a survivor's story

by Donna O'Brien

​I was diagnosed with breast cancer on November 17, 2008. It was my husband’s 47th birthday, and at the time it seemed like the most devastating day of my life. I was 45 years old.

I had surgery 3 days after my diagnosis and followed up with several months of chemotherapy, radiation and reconstructive surgery. Needless to say, 2009 was a challenging year. My youngest son was also graduating from high school, so I was trying not to have his senior year be filled with sadness and fear, yet show him that we can overcome a crisis in our lives with faith, love and determination.

With the help of an amazing group of friends and family that supported me through this, I was able to get through it. My sister, Lorie, was at my house every single day. She didn’t ask what I needed, she just did it. Her son, Connor, was 3 at the time and brought joy to me every day! I was blessed to have them both by my side. I also have wonderful parents and incredible girlfriends. They were constantly bringing my family meals or offering to help out in any way they could. I was overwhelmed by the amount of support I had. My two sons, Justin and Mac were 21 and 17 at the time of my diagnosis. They did absolutely anything they could for me, even though they were afraid and unsure of everything. It was a real life lesson for them, and I think they both have become better young men for it. My husband, above all, was with me every step of the way. I will never be able to thank him for his unwavering support. He was there – 24/7. He went to every single one of my treatments and was by my side through every surgery. He is the most unselfish person I have ever known in my life! I am so incredibly lucky to have him and I thank God every day for him. I truly believe that the support I had is why I was able to get through this.

While traveling this journey, I heard about the Beyond Pink Team. This organization does such wonderful things for women who don’t have the level of support that I had. That’s when I decided I had to do something to help.

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to bake. So I came up with a recipe for a specialty cookie that would be unique that people could order for gifts or special events. I give a generous portion of the proceeds back to the Beyond Pink Team. These cookies are called Bambinos, and I now sell them for graduations, weddings, showers, birthday parties, Christmas gifts, corporate gifts, etc. My goal is to give back thousands to the Beyond Pink Team each year so please keep the Bambinos in mind for your next event, whether large or small! You are helping out women who truly need the help and getting a quality, tasty product as well.

Being a breast cancer survivor has changed my life completely. I am much more compassionate about others and what struggles they may be facing. I am so much more aware of how precious life is, and I don’t take life for granted. I used to be afraid to fly, but now take every opportunity I can to travel and see the world. My faith is stronger. I feel like I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to! I have spoken to several women in the past three years who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, assuring them that they, too, with strength, courage, and faith, can get through this. I am almost three years cancer- free and loving life, and I now live by the motto that “God doesn’t give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given.” 

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