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For women newly diagnosed with breast cancer... and the people who care about them.
Have you just received the shocking news that you have breast cancer?
Has someone you care about just been diagnosed with breast cancer? Now you can know what to say and do. |
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"Alaskans in Pink
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A Photography Exhibit by Alaskan Photographers
Many thanks to Brad and Kristan Cole for underwriting the endowment of this exhibit to the brand new state of the art Mat-Su Regional Medical Center of Alaska |
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"Alaskans in Pink"
A Sampling of the Photography Exhibit by Alaskan Photographers
Honoring Individuals Who Have Shown Outstanding Support
Now on exhibit in hospitals in Alaska including
Providence Alaska and Alaska Regional Hospital,
Alaska Native Medical Center, and Valley Hospital.
Many thanks to Brad and Kristan Cole for underwriting the endowment of this exhibit to the brand new state of the art Mat-Su Regional Medical Center of Alaska
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Sudi Saunders
Anchorage
Photographed by Anne Raup
Setting the Tone for Recovery
Sudi set the whole tone at the very beginning for my "road to recovery". She's been there at every new path's beginning and always with a wealth of knowledge/experience and compassion! One of the other really important things about Sudi is the fact that she is so very involved with every opportunity here in the Alaska Breast Cancer Programs. She stays informed and up-to-date so remains a constant wealth of information. She is also attending another legislation conference soon. She is unbelievable in what she gives to each and every one of us.
I thank God everyday for giving me such a wonderful friend. |
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Dr. Mike Manuel
Plastic Surgeon/Anchorage
Photographed by David Predeger
Compassionate and Nonjudgmental
The day after my surgery, I awoke in my hospital bed to find Dr. Manuel standing in my room at 6:30 in the morning. I was amazed he was there so early. He's very compassionate and -- this is important -- he's nonjudgmental. There is a lot of politics surrounding the issue of breast cancer; a lot of people will try and tell you what you should do. Early on, I made an educated decision about the treatment plan I wanted to pursue. I encountered doctors who offered resistance to my plan. The moment I met Dr. Manuel, I felt a sigh of relief. He never told me what to do. He plainly and clearly covered my options. He and his staff were very forthright in going over those options and in showing me graphic photos of what was/was not possible through plastic surgery. He takes the time to talk with you about everything; he's not an in/out of the room kind of doctor. In my case, I felt I needed extra hospitalization since I lost a lot of blood during the surgery . . . I remember him clearly telling me to 'stay as long as you like. Don't let them rush you.'
A former patient |
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Katie Hurley
Wasilla
Photographed by Joey Hamlin
Role Model for Early Detection
Katie, 81, is a 14-year old survivor whose life, post-cancer, continues to be devoted to public service. She is adamant about not relying on mammograms as the only source of detection. She is living proof that early detection can allow a woman to experience the joys of the Golden Years. Currently she sits on the State Judicial Council and on the board of Matanuska Telephone Association. She plays the organ every Sunday at the Episcopal Church in Wasilla and gives speeches to various groups about Alaskan history and politics. Two years ago, she was the winner in her age group (!) of the Alaska Run for Women!
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Shelley Coolidge
Anchorage/Nurse Educator
Photographed by Clark Mishler
Tree of Life
Shelley felt like a lifeline to me. She was always upbeat, seemingly optimistic, and extremely helpful. Even before I met her in person, I felt close to her. I made a point to meet her because I felt so comfortable with her over the phone. She was as genuine as I had hoped and imagined her to be. Her expertise and knowledge about all issues related to breast cancer was invaluable to me. But the most important thing Shelley does is connecting women with the disease to each other. An analogy of a tree is perfect for Shelley. I see her providing support for all these women, bringing them together at the central trunk, yet allowing each to branch off in whatever direction is most appropriate for them . . . I can't imagine a more important function or role than the one Shelley fulfills for women who come to her. |
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Kori Lane
Juneau
Photographed by Mark Daughhetee
Reason to Fight
My entire family is important in my ten-year fight to survive this disease, but my grandson and I are inseparable. He reaches high for me, bends down low, runs things here and there, and pulls the vacuum cord for me. When I don't have the energy to do anything but lie down, he is beside me. We watch cartoons all afternoon sometimes. When I feel better, we go to movie matinees. He is my joy, my reason to keep fighting. |
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