Drink Pink Courageous Faces: Meet Local Breast Cancer Survivor, Randi Van Pelt

On October 10, 2018, the 10th Annual Drink Pink for a cause will take place at Bernard’s in Ridgefield. This event supports Ann’s Place while putting a spotlight on local breast cancer patients and survivors.

The photo you see here is one of Kristen Jensen’s “Courageous Faces”. This and many other photos of cancer survivors and those in the midst of treatment will blanket the walls of Bernard’s on October 10 telling a story of life, struggle, friendship, and hope.

Here, we couple the many Courageous Faces with their unique stories. We thank each and every one of these ladies for sharing their difficult journey with us.

Randi Van Pelt

Hometown:  Wilton

Occupation: Managing Partner for Norwalk Real Estate Associates

Tell me about when you first learned you had breast cancer

I was reading an article in Woman’s Day Magazine about self-breast exams. A month earlier I had felt a lump, but did not think anything about it because I had just finished breastfeeding my daughter Nicole.  I did the exam after reading the article and the lump was still there.   My ex-husband urged me to call the Dr. the next day.  After seeing my gynecologist I was sent to the radiologist for further testing.  He assured me that he thought it was nothing, but that was not actually the case.  I had the lump removed and 13 lymph nodes.  My surgeon Craig Floch thought it was not cancer too!  A few days later when I got the call from Dr. Floch I was not expecting to hear the words, “you have cancer”.  I was in the middle of feeding my 3-year-old son Will and 11-month-old daughter Nicole.  I was diagnosed with her 2 positive breast cancer.  I underwent chemo, radiation and then I was lucky to be in a study where Herceptin was given to patients with her 2 positive breast cancer and now it is part of the protocol for patients with area her 2 positive. I also had my ovaries removed because estrogen played a part in feeding the cancer.  

Who did you turn to for support and how was that person or organization supportive?

I surrounded myself with my family and friends and also got involved with the Relay For Life in Wilton.  I am very blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Tell me about something someone said or did that helped you through your most difficult days

Dr. Zelkowitz was my knight in shining armor.  He always put a smile on my face and made me feel like I was his only patient. He really made the difficult days bearable!

Do you look at life differently pre/post breast cancer diagnosis?

I look at things like birthdays as a gift! In April I was 15 years cancer free!  I never have a problem saying how old I am.

What message do you have for others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Accept all the help you are offered. I did not always want to accept help because I did not want to really admit that I was sick.  Support groups are great too, it is good to surround yourself with other people that now exactly what you are feeling and going through.

Drink Pink for a cause will take place at Bernard's in Ridgefield (20 West Lane) on Wednesday, October 10 from 6 to 8pm. There is no need to RSVP! Just show up ($20 at the door benefits Ann's Place) for an unforgettable night. There will be nibbles (courtesy of 109 Cheese), pink cocktails, live music, and fantastic raffle prizes! 

Support Ann's Place, Randi, and all of our Drink Pink Courageous Faces by visiting their Crowdrise fundraising page here.

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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