Honoring our 2024 Sweet Survivors
Genelle Perez-Sandi
OCCUPATION: Quality and Sustainability Manager
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Cub Scouts Pack 301 Den Leader and Popcorn Committee Chair
YouNight Spark Team Leader 2022
YouNight Class Director 2023
YouNight Scart Instructor
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS:
Inland Marine Expo 2022 40 under 40 Award Recipient
Don Hale Founders Award 2022
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Determined, Opened- minded, Courageous.
PHRASE/QUOTE THAT HAD SIGNIFICANT MEANING DURING YOUR JOURNEY: This is your journey, not your mother's. Medicine has improved and treatments are better than they were 7 years ago.
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY: I am a second-generation breast cancer patient. My mother passed away in 2012 after battling for 6 years at the age of 50. I was diagnosed in July 2019 at age 32 after my OB/GYN requested a baseline mammogram be done due to my mother's history. An 8 cm tumor was found with 3 lymph nodes involved. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ER/PR+ Breast Cancer and started chemo 6 weeks later. After having my ovaries removed, a few reactions to one of the chemos, and low blood counts, I completed chemo in February 2020. I had my mastectomy the week of the COVID shutdown. I started radiation in May and after a few months of healing, I had my DIEP Flap reconstruction in November.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS: Know your body and get it checked out if it feels off. If the doctor dismisses it then see someone else and get imaging done. Trust your oncologists and surgeons. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and let people help you, even if it is small things like sitting with you at treatments while you sleep through them.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS?: I was in shock, denial, and terrified. All I wanted was my husband and family.
WHY DID YOU FIGHT?: I fought for my family. I was a mother of 4 kids and at the time they were 14, 12, 3, and 1. My two oldest only remember my mother as being sick so when I told them they assumed I was dying. I reassured them just as my doctors reassured me that the medicine was better and I would get through this. I did not want any of my kids to have to live without me. I did not want my husband to raise our children alone and I did not want my dad and brothers to lose another family member to breast cancer.
THE KINDEST THING SOMEONE DID FOR YOU: My aunt secretly planned a t-shirt fundraiser for me to help cover some bills. She surprised my husband and I with the funds at an annual family party. Everyone showed up wearing the shirts and she played a slide show of people who did not live in our area that purchased shirts wearing them. Some of those people were family, friends, coworkers, and customers of the company that I work for. That was the most touching part. Seeing my customers support me during my fight. I even had some customers call me personally to check on me.
Linda Dill
OCCUPATION: Retired accountant/part time pre-k assistant
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Eucharistic minister
Altar society member
Homebond EM
Care giver
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS: I feel that my greatest accomplishment is being a wife, mother, and grandmother that tries to shine a light on my family friends and everyone I meet.
The other accomplishments like Employee and Manger of the Month throughout my career are nice but only secondary to me.
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Positive. Caring. Compassionate.
PHRASE/QUOTE THAT HAD SIGNIFICANT MEANING DURING YOUR JOURNEY: That all things are possible through our faith in God.
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY: Even though it was 20 years ago this past March sometimes it seems like yesterday. I always took care of myself, did breast exams so when I got the call that they saw something and wanted me to come so they could take a closer look. They confirmed I had areas in both breasts that were concerning. After that I had a lumpectomy on both the left and right breast. I found out the first bad news. They originally thought I only had stage 0. The doctor decided to check the lymph nodes to make sure all was clear. Again, I had to hear more bad news. They found some areas close to my breast bone that looked suspicious. Three nodes were affected and we decided to do a mastectomy on the left breast. I had to go through mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo and radiation. After all of this I am still here living my life to the fullest being grateful for every moment.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS: The best medicine is to have a positive attitude even through the most terrifying times . To always remember every day holds the possibility of a miracle. Sometimes that miracle is your inner strength to fight through all odds.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS?: I do not know why but I had a feeling that I was going to hear the dreaded “C” word. When they called me and my husband in and I heard the word I must admit I was a little terrified. However, I knew without doubt I would fight.
WHY DID YOU FIGHT?: I fought because that weekend after we found out I was thinking of how hard this fight might be. I was not going to say, “Why me”. I would not want anyone I loved to have to go through cancer. Instead, I would say, “Why not me”, because I would not want anyone I loved to have to go through this. This is what made me fight for all of us.
THE KINDEST THING SOMEONE DID FOR YOU: My husband, daughters, and family were at my side through it all. They shared every happy and tearful moment I went through with love.
Carolyn Przybylski
OCCUPATION: Program Manager, Success Operations
VOLUNTEER WORK:
COSMO (Career Oriented Science & Math Opportunities) speaker at multiple middle schools in the greater NOLA area
Volunteered in early development of the Engineering Design curriculum at the St. Charles Parish Satellite Center which provides a unique educational experience that prepares team members for their futures in the professional workplace.
Volunteer judge at multiple Science Fairs in St. Charles parish
Guest speaker at Cub Scout meeting on the different types of engineering and how the skills were used in real life (helped troop earn their engineering “badge”)
Performed as volunteer math mentor for over 10 years in the HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) program, meeting weekly with assigned middle school students to develop interpersonal bonds while building their self-esteem and self-confidence around academics and beyond. For some of these students, the relationship continued into their subsequent school years where I coached them after work to become A students in geometry and trigonometry
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS:
I have kicked Breast Cancer’s butt for 10 years!
