Meet 2019 Drink Pink Courageous Face Nancy Shail and 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”. 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, Nancy Shail

Tell me about your photoshoot with Kristen Jensen and your day of beauty at adam broderick salon & spa

Kristen was wonderful, she was very calm. She also gave an abundance of ideas with regard to selecting an outfit that would best fit my character. I am not a “picture person”, but Kristen came through and brought out the BEST in me. Adam Broderick's staff is over the top. The make-up and hair were so natural looking! They also helped me put on my necklace and earrings, this means a lot since i still have signs of neuropathy from chemo.

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

I found a lump during my ‘at home’, breast exam which was only 6 months after my yearly doctor’s exam. After conducting my tests, I got the news on my 65th birthday, April 4th, 2013. The type of diagnosis was ‘HER2’ Positive breast cancer, in which I was advised; was very aggressive. After finding a surgeon and oncologist along with a hospital, I began the ‘battle of my life’.

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

I told my doctors, family, and friends that I had so many things I still wanted to accomplish in life, and I was sure this was not going to stop me! My family, as well as the doctors and nurses were there for me always - and so was Ann’s Place. The first time I walked into Ann’s place a calming peace, overwhelmed my soul… I knew it would be ok. The breast cancer group I was in was spot on. Everyone had a different story but the same feelings, even Tammy, our group leader (a breast cancer survivor). We laughed, cried, told stories and prayed all as a solid unity. I obtained so much strength being a part of this team.

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

I would get cards or funny phone calls from friends - singing on my answering machine! On one of my ‘chemo’ days, it was the 1st day of school. I wasn’t there to see my fellow teachers; my friends, new and old students, along with the parents…I was crushed. After being home, there was a delivery from Landmark Preschool in Redding CT; attached was a lovely note.

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

Stay positive and laugh, even if you don’t look the same, feel the same and can’t do the things that used to be so easy to accomplish. Be a WINNER. Have the courage to STAY STRONG.

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 Southbury, CT

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