Lynn has been in healthcare for over 20 years in various positions. She is a 4th Angel Breast Cancer Mentor for Cleveland Clinic and tells her story through Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons’ website and social media outreach. Lynn enjoys most things health- and fitness-related, working out, and spending time with family and friends. Lynn’s breast cancer was found in an annual mammogram in September 2017. She was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) Stage 1A, Grade 3, and underwent a double mastectomy due to her specific diagnosis on November 14, 2017. At the time of her double mastectomy, her hope for breast reconstruction was to maintain comfort and full function with a natural look and feel. This is why, in consultation with her breast surgeon Dr. Mary Murray, and with her reconstructive surgeon Dr. Derek Cody, she determined the DIEP Flap was the best option for her. Due to a complication with her left flap after her original surgery, she continued with additional surgeries – ultimately ending up with a TUG Flap to recreate her left breast. Lynn’s final outcome is DIEP Flap right breast, TUG Flap left breast. Lynn chose DIEP Flap reconstruction due to comfort, function, natural look, feel and mobility, and is very happy with the results. She advises other women facing a cancer diagnosis or prophylactic mastectomy to research your options with Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons and choose what’s best for you. “Try not to let fear hold you back from making the decision you feel is right for you. This is a very personal decision. Talk to other breast cancer patients. Every woman makes a different choice based on her own personal circumstances. This is not a ‘one-choice fits-all-women’ approach,” she said. Lynn chose to walk the Pink Runway to help educate patients and their families with her story. She wants to help reduce their stress and fear of a breast cancer diagnosis and breast reconstruction. She highly recommends Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons. “I chose to continue with several revision surgeries after my initial double mastectomy and complication with my left flap, due to my confidence in Dr. Cody and his genuine concern and compassion for me as his patient,” Lynn shared. “He discussed all my options with me before, during and after chemo, to meet me where I was at each phase throughout my entire process. He literally put me back together, so I could get back to my life as it was, prior to my breast cancer diagnosis. I can’t say enough kind words about him.”

Bobbijo and her husband, John, have been married for 14 years. They have a kind of “Brady Bunch” family – between them they have four incredible grown children, and one precious granddaughter, Ellie, who may have saved her life. Bobbijo is Vice President of Quality for an international third party administrator. She loves adventures of any kind, travel, the ocean, and outdoor activities. Since her August 2020 surgery, she finished multiple trail races including a 15K and the Mohican Marathon in June of 2021. In July of 2022, she participated in the Dragon Boat Festival and hopes to join Ohio’s Dragon Dream Team in 2023. Bobbijo’s cancer was diagnosed in the summer of 2020, after she noticed a lump. “My granddaughter is a snuggler and cuddler, but she is also a kicker when she sleeps. One night, mid-snuggle, she kicked me in the chest. The next day I noticed pain and a lump. Within days I had the mammogram, MRI, and my diagnosis. All in all, from the kick to the first surgery, it was a six week process. In conjunction with my breast surgeon, Dr. Dalton, and my breast reconstruction surgeon, Dr. Lewis Diulus, I give Ellie credit for saving my life. Her kick allowed me to catch it early.” Bobbijo underwent a double mastectomy due to a family history of breast and other cancers, and worked with Dr. Diulus to help her through the breast reconstruction process. “Once I was able to get beyond the fear and uncertainty of the diagnosis itself, I found the prospect of getting a new look exciting. All in all, it pushed me to be more accepting of my body.” Bobbijo advises other women facing a cancer diagnosis to trust the professionals, maintain a positive mental attitude, and stay as active as possible throughout the process. She speaks highly of Dr. Diulus and Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons, “He and his staff could not have been more supportive, answering every single question with patience and kindness. I am grateful and feel very fortunate to have Dr. Diulus and Crystal Clinic in my corner.”

Angela (Angel) has been married to her husband John for 19 years, and together they share two beautifully fascinating children, John Ramon and Kara. Angel is a teacher at the I Promise School, where she is an intervention specialist advocating for those who need it most. As a special education teacher, she not only provides state-of-the-art education but support to students who would be suspended or expelled. She teaches them self-regulation skills while identifying their trauma so they can be successful, at school and beyond. Angel is also the Co-Director of The Growing Patch Childcare Center, alongside her amazing mother, Karla Burnham. Angel’s focus is Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) to train each child to find their passion and value others along the way. She enjoys traveling, working out, laughing, and new experiences. She is also on the board of Stewart’s Caring Place and wants to continue advocating for women’s health. Hanging out with her children “is my jam, and watching them develop into amazing human beings fills my soul with joy.” Angel was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2019 after feeling a lump during a self examination. Angel underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery with Dr. Derek Cody. She loves her new breasts. “They are better than anticipated, and make me feel feminine and sexy.” She chose to participate in Pink Runway to “stand up for those women who cannot, and to let women know that they do not walk this journey alone, and your strength is your beauty.” Angel feels that her breast reconstruction experience with Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons and Dr. Cody was a God-send, as she switched surgeons after feeling bullied by her previous doctor to have a procedure that made her uncomfortable. Dr. Cody was “actually a partner in my breast reconstructive experience, giving me the information and courage I needed to make the decision that was best for ME! “He’s simply brilliant, and I am grateful for his expertise, talent, care, and professionalism. Thank you, Dr. Cody!”

