Dancing with Breast Cancer Stars Denver 2018

Greetings from Jackie Wesley On tonight I wish you all greetings from Fighting Together to Save Lives, we thank you for joining us this evening at our 4th Annual Dancing with Breast Cancer Stars.

We are so happy to have you with us tonight. We know that attending these kinds of events can be very emotional and bring back memories of your own lost loved ones or even the journey of those still with us. We do this for several reasons, and our main reason is to honor the brave women who are willing to be revealed to the community as Survivors.

The Survivors you will see tonight are women who have made to commitment to join the fight by being revealed and sharing the story.

As we have won the battle, the war is not over. We must continue to bring awareness into the community that this disease does not discriminate against any race. We all are venerable, by family history or even being the first in the family. There is nothing that you have done to get breast cancer it could be genetic.

Our Mission Statement & Vision Statement: To support the breast cancer community, by encouraging women and men to get annual mammograms for early detection. To celebrate and acknowledge breast cancer survivors in the community.

So, enjoy this evenings event and remember early detection save lives!

As we “Celebrate Life” at the 4th Annual Dancing with Breast Cancer Stars. I am filled with joy and anticipation as we gather to celebrate those who are survivors of Breast Cancer. The women being honored tonight display such beauty and courage. I am truly honored to have had such inspiration cross my path.

Not only hearing their stories but watching them live their stories have been moments that I will cherish and continue to share beyond the night’s events. I say to each one tonight; continue to soar and share your stories of solace and survival.

Peace & Blessings Caroline D. Price V.P. Fighting Together to Save Lives

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to the 4th Annual “Dancing with The Breast Cancer Stars”.

I am your host, Lequita J.Taylor and I am a 14 year survivor of breast cancer. To tell a little about myself, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on April 18, 2003 and I had my surgery on May 9, 2003. I had a lumpectomy and 18 lymph nodes removed from my right arm.

I went through 8 treatments of chemotherapy, 34 treatments of radiation. I lost all my hair, my breast turned black from being burned from the radiation and sometimes being so sick, I could not even raise my head but…. Look at God! I am healed, my hair is back, my color is back and I am a breast cancer survivor. I have learned the true meaning of when the bible says “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”. Only by God’s grace and mercy.

I thank God for the Founder of this beautiful event, Mrs. Jackie Wesley who is also a survivor and a powerful woman of God who truly walks by faith and not by sight.

Our goal working together with this organization is to stress the seriousness of early detection for women and men of all colors, to survive. We pray this event continues for many more years to come.

So, we thank each one of you that came out to our 4th Annual “Dancing with Breast Cancer Stars” and we want you to just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride of the “Survivors”.

Many Blessings to You All! Lequita J. Taylor

As we continue to bring awareness to the community about breast cancer, we will never forget our sisters who lost their battle to the horrible disease Rhonda Porter Anita Wesley

2018 HONOREES Janet Borzuchowski Lisa Bailey-Wilson Valerie Jenkins Sanjanetta Grant Sonya Lanotte Antoinette Boykins Dr. Nita Mosby-Tyler Betty Williams Joyce Ortiz

JANET BORZUCHOWSKI Hi, my name is Janet Borzuchowski and I am a breast cancer survivor for 4 years or 18 years, depending how you count.

I am a software engineer by day, and my passion outside of work is ballroom dancing. I have always loved dancing, especially tap dancing growing up. I have been training and competing in ballroom dance for more than 20 years.

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2000. I underwent a lumpectomy, followed by chemo and radiation. When I finished the last round of chemo, I competed in the Colorado Star Ball, a regional ballroom dance competition in the Denver area. I could only do 5 dances, with a short break in between each dance, but I did it.

Fast forward to May 2014. Certain cancer markers were elevated, and a PET scan revealed a hot spot in my spine. A biopsy confirmed the cancer had returned. I underwent radiation and ended 5 days before my favorite competitions, the Colorado Star Ball. The side effects of radiation therapy are cumulative, I felt tired and nauseated in that last week, but I did a number of different styles in the competition and felt nauseated once, but I did it.

