Diagnostics and care, local survivor stories and tips for patients and friends
Plus, fall fashion ushers in rich hues
BREAST CANCER: TOGETHER, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Every two minutes, someone hears the words, “You have breast cancer.” Early detection means survival rates can soar above 90% — and that’s why your awareness and support are vital.
Our Mission
To inspire hope and enhance life for those affected by breast cancer through early detection, advocacy, education and support services.
Keeping Abreast
Foundation Programs, Partnerships & Events
Breast Health Services: Providing breast health imaging services, diagnostics and permanent makeup for individuals who are underinsured or experiencing gaps in coverage.
Breast Cancer Assistance: Awarding financial assistance grants to those in need while undergoing breast cancer treatment and/or recovery.
The Keeping Abreast Foundation has partnerships with Woodlands Medical Specialists, The Women’s Group and Baldwin Health. These partnerships have allowed our organization to help individuals in our community receive necessary breast health related screening and diagnostic services.
Since our Breast Health Services and Grant Programs began, The Keeping Abreast Foundation has provided almost 3,000 mammograms and other diagnostic services to individuals across the Florida/Alabama Panhandle region. Our programs have directly impacted approximately 2,220 individuals in our area!
For additional details about our organization or to learn how you may contribute, please visit our website: keepingabreastfoundation.org or call (850) 382-2773
Upcoming Events that directly support our Mission and Programs are:
• One Stroke Closer to a Cure – Scenic Hills Country Club, October 10, 2025
• I Pink Can Run – Flora-Bama, February 28, 2026
• Pink Ribbon Tennis Tournament – Roger Scott Tennis Center, April 24-25, 2026
KEEPINGABREASTFOUNDATION.ORG
from the editor
I had a reality check recently. For this issue, we were looking for all the great pink merchandise that promotes breast cancer awareness and supports those who are going through treatment. We wanted to share a smattering of what’s out there and where readers can find things for yourself or your loved ones. And guess what?
Most retailers only stock those things in October. Which, on one hand, is great — anything to open people’s eyes to the prevalence of breast cancer and the importance of testing. But on the other hand, breast cancer doesn’t only happen in October!
Of course, there’s the issue of shelf space in stores, and I get that.
But if someone is diagnosed in April, and all her friends and family want to show up in pink-ribbon t-shirts the next day to boost her spirits, well — that might be difficult to pull off.
And the reality is that we will all know someone (or will be someone) who gets diagnosed. Breast cancer affects one in eight women at some point in their lives. That’s at least one person in your bunco group, tennis team, book club, church group, mahjong group or office. So what can you do?
First, please learn as much as you can. Get tested early and often. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors. Know your body and do self-checks regularly. The more you know, the more you can help yourself or someone else in the face of a diagnosis.
Second, bug your friends and family to do the same. Over and over, I’ve heard stories from friends about only going for a test because someone nudged them to do it and then catching cancer early enough that treatment was fairly easy and 100% successful.
It’s our honor to share this issue with you, full of helpful information and inspiring stories of survivors. Let this be a loving reminder to take care of yourself and all the women you know.
— Lisa Player
Do you enjoy Bella? Would you like to share your thoughts? Feel free to reach out to me anytime at lisa@bellamagazine.com.
meet the team
Liz Biggs, writer/columnist
Liz Biggs is a Pensacola native and mother of four. Once upon a time, she had a high-pressure career, but now she has a pension and is a freelance writer for Bella Magazine. Liz enjoys music, dancing, tennis and travel and tries to find humor in everything.
Kristin Holifield Cagle, advertising
Kristin Holifield Cagle is a fifth-generation Pensacola native who loves to help women and business owners alike achieve their goals. With a master’s degree from the University of West Florida, she specializes in marketing. She is the mother of two and enjoys soaking up the sun at the beach and spending time with family in her spare time.
Sharla Gorder, writer/columnist
Sharla Dawn Gorder is a Pensacola Beach resident and columnist for the Island Times newspaper. She is the author of “My Vices Collide; a Celebration of Being a Little Messed Up,” and “Crayon Dawn,” a coffee table book sold in stores throughout the Pensacola area and at her website, crayondawn.com.
Jennifer Harrison, advertising
Jennifer Harrison is a Pensacola native (via the Navy). She is involved in the Pensacola community through IMPACT 100, Pensacola Navy Days, charitable food distributions, Leadership Pensacola, ECPS Foundation, Achieve Escambia, ECCPTA and more.
Allison McCrory, writer/fashion stylist
Allison McCrory is almost a Pensacola native who has worked in writing and editing since 1984 when she started with The News, an afternoon newspaper that later merged with the morning Journal. The mom of two adult kids, Allison suffers from a tennis addiction, practices yoga and loves to cook.
Elizabeth Meyer, art director
Elizabeth Meyer spent her early career as a designer and design director at newspapers across the country. She is currently an adjunct instructor and director of The McKinley Avenue Agency at Ball State University. Betsy was born in Pensacola while her father was in the U.S. Navy.
Chelsea Owens, writer
Chelsea Owens grew up in Gulf Breeze and received degrees in communications and art from the University of West Florida. She has a lifelong passion for style and art, and over 10 years of social media and marketing experience. She is also a pilates instructor who enjoys both staying busy and relaxing at the beach.
Cynthia Reeves, writer
Long-time writer Cynthia Reeves spent 25 years as a broadcast journalist across the southeast, including 10 years as a news reporter at WEAR-TV in Pensacola. As a high school teacher of journalism, TV production and English, she passed her skills down to young writers. She also served several years as District 1 director for the Florida Scholastic Press Association.
Justine Williams Roper, writer
Justine Williams Roper is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and speaker from Pensacola. She has written women's health articles for publications like Essence and enjoys all things movement and food. She is the proud owner of InHer Physique Pelvic Floor Therapy & Wellness, where her passion for women’s health truly shines.
Leslie Peck, writer/beauty expert
Leslie Peck is a local aesthetician, makeup artist, lash artist and brow specialist. She has experience in TV, film, print and celebrity makeup in Los Angeles and 11 seasons of NYC Fashion week. Leslie was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal in 2007 for her work at Fashion Week.
Leah Seacrest, writer/fitness expert
Leah Seacrest, a seasoned fitness industry veteran with over 30 years, experience in group fitness and personal training, co-owns REGYMEN Fitness Pensacola and is the SVP of REGYMEN Fitness overseeing operations and franchise growth. She is a mother of three and loves spending time outdoors.
Sonshine, writer
Sonshine is a Northwest Florida media personality, currenting hosting “Sonshine’s Corner” on BLAB TV. She is a business consultant, author, motivational speaker and fitness consultant. Sonshinemoorer@gmail.com.
Toni Sparks, photographer
Toni Sparks is a proud Pensacola native. As the visionary behind Short Story Studios, Toni is dedicated to creating magazine-quality images with elegance and style. Her experiences infuse her photography with a unique perspective that celebrates and elevates every moment.
Kate Treick, photographer
Kate Treick is a professional photographer, writer, speaker and publisher who has called Pensacola home since 2012. She and her husband, Joel, have two teenaged kids and two funny little dogs.
Kate loves spending time with friends, leading music at her church, reading and traveling. kate@katetreickphotography.com
Magi Thomley Williams, advertising/writer
Magi Thomley Williams, ACB, ALB is a business and nonprofit consultant, writer, trainer and speaker. Dedicated to improving her community by helping nonprofits build their boards, improve their media presence and attract donor funding, Magi enjoys writing about impactful nonprofits, thriving businesses and the women who lead them. Magi@ThomleyConsulting.com.
Teresa Torres Zwierzchowski, social media
Teresa Zwierzchowski has more than 20 years’ experience in communications, including more than 15 working for the Pensacola News Journal. She is a lover of all things communication including brand, culture, social media as well as community and public relations.
Baptist Health Care Foundation MAMMOGRAM FUND
The Baptist Health Care Foundation Mammogram Fund provides mammograms to those in our community who are uninsured and raises awareness and support for early detection.
Think pink this fall with Baptist Health Care Foundation and Your Local Honda Dealers for breast cancer awareness. Enter a chance to win all three items listed, valued at $1,650.
