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.
Dawn Esser
- Hometown: Shoreham, New York
- Occupation: Special Education Teacher, mom to Karsten and Karley
- 7 Months, Cancer Free for 5 years (this October!)
Tell me about when you first learned you had breast cancer
The first time I learned I had breast cancer was the first week School started. I am a special education teacher and received a call from my doctor on my way home from school. Just hearing the tone in my doctor's voice, I knew I had breast cancer. When my first biopsy came back negative I knew something wasn't right with my body. I had to become my own advocate and asked for another biopsy to be completed. After 6 months I had a deep tissue MRI and that test showed I had breast cancer. The news was numbing at first and my mind went in all crazy directions. However, hearing the word cancer just made me want to fight harder, as a mom of two young children at the time, I was not going to let cancer take over my life.
Who did you turn to for support and how was that person or organization supportive?
I had one amazing support team!! I surrounded myself with the greatest family and friends a person can have. I was never alone in this fight, my husband Christopher and my children were my biggest fans. My family researched everything I would need after my surgery and they reached out to others who had a double mastectomy to learn more about what I needed. My support team filled with family and friends were the ones that allowed me to focus on the #1 thing, and that was to stay strong and fight. They took care of the rest!!
Tell me about something someone said or did that helped you through your most difficult days
Also, I always loved this saying to help get me through the tough times: You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
Do you look at life differently pre/post breast cancer diagnosis?
I do look at life differently in that I'm so grateful every day for what I have. Just waking up and knowing that I have another chance in a day to make a difference in someone's life or even my own, is so special. Helping others and talking with them about my experiences makes me stronger and I believe something positive came with it too. Life is such a blessing and living it to the fullest from start to finish is the greatest gift. "Thank God for that" as my nanny would say. :)
What message do you have for others who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?
The message I have for others is to stay positive and surround yourself with family and friends. Always laugh and keep a smile on your face. Also, you know your own body and if something doesn't seem right, be your own advocate.
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!