Besides the support of my partner Gary, I was always motivated to get better and compete at the next ballroom competition. Today I am cancer free and see my oncologist every 3 months. I am enjoying life and continue training and competing in ballroom dance.

– Janet Borzuchowski

BETTY WILLIAMS My story with cancer started in 2001. I went to the doctor having discovered a lump in my breast. Upon the lump being discovered I was given the option to either remove the lump or allow it to remain, I chose to have the lump removed.

In November of 2001, I went in for surgery. Overhearing the doctor’s conversation I knew something was wrong. A few days later I received a call from the doctor with the news that it was cancer. Upon hearing the news that I had cancer a dreadful fear overtook me. Thank God my family was there as a support.

My journey to fight off cancer began with radiation treatment. During this time the treatment began to hinder my ability to do a lot of things I could normally do with ease. It began to drain me from my normal ability. Although blessed not to have gone through chemo this nonetheless was a traumatic experience.

During this time my youngest son had just returned home from the military. He was a huge support.

I truly believe that God brings people in your life just when you need them the most.

A friend of mine’s also provided me with gospel tapes and Bible scriptures to read for comfort.

Through this entire experience I was drawn closer to God who is my healer.

In life there is no testimony without test. For the past 17 years I have been cancer-free. With the support of my family and friends and by God’s mercy and grace, I am a survivor.

– Betty Williams

SONYA LANOTTE April 26, 2013 was a new start. A new career and a great start to celebrate my 40th birthday. Just received my license to sell real estate, I even purchased a new car.

November 2013, I started having pains in my lower back and hips, I was in constant pain. I went to the doctor to have test ordered. I was told I had lytic lesions on my spine and pelvic bone. I found myself in the Emergency room about a week later due to an asthma attack. While in the hospital I told the staff, I thought my lungs were collapsing so a CT scan was performed. After the results I was told my lungs were good but there was a mass in my breast.

A couple of day’s later about 4-5 doctors entered my room to tell me I had stage IV Breast cancer.

Not having any knowledge of cancer, I asked how many stages were there. With puzzled faces, they said 4.

My response was “God is bigger than cancer”, “Why Not Me”. That broke the silence and the sadness that was in the room. Before I was discharged I was given a pink bag, a pink notebook and a handful of cards of people to contact for support and treatment. I was also given 5 different pain medications. I was sent home to die in peace with no pain.

But to God be the Glory, I am still here, and today I am drug free.

– Sonya Lanotte

ANTOINETTE BOYKINS My journey began November 2015. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had surgery December 8, 2015. Between my diagnosis date and my surgery date, my 20-year marriage crumbled.

I did not know what to expect with cancer, surgery, and treatment; and my heart was completely shattered all at the same time. The trauma of going through a divorce and cancer at the same time took its toll on me, mentally and physically.

My cancer medical team was concerned about my emotional health as well as my physical health. I, on the other hand, went on automatic. I worked 20 hours overtime a week on my job and muddled through all the legal processes during and after the time that I was having radiation therapy. I was ill to the point of not being able to talk for a month, two subsequent surgeries, and other misc. illnesses. I was an overwhelmed, badly bended mess, but I was not broken! God did not create me to be broken by anyone or anything! God was with me the entire time. I was lost, but my faith in God never wavered.

I was blessed with three wonderful children, Blake, Marcellus, and Jazzmyn. They took care of me when I was unable to take care of myself. I was blessed by prayers, and support of my sisters, brothers, cousins, sister girlfriends, friends; especially, my oldest sister, Essie Sue – a cancer survivor. Also, blessed by a stranger with a positive outlook on life who became my best friend. His name is Glenn.

My journey has made me stronger than I could have ever imagined. I am cancer-free. My health is great.

My advice to survivors: Trust God, Eat well, Exercise, Maintain a positive attitude, Follow doctor’s orders Show love and encouragement to future survivors -Antoinette Boykins

FIGHTING TOGETHER TO SAVE LIVES DANCING WITH BREAST CANCER STARS Reception 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Ballroom Doors Open 5:45 p.m.

PROGRAM Introduction of Host – Jackie Wesley Founder, FTTSL Host Laquita Taylor Welcome to Fighting Together to Save Lives 4yh Annual Dancing with Breast Cancer Stars!