$250 Grand Marlin Pensacola Beach Gift Certificate and Swag
1 Ticket for $25 or 5 tickets for $100
To enter for a chance to win or donate to the Mammogram Fund today, scan the QR code or text ThinkPink2025 to 76278
Pyrite Doublet Mini Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver
inside this issue
October 26, 2025
Hosted at the beautiful Portofino Island Resort, th is year’s event — presented by Sandy Sansing Dealerships and themed Pearls of Hope — promises inspiring stories and an atmosphere of community and compassion. Join Honorary Chairs, David & Susan Peaden, for this celebration of community support f or Gulf Coast Kid's House.
Brunch & Bubbles is an important fundraiser that supports child abuse intervention and recovery services for children and families impacted by abus e.
Special THANK YOU to:
Presenting Sponsor : Sandy Sansing Dealerships
Premier Sponsor Premier Island Management Group
VIP Sponsors : Bear Family Foundation, Ascension Sacred Heart, Teri Levin, Morette Company, & Edward Jones- Cosentino Wealth Management Team
Scan to reserve your seats or become a sponsor!
On the cover: Breast cancer survivor and October model Meredith Knowlton blossoms in a classic pink Amanda Uprichard top and pants from Bluetique. Find out more on page 12.
Photo by Kate Treick Photography
spendorsave
• KHAITE Elena small suede studded bag, $1,980, fwrd.com
• Hunter original tall rain boots, $190, anthropologie.com
• Gucci GG1823SA, $370, sunglasshut.com
• Artea brown suede studded shoulder bag, $39, lulus.com
• London Fog Weylan rain boots, $24, belk.com
• Sunglasses, $14.99, hm.com
where to shop
Belk: Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 850-484-3300; belk.com
H&M: Cordova Mall, 5100 N. Ninth Ave., Pensacola; 855-466-7467; hm.com
Cooler weather is ushering in rich autumn fashion hues in earthy tones with chocolate brown, a spectrum of greens and terra cotta at the top of the list.
“It will be a fall of earth colors,” noted Laura Belsinger, owner of Bluetique on Palafox.
Faux fur, scarf necklaces, sets, leather — including upscale vegan leather — and feminine touches such as bows and ruffles are trending.
Look for bubble hems, midi and short dresses and lots of skirts. Yet Belsinger is seeing fewer of the tiered dresses that trended for seasons.
In denim, barrel jeans are still a favorite but “skinny jeans are coming back,” Belsinger said, noting that jean styles include almost every cut. “It is literally anything goes!”
Look for browns, greens, sets, bows & scarf necklaces fashion
It’s fall, y’all!
Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Shopping list: Bubble hems + green! This dress by Sundays, $264, fuses two of the season’s favorites into one less-is-more Vogue-worthy dress.
“
Never ever underestimate yourself — never give up. You’ll be surprised at the strength and resilience that’s been hiding inside of you all these years. You’ve got this.”
—
Shopping list: When glam is in order, choose this stunning yet classic dress by Amanda Uprichard, $282.
Meredith Knowlton
Meredith Knowlton
“Never ever underestimate yourself — never give up. You’ll be surprised at the strength and resilience that’s been hiding inside of you all these years. You’ve got this.”
Those powerful words come from October model and senior project manager Meredith Knowlton, who was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2019.
Like many women, Knowlton recalls the diagnosis that set frenetic wheels in motion, consulting with an oncologist, surgeon and radiologist, losing her hair, the sickness and the scars.
“It was surreal, and I couldn’t even begin to process it all,” she said.
And yet a year ago, the Ohio native was deemed cancer-free after five years, “a defining moment for survivors because it means the chances of recurrence drop considerably.”
She now relishes dancing for charity, photography, socializing with her krewe during Mardi Gras, the Blue Angels and the beach.
Like many survivors, Knowlton said the grueling times made her tougher — and part of a strong sisterhood.
“It can take our hair, put us through hell with chemo and radiation and try to scar our bodies. But at the end of the day, we are millions of women strong. We are survivors,” she said.
“There are over 4 million survivors of this disease cheering you on; you are NOT alone in this fight!”
Shopping list: Brown is the new black this season with the warm autumnal hue taking fashion by storm. Team this flattering Elliott Lauren pant in chocolate, $135, with a burst of color Laroque Harris blouse, $188. Keep this red corduroy Elliott Lauren coat, $248, on the ready for cool snaps.
TIPS FROM MEREDITH KNOWLTON, BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR
• Celebrate your milestones and you’ll be amazed at how fast your treatment goes by. Treat yourself on those days because you deserve it!
• Continue to find the good in the bad; stay positive as much as you can. had a “Thankful” jar to write one thing daily that was grateful for until the last day of my treatment. You can read them alone or aloud to family and friends. You’ll see that all these blessings contributed to your success, and you’ll have a greater appreciation for the little things.
• Start a blog or private Facebook group to share updates with your close friends and family. This is a way for them to know what you’re going through or what you need when they’re afraid to ask. It’s also an opportunity for them to provide you with words of encouragement and funny memes. The support you receive will give you a boost of positivity and even a good laugh when you need it!
• Be kind to yourself and your body when you are feeling challenged. Practice meditation and gentle yoga if possible. Cancer isn’t just a physical war, it’s also mental; it can get very overwhelming at times. Meditation and yoga can help you calm your mind and body on the days you really need it.
agree: this set is ready
Shopping list: Jackie O and the CEO would
for the boardroom yet channels classic feminine vibes. Top, $188, and pants, $238, both by Amanda Uprichard.
stylingthe shoot
Montemare Roma terracotta mini crossbody, $139
Spartina natural wicker hoop earrings, $36
Spartina
A voice for awareness and change beauty
One decade ago, Tonya Del Gallo received the news that no one wants to hear: a diagnosis of stage 2 invasive ductal breast cancer, which is linked to the BRCA1 gene that she carries. Bella Magazine told her story when she was in the thick of treatment 10 years ago. Now, she is doing better than ever and thriving through and after cancer with a zest for life, the love of family and knowledge she has learned along the way.
Del Gallo is a Pensacola native and has lived in East Hill with her husband, David Del Gallo, for 33 years. Together, they have two daughters, Anna and Carlie, and they own Advanced Construction Services, Inc. Del Gallo has gained so much knowledge throughout her treatment, and she wants nothing more than to share her story as a 10-year BRCA cancer survivor.
“My family and friends were my complete support throughout my 10-year journey. My husband and my daughters were absolutely wonderful as I went through everything, and their constant love and strength never wavered,” Del Gallo said.
Right after she found out about her diagnosis, there were multiple rounds of tests, PET scans, EKGs, chemo, radiation and multiple surgeries due to complications with tissue from radiation. Like most, losing her hair was not easy either, but she kept a positive attitude through it all. She continued to play tennis in two different leagues, showing up for many treatments in tennis clothes straight from the courts. She never let go of her fun sense of humor and determination to survive.
“I arrived in a Wonder Woman costume with a full fun wig to kick off my final two “Red Devil” chemo treatments. After the first, I was down and out. But on my last “Red Devil” treatment day, I wore a shirt with a large portrait of Jesus Christ on it that said, ‘We’re ready!’ I was so happy to complete chemotherapy and ring the golden bell at Sacred Heart,” Del Gallo said.
Del Gallo finished with 12 rounds of radiation, which successfully eradicated the cancer. Now, she does bloodwork twice a year and regular self-exams.
“Every lump or bump can feel like cancer,” she said. “The worry never really ends — there are insecurities and constant checkups. Vigilance is key. Your body is your temple. Any abnormality can lead to exams, surgeries, ultrasounds, or MRIs. My ovaries have been removed, and my recent pancreatic MRI came back clean.”
Still, she lives with the constant worry not knowing if it is really gone.
“Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but when they become mutated, the risk of developing certain cancers increases significantly. The BRCA1 mutation is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and also increases the risk of pancreatic and prostate cancers. The BRCA2 mutation is linked to the same cancers as BRCA1, plus melanoma,” Del Gallo explained.
Through her journey, she was told that she could only get cancer from her mother’s side. It was years later that she got genetic testing with Dr. Lori Farmer and learned that half of our genes come from the mother’s side and half come from the father’s. There are cancer-causing genes that can come from either side. She had eight family members with cancers linked to the same BRCA1 gene mutation that she also carries. Had she known this when she was younger, she could have opted to have a prophylactic double mastectomy in hopes of preventing the breast cancer she later battled.
