Meet Elena Pelepako and Drink Pink to Support Ann's Place on October 3
On October 3, 2019, the 11th Annual Drink Pink for a cause will take place at The Lounsbury House in Ridgefield. This event supports Ann’s Place while putting a spotlight on local breast cancer survivors.
The photo you see here is one of Kristen Jensen’s “Courageous Faces”, the beautiful warrior Elena Pelepako. This and many other photos of cancer survivors, and those in the midst of treatment will blanket the walls of the Lounsbury House 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 journey with us. Please visit Elena Pelepako's Crowdrise Page and support this beautiful and courageous human as well as Ann's Place.
Elena Pelepako
- Hometown: Danbury
- Mom to five-year-old boy
Thanks for being one of our 2019 “Courageous Faces”! In prep for your photoshoot with Kristen Jensen, you got your beauty ON at adam broderick salon & spa! Tell me about these experiences.
I work in the beauty industry so it was fun to go elsewhere. Adam Broderick is a beautiful salon and very well managed. I enjoyed my time being taken care of.
When and how did you first learn you had breast cancer?
I was on the couch with my young son and balanced the iPad on my chest to go online and felt something. I thought that maybe there was a rock in my bra and since I have a son you never know. The next morning I called my doctor and was immediately scheduled an appointment. Two days later I had a biopsy. And five days later I received a call that cancer cells were found.
Who did you turn to for support and how was that person or organization supportive?
I turned to my friends and family. I also started writing a blog that helped get my feelings out and inform others of what I was going through. I work with people all day and Spoke about what was happening constantly. I am very lucky to be surrounded by amazing support in my personal and professional life. Everyone was always very concerned about how I was doing and offered to help in any way whether it was cleaning my house, watching my son or helping me care for myself.
Tell me about something someone said or did that helped you through your most difficult days.
The love and devotion my husband showed through this process was incredible. Having a young son that relies on me and who is so deeply connected with me was another huge motivator to keep me going each day. I refused to believe I had a terrible disease, it was an inconvenience in my life. Love kept me going.
What message do you have for others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?
My advice would be, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Stay positive. As hard as that may be, I think that helped my recovery. Attitude is a big part of it. And, seek out other people dealing with the same issues. Talking about everything really was a great release for me.
Drink Pink for a cause will take place at The Lounsbury House, located at 316 Main Street in Ridgefield on October 3 from 6 to 8:30 pm. Learn more about Ann’s Place here.
Visit Elena's Crowdrise Page HERE.