INTRODUCTION OF HONOREE’S Janet Borzuchowski & Timmy Mertz Lisa Bailey-Wilson & Gregory Wilson Valerie Jenkins & FTTSL Escort Sanjanetta Grant & Oscor Grant Sonya Lanotte & Chris Lanotte Antoinette Boykins & Glenn Parker Dr. Nita Mosby-Tyler & Master Gavin Ross Betty Williams & Greg Williams Joyce Ortiz & Cletus & Dwayne Floyd Introduction of Pastor Felix Gilbert, RCF Church DINNER SERVED Smooth Jazz Artist: Greg Goodloe Featuring Debbie Giles INTERMISSION Janet Borzuchowski (Survivor) & Tim Merz / Booth Dance Studio Introduction of Mr. Charles & Let’s Start Dancing Crew PINK RIBBON (Sole Journey) Adrienne Martin-Fullwood Accompanied by: Aurbree Fullwood Sister’s Dance by Survivor Bernard Wesley INTRODUCTION OF FOUNDER Jackie Wesley /Founder Closing Remarks Breast Cancer Shuffle by Charles Doss and the Let’s Start Dancing Crew CELEBRATION!

LISA BAILEY-WILSON May 17, 2017. I received the call with my mammogram results, and was told it was Stage2 HER2positive cancer! I thought the nurse was talking about someone else. I felt numb and could not really believe what I had just heard. The nurse was very supportive and reassuring that it was treatable and she also shared her own personal journey with surviving breast cancer. Still at the same time I could not believe this was ‘me’, we were talking about.

So I faced my fears and put all faith in God. Initially, I endured 4months of intense chemotherapy.

After the 4months they scheduled me for surgery. Once the surgeon went in to remove the tumors they were already gone! My body was able to help fight the toxins, I was told this only happens in 30% of cases. But, because of the type of cancer HER2positive. I still had to endure another 8months of chemotherapy along with 19 rounds of radiation.

I learned that facing your fears makes you realize how strong you are. This journey has taught me to love and cherish family. It allowed me to see that my husband meant every word of our wedding vows. His love and compassion has been amazing. More importantly, my faith and trust in God, there is absolutely nothing he cannot do. My advice to anyone going through this is that when the devil whispers in your ear “ You are not strong enough to withstand the storm” You tell him... I AM THE STORM! – Lisa Bailey-Wilson

NITA MOSBY-TYLER My breast cancer story is a story about using the worst time of my life to fuel the best part of my life. In 2011, I made a decision to run for Denver City Council. It was a complicated time. Our city councilwoman had just died of breast cancer and this was a special, write-in campaign with 40 people vying for the seat.

I announced that I was running for office on a Monday and on Friday of that same week I was in my doctor’s office being told that I was in stage 4 breast cancer.

My life changed that day.

I made a decision to let my diagnosis, my chemotherapy, my radiation, my nausea and my pain become my fuel to run my city council race. I knocked on doors. I smiled when I wanted to cry. I kept going when I felt like I was going to die.

Through it all I kept my mind on the community. I kept my mind on the potential to advance equity. I kept my mind on making Denver a better place.

At the end of it all I missed the run-off by only 170 votes. I didn’t win the city council race.

However, I won the best gift of all…a renewed and elevated life.

I won! I really won!

– Nita Mosby Tyler

VALERIE JENKINS I first started doing the Race for the Cure back in the late 1990’s with a co-worker name Sue Hall. Toward the end of the race she had told me that it was getting to be to much and we locked arms and we took our time. We both made it over the finish line smiling and hugging each other.

Not to soon after that she was gone and now when I do this walk I always think of her and others that I have met along the way.

My cancer was caught at the early stage and I had a good support team behind me at home, Denver Health and UCH. When you first hear you have cancer you are saying OMG, but the lord had my players already in place and I was in his hands. I called my machine the Shake & Bake and I was in there for 5 days a week off on weekends, and when I would leave I would see this big Gold bell. And sitting in the lobby watching other people ringing that bell I knew one day I would get to do that too. My day finally came and it was my turn, I rang it one time and my support staff told me to “ring that bell” and I did just that. I made it across the finish line!!