“Angelina Jolie made headlines in 2013 when she elected to have a double mastectomy after her own BRCA1 diagnosis. I hope everyone will be more conscious of family cancer histories. If someone in your family has had breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer, consider genetic testing through a blood or saliva test,” Del Gallo said. Her daughters were both tested. One was positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, and the other was negative. The daughter who tested positive chose to have a prophylactic double mastectomy to reduce her risk and now monitors her ovaries twice a year.
Del Gallo is extremely grateful for Dr. Tarek Eldawy and Dr. Dany El-Saya, her oncologists; Dr. Jocelyn Leveque, her “plastic surgeon goddess,” and Leveque’s amazing staff; Dr. Michael Caluda, her surgeon; and all the hospital staff involved in her surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Without these incredible people, Del Gallo believes she wouldn’t be here today.
“You have to keep on living — right through cancer and after. Practice healthy living and eating, exercise, keep a positive mindset and support friends going through their own cancer journeys. Do what you love, whether it’s gardening, traveling, playing tennis, camping, hiking, spa treatments or sipping a glass of wine while watching the sunset — do it! Have fun and live YOUR life. Cancer didn’t define me, it strengthened me,” Del Gallo said.
TONYA DEL GALLO
Tonya Del Gallo enjoys downtime at Result Medical Aesthetics and Permanent Makeup. She has monthly facials and occasional microneedling with Kim Martin, along with lash lift and tints and microblade brow touch ups with Leslie Peck.
Story and makeup by Leslie Peck / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
A yarn of love
Knitted Knockers help mend lives
By Cynthia Reeves
Knitted knockers are an example of women coming up with their own alternative to sticky, heavy, expensive breast prostheses.
In 2012, a breast cancer survivor from Washington state, Barabara Demorest, collaborated with friends who were knitters and devised a comfortable, lightweight, washable solution.
Today, knittedknockers.org has supplied over one million of the soft, handmade gifts to women who have undergone mastectomies, sending out over 8,000 per month. They are always 100% free to those who need them. The organization includes over 3,500 individuals and groups volunteering in all 50 states and 30 countries worldwide.
Local knitter Adele Lott of Pensacola jumped on board and started her own chapter about four years ago. As director of Emerald Coast Knockers, she has supplied 3,000 knockers, mostly knitted by herself. She provides them to Baptist Hospital, Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, The Woodlands, the Surgical Clinic in Pensacola and Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, New York.
Lott is always looking for knitters and donations to help.
“There are more requests than I am able to fill,” she said. Often, her only reward is a nice thank-you card, which she treasures.
“The local groups only get reimbursed for their postage. Everything else — stuffing, yarn, and the organza bags we put them in, the mailers, everything — we pay for ourselves,”
Lott said.
Instructions for approved patterns and materials can be found on the national website or by contacting Lott. The top requirement is 100% cotton yarn.
“Skin is very tender after surgery, so we want to make something that is as soft as possible,” she said.
It warms her heart to know her handiwork makes women feel comforted during a difficult time.
WANT TO HELP?
• Knit: Find knitting instructions at knittedknockers.org.
• Donate: Mail to Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, 1405 Fraser St. #F103, Bellingham, WA 98229; or PayPal @knittedknockersorg.
• Share: Like and share on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube
• Local Info: Email Adele Lott at emeraldcoastknockers@gmail.com
Photos provided by Adele Lott, Emerald Coast Knitted Knockers
cover story
A new era of breast cancer treatment
Discover how shared decision-making and innovative surgical techniques are transforming the breast cancer journey for women everywhere
By Kelly MacLeod / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight advances in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. While curing the disease remains the foremost goal, increasing attention is now focused on improving aesthetic outcomes and preserving patients’ confidence and quality of life after surgery. Leading breast surgeons emphasize that treatment today integrates both effective cancer care and personalized reconstructive options to support a woman’s journey to recovery.
Dr. Rachel Astles, a board-certified OB-GYN at HCA Florida West Hospital, utilizes what is called “shared decision making” with patients.
“Shared decision making is where the doctor brings to the table the clinical knowledge that we have and then, with that information, try to figure out from the patient what he or she wants, and what their goals are.”
Dr. Jada Leahy, a breast-focused general surgeon in private practice here in Pensacola, reflects on the transformation breast cancer care has undergone in recent decades.
“The movement in the last 10 to 20 years has been really focused on multiple factors,” Leahy said. “Obviously, we’re there to cure cancer, but things like the aesthetic outcome, how a woman feels and her confidence after a devastating diagnosis — these things are now more in the forefront than they were even in my training 15 to 20 years ago.”
Echoing this holistic view, Astles highlights the crucial role of early detection and ongoing patient education.
“Women should know what’s normal and abnormal in their breasts, because about half of all breast cancers actually get detected by the
Dr. Rachel Astles, a board-certified OB-GYN at HCA Florida West Hospital.
“
The movement in the last 10 to 20 years has been really focused on multiple factors. Obviously, we’re there to cure cancer, but things like the aesthetic outcome, how a woman feels and her confidence after a devastating diagnosis — these things are now more in the forefront than they were even in my training 15 to 20 years ago.”
— Dr. Jada Leahy
women themselves feeling a lump or change,” Astles said. “Awareness is key to catching cancer early when options and outcomes are better.”
THE RISE OF ONCOPLASTICS
One of the most significant developments has been the adoption of oncoplastic surgery, which blends cancer removal with reconstructive techniques designed to optimize the breast’s appearance. Leahy said she openly discusses aesthetic concerns with patients early in the process.
“I ask my patients at their preoperative meeting, ‘How do you feel about your breast?’ A lot of times, that gets a little chuckle,” she said. “But there’s a candidness that women can have with other women. We can say that as part of appropriately treating your cancer, we can incorporate a procedure or some type of restructuring to give a better aesthetic outcome than they may even have had before surgery and before cancer.”
Professional organizations like the American Society of Breast Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons endorse these approaches. Leahy highlighted the vital psychological impact: “When women look in the mirror and they feel confident on the other side of their breast cancer journey, they don’t feel maimed or disfigured. They do better. There’s a good component of mental wellness and physical health that are intertwined.”
SURGICAL OPTIONS AND PATIENT CHOICES
Breast cancer surgery spans from breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) to total mastectomy. Lumpectomy is usually followed by radiation to reduce recurrence risk. Radiation oncologists, specialists who deliver therapeutic radiation, engage typically after surgery or chemotherapy completion, underscoring the multidisciplinary nature of treatment teams, alongside medical and surgical oncologists.
Leahy often serves as one of the first oncologic clinicians a patient meets.
“There are typically three physicians in a cancer treatment team: the surgeon, the medical oncologist and the radiation oncologist,” she explained.
The importance of understanding risk factors to tailor screening was underscored by Astles.
“If there’s a personal history of breast and ovarian cancers or even pancreatic or prostate cancers within the family, genetic counseling can identify hereditary risks and guide earlier or more frequent screening,” she said. When a mastectomy is necessary, reconstruction becomes a key consideration. Leahy described three main reconstructive options widely used in the U.S.:
• Implant-Based Reconstruction: The most common method involves placing a temporary tissue expander at the time of mastectomy, which is gradually filled over months to stretch the skin, followed by surgery to replace it with a permanent implant. This careful approach respects the delicate blood supply of the skin flap and reduces complications. Leahy also notes that when women go home the same day as surgery, there is often less risk of infection, fewer blood clots and fewer operative risks. After the area has healed somewhat from the initial surgery, permanent implants can then be placed.
• Autologous Reconstruction: Also called flap reconstruction, this technique uses muscle, skin, and fat from another body area (commonly the lower abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck) to recreate a natural breast mound. While offering a very natural look and feel, it is more invasive and time-consuming and may not be available locally in all communities.
“It used to be reserved for folks that couldn’t tolerate prosthetic implant or had failed implant reconstruction. The restrictions are a little more liberal now,” Leahy noted.
• Prosthetic Breast Forms: For women who opt not to have surgery for reconstruction, external forms placed in bras or swimsuits offer a non-surgical alternative. “We have a beautiful prosthetic lab in town that helps us make those inserts,” Leahy said.
Astles added that patient values play a key role in choices.
“Some women may choose close monitoring or risk-reducing surgery if they are high risk, while others prefer regular breast screenings,” she said. “Ultimately, treatment must be personalized, respecting each woman’s priorities.”
