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Lisa Kinney - Survivor
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Lisa Kinney
Unlike many survivors, Lisa knew about Michelle's Place long before she was diagnosed because her mother Linda Hicks had already been volunteering for six years. Together Lisa and her mother had worked fundraisers including the Spring Fling and summer fashion show.
When Lisa found a strange lump above her breast, she turned to Michelle's Place for help in obtaining an affordable mammogram as she was a single mother with no insurance at the time.
"I am so grateful to Michelle's Place because as soon as I was diagnosed, Michelle's Place helped sign me up for Medi-Cal and a program that helps women under 40 who have breast cancer. I feel so fortunate because without this help I don't know what I would have done."
Lisa's cancer was aggressive and had already spread to her lymph nodes which resulted in a lumpectomy, three rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, followed by more chemotherapy, reconstruction and radiation.
Lisa recalls her disappointment and anxiety when she learned one day before surgery she would not be getting reconstructive surgery at the same time as her double mastectomy, "Luckily Michelle's Place was there for me because I spoke with some of the survivors and it was really helpful in getting through the surgery. When the surgery was over, they helped me fit a prosthesis and gave me the bras I would need."
Lisa has two children, an 8-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son and both have participated in the Kids Konnected program hosted by Michelle's Place.
"It was my son's ninth birthday the day I was diagnosed," Lisa confided. "The kids participated in the Kids Konnected program and learned a lot about what I was going through, but it was at their comprehension level."
Lisa is still facing another surgery for reconstruction but she no longer has to wear her wig and has completed her herceptin therapy (herceptin is an antibody shown to enhance chemotherapy in women with Stage IV breast cancer).
"My advice to women is that cancer is not age discriminatory. Pay attention to your body!"
And here is Lisa's story that she shared with us for Spring Fling 2010...
My story begins like so many. Shock, loss, devastation. Life has not changed for me but for all those around me.
My mother has always been a devoted volunteer for many different organizations. Dear to her heart for the past several years has been Michelle's Place. In support of her efforts, I had from time to time attended various events for Michelle's place and come to know Kim, Cheryl & Carrie. I never imagined that these women would become my family.
It was these women who knew in September 2008 that I had cancer...even before I did. They went to work immediately on my behalf. By the time I learned of my diagnosis, there was a already a plan in place. This whole cancer thing was completely foreign to me. I am embarrassed to say I was ignorant about cancer. They helped guide me through ultrasounds, biopsies, surgeons, oncologists, treatments, finances, emotions, and everything from A to Z.
The support and dedication of Michelle's Place allowed me to accept what was happening to me. If they didn't have an answer for me, they found someone who did. The resources have been endless. I am grateful to Michelle's Place for getting me through this time in my life. The past 6 months, I have had endured three surgeries, chemo radiation, lost my hair and my breasts. But, I have gained compassion, understanding, gratitude, grace and most important...life. I would like to thank the angels of Michelle's Place for helping me to embrace this time in my life instead of feeling sorry for myself. Special thanks to Kim, Cheryl, Carrie, Jamie, Lori, Trisha, Amanda, Margarita, Gladys, Sue, Lori, Scott, Mom & Dad. Together, we have all survived this disease. I am so blessed! Thank you! My hope is that Michelle's Place will forever be able to keep their doors open to help many other women as they have me.
