Meet Laura Capello, breast cancer survivor, single mom of three children and Manager of Community Relations and Special Projects for ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation. Laura finished her cancer treatment in February of 2010 and is now training for the PF Chang’s half-marathon.
Meet Missy Farr-Kaye, two-time breast cancer survivor, single mom of three children, Associate Head Coach for ASU’s Women’s Golf Team and former golf professional. Last year Missy helped the Sun Devils win their first Pac-10 Championship in eleven years.
Green Living AZ and our sponsors treated these ladies to a day of pampering, something they both admitted they’ve rarely done, if at all. From manis and pedis, to presents and photo shoots, these ladies were well deserving of a day just about them. All of us at Green Living AZ and our sponsors were honored to spend the day with these inspirational and amazing ladies.
Laura Capello’s Journey
In June 2009, on a Saturday, I felt a large lump on my right breast and immediately freaked out. I calmed myself down, knowing I couldn’t do anything about it until Monday. That entire weekend was a blur to me. On Monday morning, I called my doctor’s office and made an appointment to have her check me out. That was the beginning of my 10-month battle with breast cancer.
I met with countless doctors, had two needle biopsies, two surgeries, countless blood draws, four chemotherapy treatments and seven weeks of radiation. I lost all of my hair, slept and cried more than I ever imagined, and had to give up a lot of my activities so I could focus on getting better. While it was the toughest experience of my life, it was also a journey that taught me many life lessons.
On July 17, 2010, I celebrated my first anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer. I learned that life is brief and we need to take advantage of every second we have. I learned that I need to put my health first and not stress over the small stuff. I also learned that it is okay to ask for help, and that I am much stronger than I ever gave myself credit for. The most important lesson I learned throughout all of this was how much I am loved by my family and friends, and how lucky I am to have all of them in my life. I don’t know what the future has in store for me, but I know for certain that I can handle whatever is thrown my way. I will never take life for granted again, and am going to make every second count because I am a survivor and I kicked cancer’s ass!
Missy Farr-Kaye’s Journey
My journey with breast cancer started with my sister Heather Farr, when I lost her to breast cancer at the age of 28. I never thought in a million years that lightning would strike twice in my family. But at 30 years of age, after my second child and my regular mammogram, I was faced with my own diagnosis of breast cancer. I remember my doctor saying it looked like a lot of stars on the film. I was terrified. Five days later I had surgical biopsy. I remember waking up and seeing the sad look on the nurse’s face, then my family came into the recovery room in tears. I realized it must be cancer. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with full reconstruction. My prognosis looked good, so I went on with my life and put cancer behind me!
Ten years later I found a lump in my right armpit that turned out to be a malignant tumor. I was in shock. I am very blessed to have three wonderful boys, Dalton (17), Riley (13) and Cameron (6), not to mention terrific parents and friends that were a tremendous help to me over the past two years. After 25 months, seven surgeries, six months of chemotherapy, radiation and countless doctors and nurses, we did it! I survived!
I appreciate every single day and consider each day a special gift. I have learned that I am strong, tough and resilient. I hope I am teaching those qualities to my children, as well as our players on the ASU Women’s Golf Team!
Life lessons learned during cancer treatment:
• Take it one day at a time.
• Ask for help and lean on your friends.
• You are stronger than you realize.
• Someone always has it harder than you, and someone
always has it easier than you – appreciate every day!