Many patients are curious about nipple preservation. Leahy said it depends largely on breast size, shape and cancer
involvement.
“Nipple preservation depends on the breast’s shape and risk of cancer involving the nipple,” she explained. “If the nipple is too far from the main blood supply or cancer involves the nippleareola complex, it can be compromised. But, when possible, it offers a very natural appearance.”
Another option gaining attention is esthetic flat closure, where the breast and nipple are removed but the chest wall is closed to create a smooth, flat contour. This is embraced by women who may find large breasts uncomfortable and prioritize a flat, natural chest over reconstruction.
“A lot of women say, ‘I’ve had neck and back pain, I can’t buy shirts that fit, I don’t mind if my breasts are gone, because that’s not what defines me as a woman,’” said Leahy. “I think that is a beautiful movement.”
RISKS AND EDUCATING PATIENTS
Implant reconstruction carries risks, including infection, capsular contracture (painful scar tissue around implants) and rupture. Some patients report symptoms consistent with “implant illness,” though scientific literature does not confirm direct causation.
“There is no direct causality shown in the literature, but anecdotally, some patients feel better after implant removal,” Leahy shared. “Physicians have a duty to stay up to date and meet patients where they are. We educate together to make decisions.”
The importance of comprehensive education was echoed by Astles, who stressed, “Patients should understand their risk factors, the benefits and limits of screening and available preventive options.”
SCREENING AND RISK FACTORS
Emphasizing prevention and early detection, the American Cancer Society recommends women at average risk begin annual mammograms by age 40. Women with higher risk — for example, those with family histories of breast or ovarian cancer or genetic mutations such as BRCA — may need earlier or additional screening.
Lifestyle factors that increase breast cancer risk include heavy alcohol use, smoking and obesity. Genetic counseling
and testing are available for some families, as certain inherited cancer syndromes cluster breast cancer with ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancers.
THE PATIENT’S ROLE IN EARLY DETECTION
Education about breast awareness remains vital.
“About 50 to 60% of breast cancers are first detected by women themselves — they feel a lump or change,” an OB-GYN practicing in the region explained.
Women are encouraged to know their normal breast texture and appearance and promptly report changes such as new lumps or skin puckering to their healthcare provider.
“Knowing what your breasts look like in the mirror and what they feel like — is there a new lump? Is there new redness or skin puckering on one of them, armpits as well, the axilla, the armpit, is there a new lump there that wasn’t there a month ago?” Astles said.
Both doctors encourage you to speak with your doctor immediately if you do notice something different. If they determine testing is needed, a mammogram is typically the next step.
“The wonderful thing about screening tests is that we get to catch stuff really early,” explained Astles. “And if it looks even remotely suspicious, a lot of times, the radiologist will recommend additional images that might be more zoomed in different angles, and that’s why they call you back. And it could be to do a biopsy as well, which is they insert a needle into the mass and remove some of the cells to look at them under the microscope and determine what the mass actually is. That callback can definitely be very anxiety-inducing. But, oftentimes, it’s nothing. But it’s important to do, because sometimes there is something, and if it can be caught early enough, we treat it.”
Breast cancer surgery and reconstruction have evolved significantly, intertwining medical advances with holistic patient care. Surgical techniques now strive not only to eradicate cancer but also to restore esthetic form, dignity and confidence. Options from oncoplastic surgery to esthetic flat closures acknowledge diverse patient goals and bodies.
Leahy exemplifies this new paradigm: “If we can give women a semblance of normalcy when everything feels uncontrolled, that is just huge.”
A survivor’s STRENGTH
Kara Bloomberg’s cancer journey transformed her approach to leadership, emphasizing employee care and community connection
By Magi Thomley Williams
Kara Bloomberg embodies a leadership style that is both strategic and deeply personal. As president of Landrum, a company with a rich 55-year history in Northwest Florida, she’s a leader who understands that a company’s success is tied to its community, and that technology, while vital, should never overshadow the importance of human connection. Her career progress is a result of her belief in continuous learning and the power of relationships. She’s also a breast cancer survivor who is passionate about sharing her experience to encourage others.
Bloomberg’s path to Landrum began not in a boardroom, but in a kindergarten classroom. Her son and the son of Britt Landrum III were in the same class, and through that connection, she met Britt’s wife, Kena. The two boys, who are now roommates at Florida State, forged a bond that would, in a way, connect their parents professionally. Bloomberg, with a background in insurance and a growing interest in business operations, was a natural fit for Landrum. Britt Landrum, who had recently taken over as CEO from his father, was looking to build a
Photo by Kate Treick Photography
new leadership team as the original one began to retire. Bloomberg’s experience and her long-standing relationship with the Landrum family made her a perfect choice.
“I graduated from the University of Florida and started my career in business development within the insurance industry as a licensed agent at UNUM, benefiting from their strong training program. My interest in operations grew alongside my sales experience, leading me to support internal teams and apply client-facing insights to improve business,” Bloomberg explained. She brought all that experience to her role at Landrum.
“As president of Landrum, I combine my passion for sales and operations with an incredible team that cares deeply about each other and our clients,” she said.
Over the past 55 years, Landrum has evolved from a local Pensacola staffing firm into a nationwide provider of human resource services. Bloomberg has been instrumental in this growth, which has included acquisitions and the expansion into new areas of HR. The company is even opening a new office in Greenville,
“I turned 50 this year, and I’m still not perfect when it comes to balancing the needs of my family, my career and my health,” she said. “It can often feel like something is being sacrificed because there is never enough time. However, your own health has to be a priority.” — Kara Bloomberg
expansion, Bloomberg emphasizes that commitment to relationships is foremost.
“If we have clients in an area, we probably have employees there too, because we want to have relationships with our clients that are face-to-face and are connected. We’re also going to be connected to that community,” she said.
This commitment to community is a central theme in Bloomberg’s leadership philosophy. She believes that caring about your community reflects how you care for clients.
“If you care about your community, you care about serving others outside of your job, then you’re probably also bringing a lot of care into your job every day,” she explained.
This belief is evident in her personal life as well. A former chair of the Santa Rosa Education Foundation, Bloomberg has a deep respect for educators and a passion for supporting young people.
in Children program, which connects students with mentors and provides them with scholarships for higher education.
In addition to her career and volunteering, Bloomberg is a wife and mother of two children and two stepchildren, who are now all young adults. But back in 2022, their family was in a whirlwind of nonstop sports and school commitments. There was no time for a bump in the road.
“In February of 2022, I went for my yearly scheduled mammogram,” she said. “I remember I almost rescheduled for another commitment. I wasn’t overly concerned about the screening since I had never experienced an issue with a prior mammogram and had no history of cancer in my family.”
She said she was shocked when the call with the news of cancer came.
“I remember it was Valentine’s Day when my husband and I received the
lumpectomy, and my cancer journey was underway.”
Bloomberg underwent all her treatment through Baptist Hospital, and she said her care was extraordinary.
“Baptist assigns you a Patient Navigator to help with answering questions and setting appointments.
Kelly Ward was my Patient Navigator, and I am so grateful for the way she understood my sense of urgency for care and her commitment to helping me navigate a difficult and emotional experience,” Bloomberg said. “I even had a sonographer that was a breast cancer survivor give me her cell phone number and tell me I could text or call anytime I needed support, and I did!”
Her oncologist encouraged her to get a second opinion before making a final decision on treatment, and Bloomberg appreciated how open he was to other opinions as well as her own thoughts around how to approach treatment.
“I learned so much during that time about how many women are affected by breast cancer that have no family history (more than 80%)! I learned that no one is going to tell you what to do; you are going to make your own decisions
about your treatment. So, I focused on asking questions and feeling like I was as informed as I could be about my care,” she said.
Friends and family were key during that time as well. Bloomberg and her husband felt it was important that the kids kept up with all their activities and academics, and she said they wanted to do all they could to reduce their anxiety.
“Once we had a plan for treatment, we shared the news with them and told them we would keep them updated, but we were confident in our plan. My husband jumped into overdrive with attending all my doctor appointments and managing more of the schedule for the kids,” she said.
And of course, with their core principles of care and connection, the people at Landrum helped as well.
“I also could not have balanced it all without my work family. They stepped in when I couldn’t be there for meetings or other obligations,” Bloomberg said.