Married for 26+ years to a wonderful and supportive husband
Learned how to spell and pronounce my married name - Przybylski (sha-BILL-skee)!
Dog rescue mom for 30 years
B.S. Chemical Engineering - University of Southwestern Louisiana (now ULL)
Circle of Excellence recognition by employer (awarded to top 0.1% employees)
Certifications in Change Management Master Trainer, Project Management and Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Foundation
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Optimistic, Friendly, Fun.
PHRASE/QUOTE THAT HAD SIGNIFICANT MEANING DURING YOUR JOURNEY: You got this!
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY: After my mother lost her breast cancer battle in 1998, largely in part to being uninsured and receiving a late diagnosis, I became vigilant in my screening efforts. In 2014, my annual wellness exam and subsequent biopsy led to a diagnosis of a triple-negative tumor (stage 2a). After 6 months of chemo, pronounced "cancer-free" (and still am!). Had multiple reconstruction surgeries to handle cosmetic complications, but otherwise has been smooth sailing, thanks to the outpouring of love and support I received from family, friends, strangers and fellow survivors.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS: This may not work for everyone, but I suggest ignoring the big picture of the journey that can be so overwhelming. Instead, focus on what you can control and what you need to do for the current "step" in the journey. While it is good to share your struggles/fears (you never know who will say just the right thing or merely provide a good shoulder to lean on), don't forget to have "normal" conversations with friends to show that your struggles are just something you are going through, not something that defines you. For example, you don't spend an entire brunch talking about how you once fell down (at a bar?!?!). You mention it, maybe laugh at how it happened, then move on to the next topic. Lastly, come up with your top 10 list of silver linings (mine was chemo silver linings and it started with not having to shave underarms and legs!).
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS?: Scared - truly frightened because I thought it meant I was going to die young since that was my experience with my mom's diagnosis. I was all alone on a business trip in my hotel room and felt completely adrift. It was not until I got to talk to my doctors (oncological surgeon, my oncologist and my reconstructive surgeon) that I began to feel better because I had a plan.
WHY DID YOU FIGHT?: I have to admit that I didn't really know I was in a "fight" at the time. My "coaches" (doctors) just told me what needed to be done, so I did it (used my former athlete approach, I guess). I was so busy following the steps, checking off items on my list, etc., that I didn't think of it as a fight until after my chemo. Even after the great results came in after chemo and the mastectomy/reconstruction operation, the doctors were ecstatic to tell me the news and I was thinking "Isn't this what we expected?". It was not until I saw my husband's reaction of immense relief and joy that I realized the results could have been much different. That was when I knew I had been in a fight - and won!
THE KINDEST THING SOMEONE DID FOR YOU: I received so many kind acts, large and small, that it is hard to choose. A friend/co-worker of mine changed her vacation plans and flew in to stay with me as I went through my first chemo round. Another close friend performed a huge amount of research to prep me for the fight (that I didn't know I was in). A stranger gave me their first class seat during a business flight because their sister was a survivor. A physical trainer I had worked with sent me dozens of fun hats when she heard about my diagnosis from someone else. The list goes on and on (and I am tearing up just thinking about all of that now).
Peggy Spear
OCCUPATION: Science Educator (retired)
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Membership chair for the Northshore Democratic Women’s Club
NAMI volunteer for special events
League of Women Voters volunteer for voter registration
Mentor for 3 homeless families through St Raphael Church and Catholic Charities, Naperville, Illinois
Volunteer tennis, soccer, basketball and volleyball coach
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS:
Developer and facilitator of award winning science enrichment programs for DuPage Children’s Museum, Naperville, Illinois
Developer of science enrichment programs for after school classes and camps, Ashburn, Virginia
Girls’ basketball coach of the year, Redeemer High School, New Orleans
Multiple tennis leagues champion, Atlanta area
Completed many survivorship classes such as LiveStrong, nutrition for cancer survivors, yoga, tai chi, lymphedema massage and aqua fitness
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Learner, Loyal, Caring.
PHRASE/QUOTE THAT HAD SIGNIFICANT MEANING DURING YOUR JOURNEY: My husband knew when to try to make me laugh during my breast cancer journey. When I came home after getting my head shaved, he looked at me, rubbed my head and said, ‘Sexy’! I started laughing and stopped feeling self conscious about the hair situation. Laughter is the best medicine!
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY: A mammogram detected a lump but it took 3 biopsies to diagnose it as cancer. I am grateful to my doctor for insisting on these extra tests. It was stage 2 and estrogen positive. I went through chemo, then 2 lumpectomies, followed by radiation and 10 years of Letrozole. The hardest part for me was that my mother died when I was in the hospital and I wasn’t able to be with her. My husband did drive 16 hours from Ohio to get me to the funeral after my surgery.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS: I try to encourage anyone going through cancer treatments to stay as active as possible. For me, when I was feeling achy, tired or nauseated, I would get up off the sofa and take a five minute walk, sit outside with the dogs, stretch or do simple exercises. This helped me physically and emotionally and I hope it is helpful to others as well.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS?: First of all I was in shock because two biopsies had already come back benign. Then I was very scared and just wanted an immediate mastectomy, which I ended up not needing. My doctors and surgeon understood my fears and anxieties and explained the treatments to me as we went forward.
