support Sisters that have rallied by her side. During our recent photoshoot, I had the joy of meeting her most cherished friend, Haru, her beloved dog that has stayed loyally by her side through it all.

Mitsue is special. She has the strength and trust that few possess. I think that comes from having a strong meditation and yoga practice. Her foundation is rock solid, and it shows in her calm and cheerful demeanor. She is hilarious and straight forward. She is resilient, extremely positive, and empowered. She is a beautiful example of how to stay soft after enduring a situation that would harden most. Mitsue has a goal to climb and backpack again, with the strength she had before her cancer diagnosis. After her final procedure, scheduled for September 2020, she looks forward to taking steps toward reaching that goal. She loves the mountains of Colorado and to be in nature. Colorado feels like home and we are glad to have her here with us.

Camille, malas for Tatas previous recipient

We are excited to announce our latest recipient, Camille Lewis. Camille is a fabulous 46yo mother of two, both athletic young men (Mazi, 21, newly married and fantastic rugby player, and Matteo, 14 all-state pitcher- also plays basketball and rugby). Camille was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on May 20, 2019 - one day after Mother"s Day. After the initial shock wore off, Camille decided to make friends with her cancer and learn what she could from it. Other than that - it was business as usual. "I didn't have time for this. I want to be a Nana! I have stuff to do!", she explains. Happily, Camille finished her treatment last Thursday. She is happy to move on to becoming a "thriver"- like a survivor but even better. Camille is excited to join the Malas for Tatas family. She plans on using her donations to create a truly Holistic new life moving forward. We are so happy to welcome her! Stay tuned for more updates.

Darlene, Malas for Tatas previous recipient

Meet our newest recipient, Darlene (on the right) with her dear friend JoEllen. What a fun pair! Darlene was nominated by her daughter Lynda. Lynda, our friend, told us her story.

A breast cancer diagnosis back in 2016 resulted in a double mastectomy from which Darlene recovered well and continued on relatively unscathed. Until a couple of months ago when she had some serious and quickly developing health issues which were diagnosed as metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, spreading to the lungs and brain.

Since then, she has completed radiation and recently underwent chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the radiation didn’t help with brain cancer and diagnosis is pretty much the same as pre-treatments.
Darlene is an angel and is facing it as it comes, with the help of family and friends. They can only guess how much time she has. 6 months, a year....? The hospice facility has been very supportive of Darlene and family.

Can we get your support, friends, in helping Darlene face the next steps of her diagnosis with bravery and encouragement? Please send love to this beautiful warrior.
It is with YOUR great generosity that we can offer Darlene treatments such as Reiki therapy through this transition. A huge thank you to everyone in our community for your loving hearts.

Anne Conaway, Malas for Tatas previous recipient

Anne is an amazing woman. She is an adventurous spirit, spending much of her twenties traveling and living abroad. Once she landed in her thirties, managing a career, she decided that she wanted to become a mother. Being a single woman, it presented its challenges but did not stop her from pursuing her dreams of motherhood. She underwent IVF and became pregnant with twins. What a joy!

Even though she was single, she was not on her own. Family and friends came together, excited to join Anne in this new adventure. Anne's twins are delightful! However, just a few years into their time as a family together, they were faced with a new challenge. Anne was diagnosed with breast cancer last June. She started chemotherapy on the kiddo's first day of kindergarten.

They have all banded together and endured chemotherapy, and eventually a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Anne is not even a year out from her diagnosis and after celebrating her 40th birthday last month, is just beginning to feel like herself again. She is looking forward to showing up 100% for herself and her family.

Let's support Anne through her next adventure, friends! All profits made from sales of malas through June of 2019 go to Anne and her continued recovery.

Jeanine Apolinar, malas for Tatas previous recipient

We were introduced to Jeanine though her cousin Monique, a chemo nurse at Denver Health. Jeanine is a huge-hearted woman who works for the Denver Police Department, working night shifts and covering overtime regularly. She dedicates her time to her family, often helping with the care her mother as needed.

Jeanine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 just 2 days before Christmas. After speaking with her oncologist, she chose not to have a mastectomy and began chemotherapy, a five-year process. She also underwent several months of radiation, leaving her feeling completely exhausted and often in pain. The weakness and exhaustion that resulted from these treatments felt disheartening since, in the past, she prided herself in being physically fit.

With the help she received from your donations, Jeanine is excited to make self-care and fitness a priority again, regardless of the continued treatment. Her no excuse attitude and positivity is contagious. Jeanine plans to use Pilates and other holistic therapies to help rehab her back and manage the pain from her cancer treatment. She is excited to be on her way back to health and is looking forward to “Paying it forward” by volunteering her time at a beading brunch and hosting a Malas for Tatas trunk show in May.