“I was given the flexibility to adjust my schedule, so I could keep working during treatment, which was very important to me. The care and concern everyone at Landrum showed me during
that time was a lesson for me on how we can support employees experiencing trauma in their lives. Kindness is so powerful, and I now understand more about how to support employees that are struggling with a difficult experience in their life.”
Bloomberg knows that with the aggressive form of cancer she had, if she had missed that yearly mammogram, she would not be here today. Now that she and her husband are officially emptynesters, she is making more time to exercise and focus on healthy living.
“I turned 50 this year, and I’m still not perfect when it comes to balancing the needs of my family, my career and my health,” she said. “It can often feel like something is being sacrificed because there is never enough time. However, your own health has to be a priority.”
Bloomberg’s career success is a reminder that leadership is not just about numbers and strategy, but about people, passion and community. She is a shining example of how a leader can guide a company to new heights while staying true to its core values and its people, and of how a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be the end of a stellar career path.
local fare
Flooding Escambia County with arts
By Allison McCrory
The cultural extravaganza with the weird name is coming soon to Pensacola!
For the 12th year, beloved Foo Foo Festival brings its multi-sensory arts spectacular to various Escambia County locations Oct. 30 through Nov. 10. From music to art to theater to the iconic sky installation, patrons flock from near and far to take in the events.
“The Pensacola Foo Foo Festival is a 12-day celebration of culturally creative happenings, events and moments under one banner held each fall, attracting visitors to beautiful Downtown Pensacola and Pensacola Beach,” said Therese Felth McKenzie, Pensacola Foo Foo Festival chairperson.
When the event began in 2014, the aim was to take advantage of the gorgeous November Gulf Coast weather during prime festival season.
“The goal was to fill the period between some of Pensacola’s most popular cultural events—like the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival, the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, and the Blue Angels
Homecoming Show at NAS Pensacola— with fun events attractive to ‘cultural tourists,’” said McKenzie.
LOOK SKYWARD!
Probably Foo Foo Fest’s most photographed element is its sky installation. Balloons, umbrellas and colorful tiles have been among the backdrops that filled Instagram and Facebook feeds in years past. This year’s sky installation is Afterburn, presented by Friends of Downtown.
“Much like previous crowd favorites — Umbrella Sky, Magic Carpet, and Bubble Alley — Afterburn will be a large-scale, immersive visual experience in Downtown Pensacola. Created in collaboration with internationally renowned artist Tomislav Topic, the installation will give a nod to the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and will be powered by wind and light,” McKenzie said.
“The timing is especially meaningful, as the Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show takes place each November during Foo Foo Fest. Afterburn is a tribute to
the Blues and a celebration of their deep cultural significance to our community.”
ART,
Returning and novel artistic expressions are on tap for Foo Foo Festival 2025. Look for favorites such as Jazz for Justice, Rock the Runway and Night Moves. Pensacola Little Theatre will host 12 performances themed “Somebody to Love” in buildingwide multi-sensory shows. Pensacola State will present “Wandering Without Purpose,” an art exhibit featuring paintings, video art and interactive sound, and the JapanAmerica Society of Northwest Florida will once again host the HizashiCon Anime Festival. And that’s just the
beginning of the grant-supported events.
The festival also includes Friends of Foo events.
“These events are added on a rolling basis until about a month before the festival,” noted McKenzie. “We encourage interested artists, businesses or organizations to apply to become a Friend of Foo, which is a great way to participate and contribute to the event series’ vibrant atmosphere. Details on how to apply can be found on FooFooFest.com
A WIN-WIN FOR ESCAMBIA COUNTY
Not only is Foo Foo Festival delicious eye and ear candy, it pumps a lot of revenue into Escambia County.
According to the 2024 economic impact report produced by the Haas Center, Foo Foo Fest drew an estimated 90,000 attendees over its 12-day run. The event attracts locals as well as patrons from as far away as China and Australia.
“Researchers estimated the economic impact of the 2024 Foo Foo Festival at $27 million,” McKenzie said. Maybe the biggest payoff of all is the soul-nourishing glow of arts immersion the annual event offers patrons, explained McKenzie.
“Foo Foo Fest is big fun with events of high artistic and cultural caliber delivered with a hefty dose of Southern sophistication.”
“For those interested in sponsorships, Foo Foo Festival welcomes support from individuals and businesses who share our mission of promoting cultural tourism and the arts community. We encourage potential sponsors to visit our website to explore the grant-funded events being presented this year. From there, they can connect directly with the presenting organizations to discuss sponsorship opportunities.”
From strangers to sisters
An entwined passion to highlight life after breast cancer treatment
By Justine Williams Roper
Photos by Kate Treick Photography
Each year in October, celebrations of those who have overcome the harrowing journey of breast cancer and memories of those who succumbed to the disease surround us. From walks to fundraisers, we share stories and shed tears. Many might imagine that the stories of women who beat cancer are finished once they are able to ring the bell and hear the sound of the victory on the oncology floor. Yet, this is only the beginning to another chapter. Four local women recently turned this part of the story into a book to help others.
“Life After Chemotherapy” started as just an idea from co-author Marcella Powell, whose own breast cancer journey revealed a need for more than just a victory lap. She believed that continued mental, physical, and spiritual support is what her book should advocate for and shine a light on.
“When I was going through it, I did have a few people I could talk to,” she recalled, “but they weren’t as transparent as I had wished. I wanted to put something out there that’s full transparency: not only the highs, but the lows; not only the good, but the bad.”
SISTER SURVIVORS
Powell’s vision quickly turned into a reality when she reconnected with other amazing women she had met along her journey.
“More than one story needed to be told,” she explained. “I knew women who had gone through the journey, and I felt it was important to have more than one perspective.”
All diagnosed at a younger age than the average breast cancer diagnosis, the four co-authors, Powell, Tara Kamm, Tina Piser and Emily Hardin, met during their first session in a group led by oncology assistant Nikki Kelly.
“From there, we just clicked,” Powell
said. “We gravitated to each other, and we have been friends since.”
For Kamm, being strong and vulnerable is a delicate balance she thought many would appreciate, and her deep connection to that challenging dichotomy attracted her to the project.
“I believe our stories are so powerful. When you share your truth, you give someone else permission to breathe, to feel less alone, to believe they can get through it too,” she said.
Piser agrees. Yet what she recalls is the silence in the group being as loud as the words they would share. Her chapters highlight that this quiet resilience may not make headlines, but can assist in the healing of many survivors, as this part is difficult and requires more than words can say.
What Hardin brings is a candid perspective on physical changes that linger well after chemotherapy and other treatments end. She laughs about rediscovering some of her favorite things like coffee, yet the reality of joint pains and brain fog live on.
“It’s not just about surviving,” she says. “It’s about finding ways to live well, even with the changes.”
LESS VISIBLE BATTLES
As the conversation turned to practical strategies for managing ongoing symptoms and reclaiming a sense of identity, the women spoke candidly about building new routines.
“I hoped that people reading my story, and all of our stories, would find not only hope but also helpful tips on how to deal with side effects, emotions and everything that comes after,” Piser said.
Chemo-brain (aka brain fog), fatigue and memory loss were top post-treatment symptoms that were all familiar to the co-authors. Some found relief in gentle movement like yoga or walking, others in crossword puzzles or journaling their daily progress or simply setting aside time for mental and physical rest.
“The first step to reclaiming myself,” Powell shared, “was admitting that I couldn’t go back to who I was before. I had to embrace who I was becoming.”
By focusing on small, intentional practices, the authors showed that recovery is not about erasing scars but about weaving them into a stronger, more authentic self.
SUPPORT & WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE
When asked how close friends and
MORE RESOURCES
• Power Over Pink Podcast with host Tara Kamm
Available on YouTube with video episodes and on all major podcast streaming platforms. Also on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under the same name.
• YSC Northwest Florida Face 2 Face Support Group
“I recommend doctors having the same thing they assign us in the beginning: a nurse navigator. From diagnosis to surgery to chemo, we’re guided. But after chemotherapy, there should still be a nurse navigator helping us through that phase, too,” Powell said. More support is needed, and the coauthors agree that support groups and building trusting relationships were key to their recovery success. Community is an undervalued tool that can remove isolation and be a bridge to healing.