WHY DID YOU FIGHT?: I fought for my daughter, four sisters, and all the other women in my life. I have a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter now, and many nieces, too. They know that I have gone through this and I will be there for them if needed!
THE KINDEST THING SOMEONE DID FOR YOU: After I was diagnosed, an acquaintance (now a best friend), showed up with a book about breast cancer, lasagna, a candle and a shoulder to cry on. She had been through her own breast cancer treatments and was my mentor during mine. Since then I have mentored two women during their journey and am helping a beloved sister going through pancreatic cancer now. I learned how important love and support was from my friend and want to pass that on to others living with a cancer diagnosis.
Debra Banquer
OCCUPATION: Retired
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Volunteered for the Telephone Pioneers of America during different events like breast cancer walks, garden tours for brain injuries
Children’s Hospital Fundraisers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Fundraisers
Coaching Children at Jefferson Parish Playgrounds in Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Track, and Cheerleading.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS:
Worked for AT&T for 40 years
Won a few athletic awards growing up
Was a Girl Scout for 11 years
Married a wonderful man (Douglas)
most of all I raised 3 beautiful children (Marie, Daniel, and Troy)
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Honest, Patient, Thoughtful.
PHRASE/QUOTE THAT HAD SIGNIFICANT MEANING DURING YOUR JOURNEY: Live life to the fullest, everyday
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY: I was diagnosed with triple negative Breast Cancer the day before my 60th birthday. After talking to my oncologist and finding out that I was BRCA2+, I decided to have a double mastectomy. The first surgery was January 29, 2020 to remove the cancer (1.7cm) and 3 lymph nodes from the left breast. They inserted an expander to keep the skin from shrinking. Then COVID hit and I had to change plans for chemo treatments. Since my cancer was in stage 1, I did have the option so we went with the 4 treatments instead of 16. I rang the bell on May 25, 2020! My next surgery was September 2020 to remove the expander and the right breast and do the flap procedure. Doctor was unable to move tissue on the left so I had to have an implant on left and my tissue on the right. March 2021 had surgery to to help fix the looks of the breast. July 2022 my left breast started leaking and doctor didn’t know if it was leaking from the nipple, which would probably mean that the cancer came back or my body was rejecting the implant. So I had surgery September 2022 to remove left nipple and implant. They put in a new implant. Tissue was sent to pathology and the results came back negative on cancer. So the healing began again. The cut left my left breast with 2 bumps that would stick out making me feel very uncomfortable. Doctor did surgery to tweak the scar in July 2023, and September 2023 I had a nipple tattoo drawn on my left breast. That made me feel so much back to normal. I thank God everyday that my doctor scheduled my mammogram before I had neck surgery in November 2019, because I probably would have put it off.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS: I never liked asking for anything. But I learned that when someone asks to help you, let them. They are there to love, support and just lend an ear. I did find it comforting to talk to someone going through the same thing as me.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS?: I was upset and cried, but I said I have to put this in God’s hands. I will not give up.
WHY DID YOU FIGHT?: I was always a fighter, so I wasn’t going to give in to cancer. I also wanted to see our grandkids grow up.
THE KINDEST THING SOMEONE DID FOR YOU: My sister, Brenda, organized a fundraiser for me when I was going through chemotherapy. She had family and friends come and work on my gardens while I was at the hospital having my third chemo treatment.
Rebecca Brignac
OCCUPATION: Registered Nurse
VOLUNTEER WORK:
My husband and I feed stray cats
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS:
Distinguished Nurse Award at West Jefferson Memorial for May
THREE WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOU: Happy, Grateful.
PHRASE/QUOTE THAT HAD SIGNIFICANT MEANING DURING YOUR JOURNEY: Maybe you were meant to survive to help someone else.
A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY: I am a 2-time Hormone positive Breast Cancer Survivor. I was first diagnosed in December of 2020, followed by a mastectomy and meds in 2021. Then to have a recurrence in December 2022. I started 12 rounds of Chemotherapy in the spring of 2023. Then In late summer I got 25 rounds of radiation. It was a difficult journey but also sweet victories along the way.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR OTHERS: There IS life after cancer. And hair lol. And an even sweeter life!! It’s so hard when you are in the midst, but the other side is possible.
HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR DIAGNOSIS?: The first time shocked! No family history. Then I was just motivated to get through it. I was so happy after my surgery and margins were clear. Then boom! Here we go again. The second time was more scary. But I plowed through. I was very positive and hopeful!
WHY DID YOU FIGHT?: Because I wanted to live! I have 3 daughters, a husband, sisters, a mom and I wanted to be a part of their lives for the long haul.
THE KINDEST THING SOMEONE DID FOR YOU: The kindest thing is hard to pick, because so many people were just there: food, calls, texts. I felt the love.