Presidents tell stories of survivors in Jupiter and Hobe Sound

The "Pink Chair Project," an initiative of the Jupiter Medical Center and Breast Center Margaret W. Niedland, began its storytelling journey three weeks ago at Jupiter.

The project aims to increase community awareness of the stories of residents of Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucia counties who have survived breast cancer.

The story of Kathi Arbree, from the Jupiter region, is one of the elements presented in the project.

Getting lost in the process of creating beautiful items by hook and other handicrafts has been a lifesaver in her fight against breast cancer.

"I feel so lucky to be alive …"

"Craftsmanship has always been the thing that has helped me through the difficult times I've faced, and it's essential to keep me together despite all this," said Arbree, who was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at an early stage in November 2014.

"I feel so lucky to be alive and well," she said.

As part of his treatment, Arbree underwent a double mastectomy with spared nipple reconstruction, as well as several cycles of chemotherapy.

In remission since May 2015, Arbree shares its story through the Pink Chair project, a new initiative of the Jupiter Medical Center and the Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and its health.

25 breast cancer survivors

The Medical Center and Breast Cancer Center have invited 25 breast cancer survivors from across the region, from West Palm Beach to Stuart and Port St. Lucie, to decorate their seats with themes representing their personal inspirations. .

Several Pink Chair participants met at a "Chair Decor Party" on September 8 at the Tequesta Lighthouse Art Center. Working alone or with volunteer artists, they have created inspiring projects of hope and healing.

Chairs will be displayed

The chairs, which tell the story of the survivors' travels, will be on display at The Gardens shopping mall, shops, restaurants and other venues in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"The Pink Chair project is a great way to pay tribute to this group of courageous women, some newly diagnosed or with metastatic breast cancer, while others are in remission," said Dr. Nancy Taft, Medical Director of Jupiter Medical. Comprehensive breast care program at the center.

"At every stage of their diagnosis and treatment, they showed courage and determination. We are honored to share their stories as part of this project and, hopefully, to inspire others facing a similar challenge.

Most common cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, with the exception of skin cancer, and is the second most important behind lung cancer as the leading cause of death among women.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States – including women still on treatment and those who have completed their treatment.

Jupiter Medical Center's Pink Chair project will raise awareness of the importance of women's knowledge of breast cancer risk, recognition of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and yearly mammograms.

"We know that women are more likely to survive when their cancer is diagnosed early," said Dr. Orna Hadar, breast imaging specialist at the Margaret W. Niedland Breast Cancer Center. "We hope this project will inspire all women to be screened regularly for breast cancer. Early detection saves lives and turns patients into survivors. "

Tree chair

Arbree's chair features elements of her passion for craftsmanship, including crochet, sewing and, more recently, the painting of "stones of kindness" that she leaves in places where she can be found by unsuspecting children and adults.

Like many Pink Chair participants, Arbree enjoys participating in the Jupiter Medical Center breast cancer support group.

"With triple negative breast cancer, it's a bit more aggressive – we do not see it very often," she said. "I want to be here if (the patients) just get this news and try to help them, and I hope I am."

Debbie Brooks chair shows survival

Survival is part of the message Debbie Brooks of Jupiter wants to convey with the design of his chair.

It features the dragon boat team Dragon SOS Lighthouse Dragon, a group of pedal boat enthusiasts whose medical center is the Jupiter Medical Center. Although each member shares a passion for paddling, the team is bound by a closer bond – all are breast cancer survivors.

"My personal passion is more than reaching out to people who have been diagnosed, to let them know that there is a happy and busy life after the diagnosis of breast cancer," she said.

"I believe that when a breast cancer is diagnosed in a woman, she needs to see other women be well and thrive with the disease."

Brooks, who was initially diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer 15 years ago, joined a team of dragon boats in Miami. In 2015, shortly after her move to Jupiter and the start of a new dragon boat team, she was struck by the devastating news that cancer had re-appeared: this time it was about 39, stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that had spread to his bones.

Hope lost, alone to bounce

Paralyzed by fear, she initially lost hope, but she bounced back with the help of her healthcare team to treat the diagnosis as a chronic illness rather than a terminal illness. She recognizes that her fellow dragons have helped to strengthen her determination.

"I'm still fighting against my cancer," she said.

"But I do it with a smile on my face and a team behind me – and a huge support group. That's how I finish my journey. "

Jamie Dunham

Jamie Dunham, 33, of Hobe Sound, was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 32 and is battling breast cancer.

Until now, her treatment included a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, as well as four cycles of chemotherapy, started in August 2018.

From December, she will follow six weeks of radiation therapy. Jamie, a tax accountant, chose a nautical theme for his chair.

& # 39; Navigate in rough waters … & # 39;

"I have always loved the sea and lighthouses; they symbolize the way forward, sailing in rough waters, "she said.

"They provide security in the face of adversity and challenges, always strong with their light.

"Having been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32 has been a shock, but I remember being a beacon to guide those who, hopefully never, but could very well follow in my footsteps."

To learn more about the Jupiter Medical Center Pink Chair Project and see the profiles of participants, please visit https://www.jupitermed.com/pinkchair.