A CONVERSATION FOR ALL
By appointment only. Wig and bra fittings available by emailing pensacolaboobieboutique@gmail.com or calling 850-455-4770. Bras and wigs are available for donation to those in need.
loved ones should be there for someone with a breast cancer diagnosis, the co-authors collectively agree that presence matters more than perfection— listening versus running to try to ‘fix” the diagnosis. You do not need perfect words; your presence is the first step. Also, using the gift of patience is pivotal in reminding loved ones that recovery is uneven, and a survivor’s needs may shift from day to day.
With a diagnosis like breast cancer, no one’s body will present the same in recovery. In many cases, guidance surrounding the experience of recovery is often left to the former patient to discover on her own, leaving a gap that needs to be filled.
The journey of rediscovery postcancer treatment should be something everyone understands.
“So many people get stuck in the negative mindset of the diagnosis, not knowing how to free themselves from that. Sharing our personal stories is powerful because it shows hope and inspiration,” Kamm said. This book’s power extends beyond the bookshelf and is a guide that will help breast cancer survivors and loved ones thrive.
“I think it’s helpful to have something that says: Look, you can go through something really difficult and still come out with your spirit intact, with deep appreciation, and with relationships that are stronger than you imagined,” Hardin said.
Through four unique voices, one banner of victory stands. No matter how many bad days you have, no matter how many times you give up in your head, you keep putting your best foot forward.
Friends and authors Emily Hardin, Tara Kamm, Marcella Powell and Tina Piser share their stories in a new book.
“Life After Chemotherapy” by Marcella Powell, Tara Kamm, Tina Piser and Emily Hardin Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, ThriftBooks.com and most major book retailers.
Hosted by Marcella Powell, Tara Kamm and survivor Heather Presson. Affiliated with the Young Survivor Coalition for women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 41.
• Pensacola Boobie Boutique by Emily Hardin
body
Take Charge
How early breast cancer screening protects your health and peace of mind
By Sonshine
Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but there is one powerful tool that consistently saves lives: early detection through screening. While the subject of mammograms and screenings may feel uncomfortable or even frightening for some, the reality is that simple screening allows breast cancer to be found at its earliest, most treatable stage.
WHY EARLY SCREENING MATTERS
When breast cancer is detected early, before it has spread beyond the breast, the chances of survival are dramatically higher. According to the American Cancer Society, women diagnosed at an early stage often have a 99% five-year survival rate. Mammograms, which use low-dose X-rays to look for changes in the breast, can identify tumors that are too small to be felt during a selfexam. This means women can begin treatment sooner, when it is most effective and less invasive.
Did you know that early screening also reduces the physical, emotional and financial toll of late-stage cancer? Treatments for advanced breast cancer often involve longer hospital stays, more aggressive therapies and greater disruption to family life. By contrast, cancers found early may be treated with surgery alone or with less intensive treatment. In short, screening protects not only health, but also quality of life.
WHEN TO BEGIN SCREENING
The question of when to start screening is particularly important, especially for women with a family history of breast cancer. According to Johns Hopkins, most women of average risk are encouraged to begin mammograms at age 40, with screenings every one to two years. However, women with higher risk factors, including those with a mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer, may need to start earlier.
In fact, Northwestern Medicine suggests consulting with your doctor and “consider getting a baseline mammogram at least 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed. For example, if your mother was 40, your first mammogram should be at age 30. Mammograms are not recommended before the age of 30.”
For women at average risk, most health organizations recommend mammograms every one to two years from age 40 through 74, and at 75, the decision to continue screening should be based on overall health and life expectancy.
Taking charge of your health is not just about preventing illness, it’s about empowerment. Every woman deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing her health status. Open conversations with your doctor about your personal and family history are the first step to creating a screening plan that fits your needs.
my perspective
Faith, Friendship & the Power of Early Detection
When I was asked to write about the importance of early breast cancer screening, my heart immediately went back to my dear friend, Sister Deidra, who succumbed to cancer in 2015. Even in her toughest times, she carried herself with strength, grace and unwavering faith. I often think of the very last letter she wrote to me in April of that year, a letter I still hold close to my heart. Deidra believed in “mustard seed faith,” the idea that even the smallest seed of faith can grow into something high, strong and enduring. She became a partner in the nonprofit Mustard Seed Faith, which continues to remind others that faith is always present, even when unseen.
Her words that “early detection saves lives” continue to echo in my spirit. For anyone who has lost a loved one, the ache is deep. But her faith taught me that knowing and acting early can make the difference between life and loss. Most importantly, as I shared the valuable truth of my sister friend Deidra: EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES. Whether you are 30, 40 or beyond, your commitment to screening can make all the difference for you, your family and your future.
Deidra would always remind us: “Faith is with you, even when you can’t see it.”
Three hours to hope
Two local survivors traveled to the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery in New Orleans — and found more than medical care
By Cynthia Reeves
Two years ago, Nadea White of Pensacola felt a pea-sized bump on her left side that sent her on a difficult journey back to health that included a bilateral mastectomy. At one point, she hit a roadblock. Hope for quality restorative surgery seemed impossible, but a chance encounter led her to The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery and St. Charles Hospital in New Orleans. Now she is completing a series of surgeries to get her body back to normal.
Magda Morton of Navarre has a similar story. She too had a bilateral mastectomy. Reconstruction on her left side was failing due to complications from radiation. She feared her body would never look symmetrical. Finally, she was referred to the same center in New Orleans.
There she discovered a surgical team that seemed to be able to do the impossible — make her whole again.
“I was so relieved. These people were amazing. It was like my doctor had a ten-pound brain. How he explained everything — and the staff — they’re unbelievable!” Morton said.
LEFT: Nadea White discovered the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery through a chance encounter on a flight — a moment she calls divine intervention after her original plastic surgeon had to retire. FAR LEFT: Magda Morton, co-owner of Southern Specialty Boutique in Navarre, found hope again at the New Orleans center after complications from radiation threatened her breast reconstruction.
Photos by Kate Treick Photography and provided
White was living in Northwest Arkansas when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, so she continued with her surgeon there despite a move to Pensacola. Her plastic surgeon was highly respected, but suddenly, he had to retire due to his own health issues. White had just started a series of surgeries to reconstruct her breasts, so she was heartbroken. She knew she had to start from scratch to find a reputable doctor, but on the flight home, the very next day, she sat next to a woman who told her about the center in New Orleans.
“She showed me the website on her phone and told me a little bit about it. It was like God closed one door and the next day he opened another — literally,” White said.
Both women learned that the Center for Restorative Breast Surgery is world-renowned in the field of breast reconstruction. The website explains it is “the only hospital of its kind in the world that welcomes women from all over the continental U.S. and abroad.”
Co-founder of the center, Dr. Scott Sullivan, explains why the center’s surgeons are so unique.
“They aren’t just leaders — they’re visionaries and global pioneers who have revolutionized the field of breast reconstruction. By developing some of the most cutting-edge techniques now embraced around the world, they’ve given women confronting breast cancer more than options — they’ve given them possibility, beauty and a path to healing,” he said.
The center features several state-ofthe-art breast repair and reconstruction surgical techniques, including nipple sparing mastectomies. When that is not an option, the nipple may be recreated using either 3D or 4D technique.
“Both are designed to highlight the beauty of our procedures that restore feminine form,” Sullivan said.
He went on to say that women choose the center because they “deserve care that feels deeply personal and profoundly skilled — and that’s the promise we deliver every day.”
“They are perfectionists. They just have a different level of care,” Morton said.
White agrees. She felt safe and pampered, too.
“They just really do exceed all expectations of any kind of medical experience you’d ever have,” she said.
“When you’re facing a breast cancer diagnosis, every decision feels immense,” Sullivan explained. “The world-class expertise, groundbreaking techniques and an environment of compassion redefine what’s possible.”
Recovery is more than medical procedures, and Sullivan said there’s truly something different about the care women receive in New Orleans.
“At the Center, healing is about restoring not only the body, but dignity, confidence, and hope.”
Both White and Morton feel a renewed sense of hope and emphasize that it is well worth the three- to fourhour drive to New Orleans.
Morton felt like she was at the Taj Mahal of medical facilities because every detail, from chandeliers to the private rooms, 24-hour service, the food menu, and soft robes, made it feel more like a spa experience than a hospital setting.
