This October, we’re proud to stand with the Susan G. Komen mission to end breast cancer and to honor our remarkable Joyce Warriors whose courage reminds us why early detection matters.
Why Early Detection Matters
Breast cancer caught early is often more treatable, with more options and better outcomes. Early detection isn’t a single thing; it’s a combination of knowing your normal, staying up to date with screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider, and speaking up when something feels off. Whether it’s a new lump, a change in skin texture, discharge, or discomfort, the most crucial step is to call your doctor. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or known genetic risks, ask about personalized screening and genetic counseling.
Reminder: Guidance can vary by age, risk, and medical history. Always follow the plan you and your clinician decide together.
Marie’s Story: A Facebook Post, A Self-Exam, A Life-Saving Decision
In February 2018, Marie (wife of our VP of Sales) saw a Facebook reminder encouraging women to do a self-exam. She did, and something didn’t seem right. Quietly, she scheduled an appointment with her GP. Even then, she didn’t want to alarm anyone; it might have been nothing. Her doctor agreed that more testing was wise and referred her to a specialist.
On the very day she and her family closed on their new home, Marie went to get the results. The diagnosis: stage 2, aggressive breast cancer. Additional testing revealed that she carries the BRCA2 gene, a critical piece of information since Marie was adopted and had limited access to her family's medical history.
What followed were six rounds of chemotherapy over four months at the Cleveland Clinic, grueling, yes, but effective. Today, Marie has been cancer-free for over six years. She and her family have participated in several Relay for Life events, and she credits that simple Facebook prompt, urging adult women to perform self-exams, with possibly saving her life.
Marie’s message to others: trust your instincts, act quickly, and don’t wait to get checked. If you don’t know your family history, talk to your provider about risk assessment and whether genetic counseling is right for you.
Celeste’s Story: Strength, Spirit, and Three Grandkids in Tow
We also celebrate Celeste (MIL to our VP of Marketing), a breast cancer survivor whose resilience shines in everyday moments. Through treatment and recovery, she kept doing what she loves most: being a grandmother. Taking three grandkids on cross-country national park adventures, welcoming family to her country home, and never missing a chance to cheer for Mississippi State basketball.
Her journey is a testament to perseverance and joy. Celeste reminds us that survivorship is not only about finishing treatment, it’s about reclaiming life, one family trip, one game day, one ordinary, beautiful day at a time.
Her family’s tribute: pride in her strength and gratitude for the care and support that helped her reach this point.
Leanne and Lanie’s Story: Step by Step, Mile by Mile
This November, Leanne and Lanie will lace up their shoes once again for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk in San Diego. It will be their sixth straight year walking 60 miles together to raise awareness, celebrate survivorship, and support others still fighting.
Leanne (mother of our President) and her sister Lanie (his aunt) both faced breast cancer with incredible strength and optimism. They were fortunate that their cancers were detected early, allowing for successful treatment and full recovery. What began as a personal challenge became a lifelong mission to spread hope, emphasize the power of early detection, and continue to take on the bold challenge in the fight to end breast cancer.
Their family and our entire team are inspired by their courage and by the example they set. Leanne and Lanie walk not just for themselves but for everyone touched by breast cancer, proving that early detection and perseverance can lead to brighter days ahead.
Leanne’s Message of Hope: Both Lanie and I have faced breast cancer ourselves, so we know firsthand how difficult and frightening that journey can be. Each time we hear of someone we know receiving a diagnosis, our hearts break. Walking, fundraising, and raising awareness for this cause is our way of turning that heartbreak into action and doing what we can to make a difference. We know this walk will be tough, but nothing compared to the fight against breast cancer. We are walking with hope, with gratitude, and with determination.
How You Can Take Action
- Know your normal. Become familiar with how your breasts look and feel, and report changes promptly.
- Stay on schedule. Discuss with your clinician when to start and how often to undergo mammograms or other screenings, based on your personal risk factors.
- Ask about risk. If you have a limited family history or concerns about inherited risk, consider discussing genetic counseling and testing.
- Be gentle but persistent. If something doesn’t feel right, advocate for yourself. Seek a second opinion if needed.
- Support the cause. Donate, volunteer, or join a local event supporting the Susan G. Komen mission.
- Share a reminder. Marie’s story began with a simple social post. Your share could prompt someone to call their doctor today.
Honoring Our Joyce Warriors
To Marie, Celeste, Leanne, and Lanie: thank you for your courage, your example, and for sharing your journeys. You inspire all of us, including teammates, families, customers, and communities, to prioritize health, ask questions, and take action early.
This October, Joyce is partnering with Susan G. Komen: when a customer donates $100 or more at the time of sale, you’ll receive an additional 3% off your project contract, and for every qualifying project, Joyce will donate $70 to Komen. Join us by donating and booking your consultation to support life-saving research and patient programs while you improve your home.
A Final Word
Early detection isn’t just a statistic; it’s a second chance, a family vacation, a grandchild’s laugh, a new set of house keys on closing day. This October and every month, let’s turn awareness into action.
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