Meet Oxford Resident and 2019 Drink Pink Courageous Face, Cindy Sevell

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”. 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.

Visit Crowdrise HERE to support the 2019 Drink Pink Courageous Faces.

Meet Drink Pink model and Courageous Face, Cindy Sevell

  • Hometown: Oxford
  • Two children ages 12 and 15 at the time of diagnosis

When and how did you first learn you had breast cancer?

I had issues with my left breast for nearly a year and was closely monitored. Unfortunately, all the tests continued to come back as “inconclusive”. Approximately one year after I noticed the original issue, on May 15, 2015, I was finally diagnosed with breast cancer. I had Ductal Carcinoma in Situ with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. On May 27, 2015, I had a double mastectomy. Eight major breast surgeries later, I am cancer-free and loving life!

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

Thankfully, I had the love and support of my two beautiful children and a couple of close friends. I was directed to a social worker at a cancer center and she assisted in helping me acquire some financial assistance given I was a single mother and unable to work. These organizations that help women such as myself are a godsend for those of us who need assistance. It’s extremely difficult and humiliating to ask for help, but when you are sick and responsible for two young children, you truly have no choice. I will forever be grateful for the support and assistance I received.

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

My daughter was my biggest supporter. She was 12 years old when I was diagnosed. She immediately painted the pink ribbon on one of her nails as soon as she learned about my diagnosis. She wrote inspirational messages on post-it notes and placed them all over my desk. She always told me, “You are more than your breasts!” She helped me through every surgery. She saw my breasts take and lose shape over and over and continued to love and support me. She always thought I was beautiful no matter what I looked like. She came to breast cancer fundraisers with me. She was a constant in my life when nothing else was and continues to be my very best friend.

In prep for your photoshoot with Kristen Jensen, you got your beauty ON at adam broderick salon & spa! Tell me about your photoshoot with Kristen and beauty day at adam broderick.

I felt like a princess!! I went for my hair and make-up at adam broderick salon and was treated like royalty. What an amazing feeling after four long years of surgeries, pain and tears. I then went for the most amazing photoshoot with the most amazing woman and photographer of all time. Kristen has a natural way of bringing out the absolute best in you, she has a way of making you feel comfortable and beautiful while making the photoshoot FUN! Kristen is as beautiful inside as she is out and I’m truly blessed to know her. I am so thankful for this amazing experience and will forever remember my special day.

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

I am authoring a book on breast cancer which will give some wonderful yet bluntly stated insight and advice (it will be out soon), but in the meantime, here is my advice…breast cancer sucks. There is no eloquent way to say it. My heart aches for all those going through what I went through but just know, although the journey is downright awful, it will bring you to a new and wonderful destination. I went through eight major breast surgeries – two that botched me and six more that fixed the mess. Thankfully, the last six of the eight surgeries were conducted by an amazing surgeon who made me feel whole again. You, too, will feel whole. You will heal. Cry when you need to cry. Ask for help when you need the help. And know you’re not alone in anything you are feeling. Whatever you decide is best for you, is. Trust yourself, love yourself and fully live every minute of your life. Keeping a positive attitude, despite the tears, is so important. You will get through this!!!

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 8pm. Learn more about Ann’s Place here.

Support the 2019 Drink Pink models and Ann’s Place by making a donation HERE.

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Submitted by Newtown, CT

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