Dr. Stephanie TILLEY
profile
Sandra Donaldson
A voice for health equity and advocacy for those on the road to breast cancer recovery
By Magi Thomley Williams
by Kate Treick Photography
In the world of breast cancer, where the statistics can feel overwhelming, Sandra Donaldson’s story is a powerful reminder that knowledge, advocacy and self-care are our greatest tools. As the CEO of Donaldson Edge Consulting and the executive director of the nonprofit Donaldson Edge Advocacy, she has turned her personal health battles into a mission to empower other women.
Donaldson’s journey began in December 2018 with a routine mammogram. Focused on her work as a community advocate in Pensacola, she was initially distracted. But what she thought was a normal screening led to an ultrasound, a biopsy, and ultimately, a diagnosis of breast cancer. Her busy life as a professional and advocate was put on hold as she became a “vulnerable woman,” a daughter, a mother and a patient facing 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 19 rounds of radiation. Even while undergoing treatment, she continued to work full-time, only taking two weeks off for surgery and recovery.
This experience ignited a new passion for health equity in her. Donaldson questioned what happens to women without her level of health knowledge, infrastructure or support.
“What about the woman, the young lady who has very little to nothing?” she wondered.
This question became the driving force behind her advocacy, ensuring that women have access to the resources and information they need.
In 2023, while she was a full-time entrepreneur and just two days into a new insurance policy, Donaldson was re-diagnosed with a less aggressive form of hormonal breast cancer. This time, her curiosity was even more heightened. A second opinion led her to a specialist who asked questions no one else had: factors like her first menstrual cycle
and early exposure to chemical hair perms. This new perspective shifted her focus from a potential genetic link (she and her sister tested negative for the BRCA gene) to environmental factors.
“The CDC states that our genetic code is predominantly our zip code,” she said, highlighting how where we live, work and play impacts our health. These factors (among others) are called the social determinants of health, and Donaldson is considered an expert on how they can influence health outcomes due to a lack of opportunity and resources.
Donaldson was recently appointed to serve as Florida’s local, state and federal advocate for cancer awareness through the American Cancer Society. Now a two-time breast cancer survivor, Donaldson is more intentional than ever about her health. She’s committed to a lifestyle of exercise, healthy eating and stress management, understanding that “your health is your wealth,” she said.
Donaldson encourages women to be their own first advocate, to ask questions, challenge the healthcare system and protect their physical, mental and emotional peace. Each year, Donaldson hosts a breast cancer awareness event to promote support, education and empowerment. Her goal is to raise awareness and show solidarity with those affected by breast cancer. This year, Strength in Unity Breast Cancer Awareness will be held at the Brownsville Community Center on October 7.
Donaldson’s story is one of a powerful woman who takes control of her health and champions other women to do the same. She reminds us that it’s okay to “jump off the hamster wheel” of life, prioritize self-care and advocate for ourselves and others. Sandra Donaldson’s mission is clear: to ensure all women have the access, the knowledge and the power to make informed health decisions, creating a ripple effect of wellness and awareness for generations to come.
Photo
From those who know…
Breast cancer survivors, others share thoughtful gifts, gestures that brought light to their darkest days
Smoothie gift cards are great. My survivor friends lived on smoothies during the worst of radiation and chemo. The cold soothed their burning insides, and the protein helped them endure. — Amy Parker, Pensacola
Lots of hugs, unconditional love, and always a shoulder to cry on, yell at, vomit over and get sloppy drunk with if needed! … Oh, and never let them shave their beautiful heads alone! That is a laughing, crying and wine night! — Cindy Zalar, Gulf Breeze
When I was going through cancer treatment, a friend sent me a little metal Angel. She fit in my pocket. brought her with me to every chemo appointment and oncology appointment. still bring her with me to my annual followup appointments. That Angel reminded me that had people who were watching over me and praying for me during the scariest and most difficult part of my life. It helped me keep my faith and stay positive. now send one to any friend or family member going through cancer treatment. — Kristin Gillis, Gulf Breeze
do the same! Mine is called a “worry angel.” It has been on my nightstand for about ten years now…. Sadly, mine has lost both of her wings over the years in hospital tray accidents, but she’s still good to me! When she lost her first wing, I was inconsolable (seems silly now!) and the poor nurse that knocked her off came back with a little angel figure a few hours later… she stands next to the original. The little angel had a beautiful prayer that just clicked for me. The best gift for a cancer patient with a strong faith.
— Laura Baker, Pensacola Beach
A light blanket (Turkish blankets are great) or a shawl/wrap for chemo appts. Journal and a good pen. love the blankets at Saltwater Cottage — Jennifer Joyner, Gulf Breeze
From a survivor: soft, cozy blanket. If they had mastectomy, PJs with button tops, shirts that button all the way. A journal, gift card for food places. — Cathy White, South Carolina
When Bella recently reached out on Facebook for the best gifts to give cancer patients, the response was tremendous from former cancer patients, friends and loved ones. From homemade to splurges, any of these ideas will surely bolster someone going through breast cancer treatment. You can share your ideas, too, throughout October on Bella’s social media on Facebook or Instagram. Continued on the next page
My mom had breast cancer. She loved to have a clean, organized home. There was an organization that would come and provide a free cleaning to cancer patients…. When their caregivers are exhausted, physically and emotionally, and the patient is physically unable to clean and just make home still feel like home, this was special for my mom. She lost control of being able to do all the things she wanted to do for herself and her family, so this was one way to keep her spirits up and home still home. If there isn’t an organization to provide this for people in our area, perhaps providing this to a friend or family might be greatly appreciated.
— Jennifer Sevilla, Gulf Breeze
have purchased this [Rainbowstar mastectomy] pillow for two of my dear friends, and both have said it was so helpful post-mastectomy.
— Leslie Gunn, Navarre
I came to say this! My mom had this on her 24/7 for weeks. — Katie Roan, Milton
For my mom, the biggest issue was not having something to look forward to, a treatment, a trip, something. To that end, give an experience, whether it’s a trip, or even setting a coffee date, something they can enjoy and look forward to.
— Gordon Carey, Navarre
went through treatment two times. I like comfy PJs, blankets, fuzzy socks and restaurant gift cards. Meal Train is always helpful also.
— Shawna Bunch, Gulf Breeze
Someone gave me a pink journal. wrote my procedures in it as well as my feelings. also wrote down all of the wonderful things people did for me. It made it easier to thank them! Also creams, as radiation burned my back!
— Diane Folse, Pensacola
I’m prepping for a preventative mastectomy soon, and my mom went through similar. think the things that come to mind and have been suggested are cleaning, offering to help with chores that require lifting, being physically present to diminish loneliness, offering meals, massage services, dog walking, soft throw blankets and soft ice packs. Babysitting if they have littles.
— Robin Angell, Pensacola
Mealtrain.com or a similar site. We used this when a family member had cancer so that coworkers, church members, extended family, neighbors, etc. could sign up to bring meals. In our case, it was a family of four children, so having meals when Mom and Dad were busy getting treatments and driving to and from treatments and such was very helpful.
— Jennifer Reina Colón, Gulf Breeze
A recliner for after surgery. slept in it the first few days and it made life easier…. also had someone French braid my hair for surgery. was able to keep the braid for a few days, and when needed my hair washed again, another friend took me to a salon to get it washed and rebraided. couldn’t lift my arms, so that was very helpful. I also had a little fanny pack to hold the drains, and that was very helpful as well.
— Roxana Moerscher, Naples, Italy
As a recent cancer patient, I would recommend the following: Soft fuzzy blanket to use in bed and on the couch; My Breast Friend pillow (this was given to me by a cancer survivor and it was a godsend). It was very helpful after my surgery when couldn’t sleep flat; Beautiful flowers; Homemade meals.
— Shannon Spooneybarger, Gulf Breeze retired “early” to be home so I could give her the love and attention that was required. It wasn’t easy, but I’ll never regret it.
— Jean Richardson, Pensacola
A wonderful friend who has now passed never wanted me to visit with a serious or sorrowful attitude. She only wanted lots of conversations about any topic other than cancer, and lots of smiles and laughter…. especially laughter!
— Alice Crann Good, Pensacola
… send videos of baby goats jumping around wearing sweaters or pajamas or anything to make me smile! — Laura Baker, Pensacola Beach
Ask. They know. My mom had wanted a pair of diamond earrings all her life. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she marched herself down to the local jewelry store and bought herself a pair. She wore them every day until she was declared cured. She then passed them on to me, and treasure them.
