Meet 2019 Drink Pink Courageous Face Amy Fernandez 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, Amy Fernandez 

  • Hometown: Brookfield CT.
  • Three children ages 13,11, and 8 at time of diagnosis.

When and how did you find out you had breast cancer?

After my routine yearly mammogram in November 2013, I was told something looked suspicious. A few days after my biopsy, I received the call that I had invasive lobular breast cancer. This diagnosis came at a difficult time since my husband had recently lost his job in Manhattan and I retired early from my teaching career due to a rare neurological voice disorder (laryngeal dystonia). I was also just beginning to feel better from a six year bout with chronic lyme/babesiosis. I felt numb and didn’t think I could take much more. It was a rock bottom feeling for me. 

After the news sunk in and my initial shock was over, I had and mostly maintained a calm, centered feeling, knowing that all would be OK, no matter what. It was a feeling that came from deep within. 

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

My husband, Ralph, was with me the day I received the news and has been with me ever since, supporting and encouraging me, and our three children (who were ages 13,11, and 8 at the time) every step of the way. 

Within days of my diagnosis, I began using the wonderful free services at Ann’s Place. My weekly Reiki sessions were such a gift! This, coupled with my self-daily Reiki sessions, since I am a Reiki Master, helped balance me - my body, mind, and spirit, it helped me tremendously with the healing process. 

I also loved my weekly yoga, meditation, and counseling sessions at Ann’s Place during my active treatment stage. Five years later, I am still enjoying the classes and services Ann’s Place offers.

 I also enjoy “ giving back” by offering Reiki at Ann’s Place every other Friday morning to cancer patients and their families.  I truly believe being in a relaxed state helped my body, mind, and spirit heal on so many levels. I am so honored and happy to be helping others with this through Reiki healing sessions. 

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

The support of my husband, my children, my mom, and a few dear friends was such an important part of my healing. I will never forget my friend saying she will be with me every step of the way, and she was. Acts of kindness from others like a call, saying a prayer, bringing me coffee or a flower, or driving me to my treatments, brought me so much joy and gratitude. 

Through my most difficult days, I felt supported and loved by God, loved ones here, and loved ones who had departed. This got me through a long and difficult breast surgery, radiation treatments, and three subsequent eye surgeries to save my vision, due to a detached retina. My favorite affirmations were and are “ All is well” and “ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I silently repeat these over and over, during trying times. During radiation treatments and current testing, I hold a “ Saint Michael” touch stone in my palm and ask for protection and feel it instantly. I feel God’s love and light all around me and I know that I am safe and all is well. 

 What was your day of beauty like at adam broderick?

I felt so pampered and special during my complimentary hair and makeup sessions at Adam Broderick Salon and Spa in Ridgefield on March 11,2019. Brooke was so kind and treated me to an amazing hair wash, conditioning treatment, and blow out. My hair looked and felt wonderful. 

Alison gave me some great tips for applying makeup and I was so happy with the results. She was wonderful! Everyone was so gracious and friendly and I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciate my experience at Adam Broderick Salon.

And, your photoshoot with Kristen Jensen?

After my time at adam broderick I was off to my photo shoot with Kristen Jensen. She and her mom greeted me at her lovely studio in Bethel. Kristen is an amazing photographer! I love the pics she took and want to thank her so much for her time and dedication to this project!! It was so much fun and I had a great time posing and smiling, too. I felt like a VIP and I will always remember that wonderful day. 

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

For others who have been diagnosed with cancer or any chronic issue, I found living in the present moment, one day at a time, helps a lot. Also enjoying the little things- a beautiful flower,  magnificent sunset, a loved ones smile, etc. Spending time each day in quiet reflection, and seeing myself healed and really seeing it and feeling it, too. 

Also, being in nature, slow-deep belly breathing, spending time with people who make me feel happy, living in truth, learning to say “no”, forgiving all, having gratitude, and most importantly, “ Being Love,” since love is all there is, and truly heals all.♥️

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 Wilton, CT

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