Sonja has been married for 29 years, and is the mother of three: sons Tyrone, 45 and Daemyen, 20; and daughter Daelynn, 17. She is a physician educator, and in her spare time enjoys baking, working out, attending jazz concerts and going to art museums and sporting events. Sonja’s cancer was diagnosed by her family physician during a breast exam. Interestingly, her lesion did not appear on a mammogram. Her cancer was Stage IIA and she underwent a bilateral mastectomy at University Hospitals Cleveland with silicone implants. In 2020 she underwent a DIEP Flap surgery at Crystal Clinic with Dr. Derek Cody and was very pleased with the outcome! Sonja advises others to be comfortable with your surgeon. Review pictures of their work. If possible, talk to their patients. “I did a lot of research on both of my surgeons. It helped me to have confidence in their work, and I am thrilled with the outcome of my abdominal flap,” she shared. “I feel wonderful post-breast reconstruction. I chose to participate in Pink Runway to celebrate survivorship!”

Jodi is the proud mother of four children, five grandchildren, and two cats! She and her fiancé look forward to getting married in June 2023. Jodi has worked for 18 years as a personal lines underwriter for Allstate Insurance Company, and has been able to work from home since early 2020. She is an avid boater, gardener, and loves traveling! Jodi was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2017 and underwent a left breast mastectomy with a DIEP Flap reconstruction with Dr. Derek Cody. She says she felt fantastic about her reconstructive surgery, “The doctors at Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons are incredibly skilled. They understand how traumatic this diagnosis is for a woman and help with making the decisions for the best outcome. Dr. Cody came highly recommended.” Jodi would like everyone to know that the Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons staff “is amazing, and really cares about their patients’ well-being. I’ve entrusted other concerns to them since my reconstructive surgery and still get the same amazing care. They are top-notch!”

LaVada has been married for 59 years, and is the mother of two sons and three beautiful grandchildren, who are the joy of her life! She worked for many years as a wedding cake designer and cake decorating instructor, and now enjoys working in her yard with her flowers. She still loves to bake! LaVada found a lump in her breast in 2017, which was diagnosed as malignant neoplasm of the lower left breast, and underwent a double mastectomy by Dr. Victoria VanFossen. She hoped that her breast reconstruction would make her look and feel like a woman again. Dr. Derek Cody performed her reconstructive surgery, and she now feels great! At age 79, LaVada feels she wasn’t too old to get reconstructive surgery – it was the best thing she ever did! LaVada is excited to participate in Pink Runway because she wants to show others that if she can do this, you can too! Get up and get moving, life is too short! “Working with Dr. Cody and his staff has been a pleasure and a joy,” she related. “If you have any concerns or doubts please don’t hesitate to ask – they are here to answer any and all of your questions – and most of all to make you feel and look like a woman again!

Married to her husband Craig for 36 years, Laurie has two grown sons and two granddaughters. She works as the Community Event Coordinator for the City of Akron. In her spare time she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and shopping! Laurie was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram, receiving the news on her 33rd anniversary. The good news was that her husband was by her side through her journey. Initially Laurie hadn’t considered breast reconstruction, but after her breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Victoria VanFossen, asked if she had considered a breast reduction due to her large breast size, she chose to go ahead with the surgery to both reduce her breast size and make them even. Dr. Derek Cody performed her reconstruction, and her breasts look great! She didn’t realize how her larger breasts had been causing some back pain, and it is now easier for her to find clothes that fit. Laurie advises women facing a diagnosis to talk to their medical team – ask questions and trust them. Talk with other survivors, family members, and then make the best decision for you. She chose to be in Pink Runway to show others that they can get through treatment. “Though it was a tough road, I did my best to keep a positive attitude and find joy in every day. I feel great now and am very happy with my breast reduction results!”

Jessica is a proud aunt of three beautiful nieces, and has worked for the same company for over 18 years. She truly enjoys being a leader for her team. In her spare time she loves watching movies, riding her bike on the towpath, being with family and friends, and dancing! She is a huge Cleveland sports fan, especially the Browns! She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and again in 2021. Jessica underwent multiple breast reconstruction surgeries, including a double mastectomy, with Dr. Lewis Diulus who has supported her the whole way. Now, her breasts feel like a natural part of her body which was a worry for her. “Dr. Diulus was incredibly supportive and worked to ensure that I was happy with my end result,” she shared. She advises other women facing a diagnosis to remember that they are stronger than they think they are. “Mental strength, positivity, and a good support system are extremely important. It’s just as much a mental battle as it is physical.” Jessica is participating in the Pink Runway to be a strong role model for her nieces and to build awareness of the importance of breast health and of all the options available to women!

