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The Fashion Show at the Sandy Hook Restaurant brought out some testimonials that we would like to share with you.
See below:

On November 15, the From Our Hearts Organization held their 2010 Fashion Show and Luncheon. Our models were a combination of Breast Cancer survivors and people currently undergoing treatment. We asked all the models to provide a short statement of their fight against Breast Cancer and these statements were read as they modeled their fashions from Belk Department Stores. The entire day focused on 'Taking the Fight seriously' against Breast Cancer and these testimonies were an inspiring part of the event. From Our Hearts would like to share these testimonies with everyone who has been touched by this disease.

Thyliss Binter:
I have been a survivor for 17 years. I was diagnosed just before my 70th birthday and my 87th birthday is in December. I have walked for the last 2 years in the Pine Island Breast Fest. This year I was the oldest walker. I walk as far as I can, usually up to 8th avenue, and then my daughter Claudia brings me back in the wheelchair.
When diagnosed with Breast Cancer I couldn't exactly put it out of my mind, but I didn't want to spend all my time worrying about it.
When I received the diagnosis, I dealt with the problem had a mastectomy and I kept going.
Her advice to everyone is: Worrying all the time will kill you.

Pat Cole:
I have been a survivor for 26 Years. I have volunteered where ever needed at From Our Hearts events for 5 years.
After being with Breast cancer, keeping family and friends in my life who encouraged me daily that I could survive breast cancer was how I remained positive.
The advice I would give to others who are battling this disease is to NEVER GIVE UP!

Stephanie Devonis:
I have been a survivor for 2 Years. However, I was diagnosed with a recurrence in 2010.
I've chosen to think of this illness as a test of strength and also as a gift. I have met so many wonderful people on this journey and made such good friends.
The advice that I would like to give to others is to keep a positive attitude at all times. Life is what you make it, so make it a good/great one. Always surround yourself with positive energy and positive people.

Kat Ditrapani:
I have been a survivor for over 11 years. This was my second bout with cancer. I have been involved with From Our Hearts for 4 years as a walker (Matlacha Hookers) and supporter with my daughter Kalyn.
When diagnosed with Breast Cancer after the initial shock wore off I spent some alone time with my thoughts. I am a positive person so I found myself in denial of death even though my diagnosis of the kind and the stage of my cancer said otherwise. I chose to accept my destiny no matter to what end.
I have always been a Christian but truly, I found my way to the Lord. I never lost Faith or Hope for without either what is the alternative? So my best advice is for those currently going through such strain is to do all that they can to surround themselves with the warmth and comfort of family and friends. Smile in spite of all you may feel or fear. Always look to the Lord to walk with you through this journey for you never need to be alone.

Julie Herder:
I have been a survivor for 7 Years. I have been a volunteer with From Our Hearts for 4 years working in the retail and survivor booth at BreastFest.
When I was first told I had breast cancer, my first statement was "I don't want to die." After it sunk in, I realized there were too many people depending on me and too many things I wanted to do. With the support of my husband, family, friends, and prayer, I am a 7 yr survivor. The advice that I would like to give to others is Pray and enjoy every day you have.

Linda Jacobs:
I have been a survivor for 18 years. Although not a member of From Our Hearts you will find me on the sidelines especially at Breast Fest when the Cabbage Key basket goes up for bid.
The one thing that has changed in my life since fighting Breast Cancer is that I have tried to be a resource for anyone newly diagnosed. I show them my scars, share my upbeat attitude and give support.
The advice that I would like to give to others is to know that your mental attitude and positive thinking will carry you thru this and anything else that life throws at you!!!!!

Bonnie Kellen:
I have been a survivor for 5 Years. I have been a walker in Breast Fest and a model for the fashion show for 5 plus years.
The things that were of most help during my fight against Breast Cancer were good, honest and friendly medical help and my husband and friends for help and support. In addition to being outside with birds and nature.
My advice to anyone battling this disease is to stay involved. Go out and about with friends and family, do everything you always wanted to do, have a hot fudge Sunday. De-stress – weed your garden.