Now this really means something to me because I have met so many beautiful Queens walking beside me with the same goals and mission. My new family just gets bigger and bigger - Sisterhood!

– Valerie Jenkins

SANJANETTA GRANT My brother passed from prostate cancer in 2009. Two weeks after my brothers passing my mother in law suddenly passed, two weeks after that, my step daughter passed away at the age of 40 from breast cancer.

A little voice inside me said you need to get a mammogram now. That was GOD. My journey began April 2010 when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

I thought this would be a routine Mammogram. I received a phone call with the devastating news that I had cancer. After meeting with the Oncologist he delivered the news that it was Stage 2, it had spread to several lymph nodes. My husband and I cried together and he told me that everything was going to be okay.

After the first round of Chemo I got so sick I couldn’t keep anything down; including water. The second round, I lost my hair and my husband did too. The stomach pain was becoming unbearable and I told Oscar that I didn’t want any more Chemo because it was literally killing me. I just couldn’t do it anymore. He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said please don’t give up, stay with me because I can’t live without you. We both cried and I finished my last round of Chemo.

I commend my husband for taking this ride with me, because of everything that was happening; especially after losing our daughter to Breast Cancer which was devastating.

My final treatment was September 2010.

Eight years and cancer free, I have a new prospective on life. I am thankful to GOD that I am still here and able to continually praise and thank Him for this incredible journey that Oscar and I are taking, just enjoying life together.

– Sanjanetta (Sandra) Grant

JOYCE ORTIZ In 1989, I noticed that my right breast was beginning to disappear, the tissue in my right breast was moving more toward the right side of my chest. I was a very healthy mother of five, with grandchildren, and enjoyed bowling in a league with the Denver Strikettes. I was not experiencing any sickness. However, I contacted my primary care physician and scheduled an appointment.

My physician asked numerous questions, I informed him two of my aunts passed away from the disease. The same day a biopsy of my right breast was taken, along with blood samples. One week later, I received the news the tests revealed breast cancer. I informed my family.

I had to be strong and follow the recommendations for treatment, which included a mastectomy three days later. Following the surgery and recovery, the surgeon, informed me they successfully removed the tumor and my entire right breast.

Now, post-surgery, I was unable to work or enjoy my favorite past time, bowling. I begin weekly sessions of chemo. My husband and children were very supportive during my recovery. Even with the loss of my hair, and some self-confidence, I returned to work two weeks earlier than recommended, and returned to bowling just three weeks following treatment. I continued to bowl for another twenty years traveling across the USA. I knew I was a conqueror, especially following my last chemo treatment, the doctor told me, ‘Congratulations, you’re all done!” If there was something I could tell myself when diagnosed with breast cancer, it would be, ‘Don’t feel bad about your sickness.

Remember to perform regular breast checks. You will beat this cancer…it will not beat you!’ I am a 29-year breast cancer survivor, and I am not done living!

– Joyce Ortiz

We, Fighting Together to Save Lives, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being here with us tonight.

Your presence is appreciated.

We would like to thank: The Host Lequita J Taylor Board Members VOLUNTEERS Pat Broxton – Volunteer Lead Stacy Coopeland Vonnie Floyd Cathy Hudson Stephanie Hudson Adrianne Martin-Fullwood Topaz McBride Carolin Morgan Rene Nebors Lausche Rohena Kayla Peoples Theresa Levy Pam Davis (Survivor) Leondra Johnson (Survivor)

ENTERTAINERS Gregory Goodloe and the Back in the Day Band Featuring Debbie Giles Sound technician - Spot on Sound FTTSL DJ – Eugene Johnson FOR THE CURE SPONSORSHIP Denver Urban Spectrum – Media Sponsor Stan & Brenda Taylor First Bank Oscor & Sanjanetta Grant SpiritLed Creations Latrice Lockhart Certified Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician 303-810-6363 email:latricebhww@yahoo.com FTTSL ARTIST Thomas E. Lockhart Lockhart Gallery Denver, Colorado /Contact: 720-219-3460 Thomasel3@lockhartgallery.com Fulani Malik Jeweler