our founders

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Sherri was in the final stages of donating a kidney to her brother, who was in critical need, when she was diagnosed with  Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in December 2021.  Sherri chose to have a double mastectomy with tissue expander reconstruction.  She was very grateful for her decision since  her original diagnosis differed from the post surgical pathology results which showed stage 1 Cancer in both breasts.  Sherri was grateful to be  spared from chemotherapy and is now on an aromatase inhibitor for the next 5-10 years.  

Sherri has a deep faith in God and is very grateful for the prayers and support of her family, church community and friends throughout her journey.  This sustained her during some of the more difficult days. 

Sherri and her husband live in Clarendon Hills and have 3 adult children and she recently became a grandma! 

Gina was diagnosed with an extremely rare low grade Angiosarcoma of her right breast in 2011. She first had a lumpectomy when told it was most likely benign followed by a mastectomy when malignancy was confirmed. Reconstruction followed, including an infected expander removal and latissimus flap and was completed by the end of 2012. Gina has an oncology nursing background and was very knowledgeable about the post operative care required and was fortunate to lean on family and friends for literally everything else. She has walked and talked her way through other friends’ diagnoses and is happy to support other BC sisters. Gina and her husband Steve have lived in the Hinsdale area since 2002 and have 3 grown children. 

Terri was diagnosed with Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in her left breast in August of 2014. She had a lumpectomy and was put on a 5 Year Tamoxifen treatment plan. In 2019 , she was diagnosed again with the same cancer in her right breast. She chose to have a double mastectomy and completed the reconstruction by April of that year. Terri’s Mother was also diagnosed with cancer twice. Terri has a positive "let's do this" attitude and is happy to help others in their cancer journey.  

Terri is married with 3 children and lives and works in Hinsdale.  

 Pam was diagnosed with stage one ”triple negative” breast cancer in June 2013. Medical treatment involved lumpectomy, 8 rounds of Chemotherapy over 16 weeks and 33 days of radiation therapy, finishing on December 31, 2013.  Emotional treatment involved a tremendous amount of support from girlfriends, especially many hours walking and talking with two special breast cancer sisters.   Pam is a long time Hinsdale resident, married to Paul Garvin and mother of a grown son.  She is forever grateful to be in position to support other bc sisters.

  Lisa was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ in her left breast in 2013. Because of a questionable spot on her right side that was detected in a MRI biopsy, she chose to have a double mastectomy. It wasn't until during the surgery that the cancer was detected in her lymph nodes, causing her to undergo both chemotherapy and radiation. Reconstructive surgery followed as well as an unexpected latissimus flap surgery to fix a rare complication caused by radiation. Lisa is so grateful to her medical team of doctors. Lisa had four young children when she was diagnosed and treated and was fortunate to have terrific support from her family and friends who helped her through her journey. Lisa has helped others talk through their diagnosis and is happy to support anyone in their breast cancer journey. Lisa, her husband Monte. and their family live in Hinsdale 

 Kim was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma IIB (PILC) in November of 2017.  After numerous consultations, treatment included 6 months of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, two lumpectomies followed by 6 weeks of radiation which ended in April of 2019.

Kim is extremely grateful for the friends and family who reached out during this journey, one being Sara Joyce Co-Founder of My Breast Cancer Sisters.   It made a huge difference to talk with someone who had been down this path before and she is happy to pass that kindness forward to others.

Kim moved to Hinsdale in 1997 with her husband Pete and has 4 grown children and 5 grandchildren.      

 Cristen  was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Stage 2 via a mammogram in May 2016.  She underwent a mastectomy and went through chemotherapy. Cristen used a cold cap throughout her chemo treatments so that she was able to keep her hair.  She also underwent radiation therapy and breast reconstruction surgery.   Cristen’s journey was filled with ups and downs but she got through it with the help of family and friends.  She is honored to be a sister and help others going through a similar journey.  

Cristen and her husband live in Hinsdale and have 3 adult children.

Amy was diagnosed with stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer in April of 2007. She had a mastectomy in her right breast and finished chemotherapy in September  of ‘07. She had young children at the time of diagnosis and is extremely grateful for the support of family and friends that helped her through her journey. She feels fulfilled by reciprocating  the help she received to those around her that are going through a similar experience. Amy lives in Hinsdale with her husband and has 3 grown children. 

 Sandy was first diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ in 2002. She had a mastectomy of the left breast and reconstruction with a tissue expander.  Her older sister was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks later.  As a result, Sandy had genetic testing and was relieved to hear she did not carry the BRCA Gene.  In 2022, Sandy was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast.  She had another mastectomy and reconstruction with a tissue expander.  Sandy is very grateful for the support from family and friends during both these diagnoses.

Sandy and her husband live in Hinsdale and have 3 adult daughters.