Katie Kirk:
I noticed a lump under my arm in January 2009. I was 25 at the time. Because of an incorrect diagnosis, I did not start treatment until January of 2010. I have sense had a bilateral mastectomy and auxiliary node dissection and am undergoing radiation therapy now.
The way I remained positive after being diagnosed was to let the natural bratty side of my personality make me a fighter. I don't want to be held down or limited by this disease. I have priorities to consider. I don't want to feel helpless, or enabled, or be submissive to Cancer. I refuse to let Breast Cancer keep me down. Also, the constant support from fellow cancer fighters on the Island has influenced me greatly. It has made me believe they have cancer and they are OK. I can be too. What I needed most when I was first diagnosed was financial aid. The State of Florida Department of Children and Families provided insurance. But I also needed donations for uncovered expenses. This is a huge investment in my future and is being made possible by the generosity of the people on Pine Island and the help of Lee Cancer Care. The advice I would give to anyone else who is battling this disease is, if you feel something, go with your instincts. Don't take no for an answer. FIGHT.

Marilyn Porthouse:
I have been a survivor for 22 Years. I have been a volunteer with From Our Hearts for 4 years as a fashion show model.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer I did not discuss this with anyone. I will not die of cancer.
I knew I would be Ok.
My life has changed since fighting breast cancer because now I worry about my Daughter.
The advice that I would give to others battling this disease is to put your faith in God and involve your family in your treatment.

Jo Anne Schultz:
I have been a survivor for 2 Years 7 months. I have been a volunteer with From Our Hearts for 2 years. Helping with everything from Silent Auctions, BreastFest registration, retail tent and anywhere I am needed.
When diagnosed with Breast Cancer I stayed positive by keeping active. It is so important for your mental and physical state.
The help that I needed most during my fight was friends and family – keep them close and let them support you.
Having cancer for me was a blessing and a wakeup call. Now, I know you are rolling your eyes. However, the friends I have made are the best. Taking stock in my own life was a good thing. Now, I want to help others and give the same support that came my way. This disease makes us stronger. With all of us joining together we will find the cure.

Marilyn Sherbrooke:
I have been a survivor for 22 years. I have been a volunteer with From Our Hearts for 4 years at the 5K walk and as a Fashion Show model.
The type of help that I needed most during my fight against Breast Cancer was friendship. Honest talks with other survivors with no 'down in the mouth' conversations.
The advice that I would like to give others is to stay focused on healing and abundant living. Stay away from negative thoughts and negative people.

Fran Tangman:
I have been a survivor for 8 Years. I have been a volunteer with From Our Hearts for 6 years and am now a member of the Board of Directors.
To remain positive after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer I had the support of my Husband and Daughter as well as God's blessings
The advice that I would give others who are battling this disease is that performing self breast examinations every month is a must. Don't take NO for an answer! If you think something is wrong. Doctors are human and make mistakes. Education about Breast Cancer is so important.

Marjorie Vanderkruik:
I have been a survivor for 10 Years. I have collected sponsor money and been a walker at Breast Fest for 5 years.
The help of other survivors was the biggest help I could have had to remain positive after my breast cancer diagnosis. Most of these survivors were from Pine Island. What a great group of ladies they were and are.
The advice that I would like to give to anyone battling this disease is even though it is difficult, you have to remain positive. Sometimes this is hard to do. Every time you have a pain somewhere you first think that the cancer has spread somewhere else. You have to get over that, but it is difficult to do.

Mary Welch:
I have been a survivor for 8 1/2 years. I have been a volunteer with From Our Hearts for 6 years.
My help and encouragement during my diagnosis, chemotherapy, and radiation has always been my relationship with God. The Bible is my source of hope and faith. And the people and family who love me and pray for me. What a blessing…. My 8 ½ years of being a survivor…The glory goes to God.
My advice to others is to find another breast cancer survivor that will walk with you through your diagnosis and treatment. This is encouraging and so helpful because of feelings and questions that you will have.