November 1, 2019

Breast Cancer Awareness

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness, on Thursday, October 31, the FWK offices wore pink to honor those we have lost, those who are fighting, and those who have survived.  Below, members of our team shared the stories of how they or their loved ones have personally experienced breast cancer:

  • Shirley Russell—grandmother of Jackson Paralegal, Amber Moore—died from breast cancer in 2004.
  • Anita Turnipseed, Connie Barnes, and Marilyn (Russell) Nolen—three very dear friends of Jackson Medical Paralegal, Brenda Stringer—are proud breast cancer survivors.
  • Jesook Choi—mother of Jackson Associate, Courtney Hunt—was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000.  She responded well to treatment and ha been cancer free ever since.
  • Ruth Purdum—mother of Jackson Legal Assistant, Heather Olivier—was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1969. After undergoing a mastectomy that year, the cancer metastasized in her liver and bone marrow. She lost her battle on June 14, 1970.
  • Sonya Chaney—sister-in-law of Jackson Legal Assistant, Heather Olivier—was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She finished treatments this month and is doing well.
  • Lisa Familia—mother of Marketing/Recruiting Director, Holland Familia—was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2013 and tested clear in 2014.
  • Emma Nelson—mother of Billing Systems Administrator, James Nelson—was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2013, started treatment in May 2013, and tested clear in September 2013.
  • Terry Bradford—mother of NOLA Legal Assistant, Jennifer Bradford—was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 1994 and has been clear of cancer since August 1995.
  • Jackson Partner, Malissa Wilson—diagnosed in 2006 when her son was 18 months old. Through God’s grace; a wonderful team of healthcare professionals; support from friends and family; and, in making better lifestyle choices when it comes to diet and exercise, she has been cancer free for more than 10 years.
  • Judy Hass—aunt of Jackson Legal Assistant, Marilyn Mills—was about 60 years old when her breast cancer was discovered.  She underwent removal of the tumor, then chemotherapy and radiation.  Upon completion of her treatments she was told she was cancer free.  She has been cancer free ever since, and she will be 79 years old in March.
  • Dee Dorch—cousin of Jackson Legal Assistant, Michele Clark—has survived breast cancer twice.
  • Tammy Larson—sister of NOLA Paralegal, Sandy Albert—was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. After a very long road of chemo and surgeries, she has been cancer free since 2012.
  • Lori Dollison—sister of NOLA Medical Paralegal, Shelli Oulliber—is a breast cancer survivor.
  • Susan Dollison—step-mother of NOLA Medical Paralegal, Shelli Oulliber—is fighting stage 4 breast cancer.
  • Kathy Santos—mother-in-law of NOLA Paralegal, Stacey Santos—is a 25-year breast cancer survivor.
  • Carmen White—high school classmate of NOLA Paralegal, Stacey Santos—lost her battle with breast cancer in March 2019.
  • Rhonda Creel—aunt of Jackson Partner, Tanya Ellis—was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39. Her battle spanned nearly 20 years. She fought and won many times along the way, never giving up. They lost her in August 2017.
  • Connie Barnes—cousin of Jackson Paralegal, Tanya Rogers, and former Jackson Legal Assistant—was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 in 2007 and is cancer free in 2019.

Breast cancer is a disease that does not discriminate.  The links below provide a bountiful amount of information on the topic—some of which you may or may not already know.  If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away!

National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Breast Cancer

Mayo Clinic—Breast Cancer

American Cancer Society—Breast Cancer