Hakuna My TaTa’s – A Survivor’s Story

by Leanne Schipper
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August of 2004 at the age of 41. Since the age of 18 I’ve always been faithful about yearly physicals. That never changed, even after having 4 kids, the youngest being 8. There was no family history of breast cancer at the time.

My family physician found the lump during one of my yearly exams. He ordered a mammogram and ultrasound. The mammogram showed nothing, but the ultrasound showed the lump. A biopsy determined that the cancer was DCIS and lumpectomy followed. A port was put in and then I had chemotherapy, followed by radiation.

During this time, my coworkers were absolutely awesome! They complimented me on my wig and I frequently found little “pink” gifts on my desk. My eyes became extremely dry from the chemo, so my coworkers even helped me put eye drops in my eyes! They also helped me with my work without complaint. Most of all they were my support team with their encouragement, humor and TLC! My employer was very flexible and worked with me around the radiation and chemo appointments.

My cancer came back in February of 2011. After weighing my options, I decided to have a double mastectomy. My coworkers threw a “Going Away Party for Leanne’s TaTa’s” before the surgery. They sold t-shirts and koozies that said “Hakuna my TaTa’s” on them. All donations and money made from the party were given to my Relay For Life of Bremer County, Bosom Buddies. I am so grateful that they helped me take a bad situation and turn it into a charitable success. My efforts to give back have proven to be labors of love. I participate with a team for Relay For Life of Bremer County and am on the committee for the Relay For Life of Butler County.

​Of course, we don’t forget the love and support our families give us, but we need the support from our coworkers as well. I was so fortunate to have it from both! 

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