— Cynthia Carter, Pensacola
— Compiled by Lisa Player; illustrations by Getty Images
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Photos by Toni Sparks / Short Story Studios
Crowns
Abrenda Adams, Ericka Young-Johnson, Chelsea Hannibal, Valencia Jones, Montrice Jackson, Jackie Miller, Morgan Westbrooks, Jurenda McClamb
The Pensacola Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women presented their 22nd annual scholarship luncheon on Sunday, August 10, at the Sanders Beach Corinne Jones Resource Center. Attendees came wearing their finest hats and fascinators as they celebrated this year’s scholarship recipients.
Paula Willets, Autumn Moore, Cori Riesberg, Courtney Campbell
Jeanne Tyre, Krista Farinas
Tina Toromase, Ed Cronley
Michelle Roberts, Chelsea & Jeremy Fowler
Brenda & Anthony Sanford
By Sharla Gorder
The right sock nurse her perspective
My socks were three sizes too big, and my gown opened in the back. The room was chilly, but the nurses were warm. I tried to relax, but my pillow was all wrong. The nurse on my left adjusted it for me. Better.
This was not what I expected. Somehow, I imagined that this “procedure” would be akin to getting a cavity filled — or at worst, a root canal. But this seemed like a bigger deal than that. My husband and I had arrived at the hospital an hour before check-in — as though getting there early would get it over with quicker. No such luck. There was so much to do: paperwork to be filled out, blood to be drawn and an EKG to administer. Finally, we sat in the crowded waiting room, anxious for my turn.
Eventually, a nurse called my name. She said that I could have one person come back with me — as though I could choose any one of the folks in the waiting room — so I looked around to make my selection. In the end, I did choose my husband, but it was close. There was an old guy in the corner who looked a lot like Marcus Welby, MD. He would’ve been great to have around.
After a full wardrobe change, I found myself propped up in a mechanical bed in my hospital gown, staring at my floppy XXL no-skid socks. As if the nurses could read my mind, the one on my right gently pulled up my right sock while the nurse on my left pulled up my left. This, for some reason, was so comforting. But then they had to go and ruin it by coming at me again with needles. I was so utterly dehydrated — no fluids for nearly 22 hours — they couldn’t find a vein for the IV. They poked four different holes in my hands and arms before finding an accommodating vessel.
Later, when they administered the million-question pre-op quiz — Have you had anything to eat or drink since midnight? Did you shower with antibacterial soap twice? Is there any metal in your body? — I had to laugh when they asked, “Do you have any open wounds or sores?”
I looked down at my bandaged arms and replied, “Only the ones inflicted since I got here.”
The anesthesiologist popped in on his way to somewhere important. My husband asked what anesthesia would be administered. Words like fentanyl, propofol and ketamine were cast casually my way. My blood pressure shot up like a rocket. Isn’t fentanyl the drug that can kill you on contact? (Even typing the word just now seemed risky.) And doesn’t propofol kill pop stars, beloved actors and 66-year-old women undergoing minor surgery? And ketamine, that actually sounded like it could be kinda fun if only I weren’t going to be too unconscious to enjoy it.
Oh, my.
My ENT was the next to stop by. I had heard that surgeons tend to have excellent people skills as long as the patient is solidly unconscious. When mine came by, I was wide awake and pretty anxious, but he was surprisingly warm, with kind eyes. He asked if he could pray with us. This was either very endearing or very alarming. Was he chickening out? Still, I liked the idea of a surgeon praying to God instead of claiming to be one. (I gotta stop binge-watching House.)
And then there was the surgery itself. Nothing to report there. Did I mention fentanyl, propofol and ketamine?
I remember nothing until I woke up on a gurney looking into the face of cherubic young PACU nurse. She smiled and asked me if she could get me anything.
And this is the best part. I ordered a venti triple-shot cappuccino with extra foam right there from my gurney. Or maybe I just managed to squeak out — “coffee please.” I had been in withdrawal for 12 hours.
She handed me a steaming cup of java, adjusted my pillow, and pulled up my right sock.
I pulled up my left.
A thousand thanks to Right Sock Nurse and all the other medical professionals at Baptist Hospital — especially my surgeon, who was way nicer and probably just as skilled as Gregory House. Every single person I interacted with treated me with kindness and compassion. I’d do it all over again — but please don’t make me.
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By Liz Biggs
Talkin’ ’bout my generation her perspective
(Play The Who’s hit loudly while reading this. It will seem much cooler that way.)
I saw The Who when I was 19 — drove all the way from Mobile to the Tangerine Bowl in Orlando. It was their Farewell Tour, and I wanted to hear 5’-6” Roger Daltrey’s booming voice fill the stadium and see Pete Townshend’s bleeding hands smash his guitar. The Clash opened for them all summer, but that train was in vain — the Clash skipped the Florida station. The B-52s subbed as the opening band and they bombed. Being a big fan of all the cool bands coming out of Athens, Georgia, in the ’80s, I was ready to get down, down to “Rock Lobster.” Sadly, no “Rock Lobster” was served.
“Presented by Schlitz, on November 27, 1982, opening acts the B-52s and Joan Jett were assaulted by half-full cups and shoes and booed off the stage early in their sets. Very tough crowd!” I Googled and found this quote on concertarchives.org because, at my age, I can’t be trusted to remember things accurately. I thought those old, crusty Who fans next to me were throwing Schlitz cans at Fred and Kate, but no. Gotta fact-check everything these days. Even the setlist is on that website — they opened with “My Generation,” and played my favorites, “Behind Blue Eyes” and “Love Reign O’er Me.”
collapsed lung when I left Mobile for that Who concert. I still managed to have a pretty okay time — I just thought I had a really bad chest cold or the flu, so I waited until after exams to go to a doctor. I was brought up in the suck-it-up-buttercup generation, especially being one out of seven kids. We didn’t talk about our aches and pains. Ha, but now when I lunch with my besties, we talk about cholesterol, statins, diverticulitis and arthritis. Old people love to talk about their ailments. We also love to talk about grandbaby names. Charli for a girl is very popular these days. Some are even spelling it Charlee. I’m kind of over the trend of names ending in ee, but I like my granddog’s name — Theo.
Well, now I’m old, but I’m not crusty. I would never throw my shoes at an opening band; I need them for arch support. Plantar fasciitis is no joke. And yes, my GNO friend group discussed our recent colonoscopy experiences when we were out grooving at the Yard Lights’ last gig, but it was all in fun. We are fans of the new poop-in-the-box method. However, one of my dear friends mixed up the return label, and her poop was delivered back to her doorstep a few days after she mailed it. That stinks. We all agreed that we like whatever drug they give us during a colonoscopy because we value a good nap these days. With snoring husbands and the menopause, good sleep is hard to come by.
Remember when Grandpa would tell you he had to walk miles in the snow to get to school? Old people like to tell you how hard they had it back in their day. Well, I never had to walk in the snow, but unbeknownst to me, I had mono and a
My high school state championship basketball teammates recently gathered at our old stomping ground, Jerry’s Drive-In, with our beloved coach. He is one generation older than us, and he doesn’t text — you have to call him on his landline to schedule dinner. That’s not a generation gap; that’s a generation chasm! With a 19-year-old daughter, I can’t imagine living in this world without texting. I remember my father-in-law didn’t believe in online banking; I can’t fathom life without it. But I refuse to be on Snapchat (that Snap Map freaks me out) or TikTok. I know I’m missing out on some fun viral dances, but my friend says she scrolls on it for hours, and I’m pretty sure it sucks her brain cells out. I do like Instagram Reels though — they save me so much time. I don’t have to actually watch TV anymore. The Reels show me all the good scenes, and AI tells me the whole plot and how it ends. I can’t sit through a TV show anyway, so the Reels are perfect for my short attention span.
The other day, I was feeling like an old gray mare when I overheard my daughter describe me to her friend: “My mom?
Oh, she’s like a little lamb.” I don’t know what the heck they were talking about, but it made me smile. And after discussing a claim with a health insurance agent for 30 minutes on the phone, she exclaimed, “Oh, wow, you’re 62 — you have a young voice, I thought you were like 40.” (Note to self: No Facetime from now on.) But really, I don’t want to be 40 — caught up in the rat race with three kids and another yet to come. I like my g-g-g-generation.