Julianne has three wonderful adult children and five amazing grandchildren, Ronan, 1; Sawyer, 2; Hudson, 6; Riley, 9; and Ava, 12. Julianne was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer in September 2018, she chose a double mastectomy with implants. Unfortunately her body rejected one of the implants, so Dr. Diulus and Dr. Cody performed a DIEP Flap procedure, which was a complete success. Before being diagnosed with breast cancer, Julianne enjoyed riding sports bikes for decades and is happy to report that, post-surgeries, she is still able to ride her Kawasaki ZZR motorcycle. She particularly enjoys riding in the annual Akron Bikers for Boobs poker run in August where all the money goes to Stewart’s Caring Place. This year they raised $72,000. Today she feels amazing and confident after her surgeries. She educated herself, listened to her doctors, and reminded herself to just breathe, relax, and take it one day at a time. Julianne chose to participate in Pink Runway to raise awareness about breast reconstruction and to let people know that there are different options to get you back to feeling beautiful and confident. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons and their staff. I’ve had 10 surgeries, and with every surgery or office visit, I was always treated with so much love and care from everyone. Dr. Diulus was always standing right beside me and helping me along every part of this journey.”

Monet, mother of six and married to her high school sweetheart, works as an insurance adjuster and enjoys baking, dancing, spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling and going to comedy shows. She discovered a lump in her breast in 2019 at age 38, which was confirmed to be cancer. Monet underwent a single mastectomy followed by implant breast reconstruction surgery with Dr. Wagner. “I had a great experience with Dr. Wagner,” she related. “I am so pleased with my results, and I love the way my new breasts look in my bras and shirts!” Monet advises other women to stay positive, listen to all their options, and make decisions based on what is best for you. “Don’t be afraid of the obstacles you may face because you are strong enough to not only face them but conquer them!”

Ruth is married to Grady, and the proud mother of seven children. She works as a State Tested Nurses Aid, and in her spare time enjoys fishing, cooking out, traveling, roller skating, collecting earrings, watching movies, attending concerts and being with her family. Ruth’s cancer was found through a diagnostic mammogram. She chose to undergo breast reconstruction surgery with Dr. Shayda Mirhaidari, and was thrilled with her smaller breasts after her surgery. “My experience with Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons was awesome, I can’t say enough good things about them!” she shared. Ruth advises women facing a cancer diagnosis to “have Jesus as the main focus in your life, along with your loved ones, and you will be fine.” She is happy to have gone through her journey with her faith in God and the support of her family. She chose to participate in Pink Runway to bring awareness to breast cancer reconstruction and to celebrate life. “It’s not over until God says it’s over!”

Julie is 54 years old and has been married to Dan for 23 years. Together they have three children: Derek, Katie and Chelsea. She is currently employed with Springfield Local Schools where she works with preschool children who make everyday a new adventure. She has also been a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years. Julie enjoys working in her yard, reading and vacationing with her family. Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer when she found a lump on Christmas Eve in 2015. In 2016 she underwent chemotherapy, radiation and a complete mastectomy. After consulting with Dr. Derek Cody, she decided the DIEP Flap surgery was for her. She is grateful for the time and patience that Crystal Clinic showed her during the difficult decisions. There was never a rush to have surgery. There was never a push to have surgery. She always felt that the decisions she made were hers. Julie is very happy with the results of her surgery and would recommend anyone who is considering reconstruction to meet with the staff at Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons to help with their decision. She is walking the Pink Runway to show how proud she is to be a breast cancer survivor and to walk with the other amazing women who are here tonight. Julie also wants to share that in June 2022 she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, which is not related to her breast cancer. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is responding well. This is another battle that she intends to win and look back on as a speed bump on the road of life!

Becca has been married to her husband, Chris, for 26 years. Together they share five beautiful children. Becca has been a teacher for 24 years, teaching 4th grade in Coventry Local Schools. She enjoys walking in the Summit County Metro Parks, reading, journaling, watching her children play sports, and vacationing at the beaches in Florida. Her latest venture is helping women going through breast cancer by blessing them with Pink Comfort Care bags! She loves to encourage and uplift other Pink Warriors that are battling breast cancer! Becca’s breast cancer was diagnosed in August 2020 during a routine mammogram in the middle of the pandemic. She underwent a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction with Dr. Shayda Mirhaidari. She is extremely happy with her reconstruction, and would encourage women to stay positive and find their inner strength to help them on their journey. For Becca, walking in the Metro Parks five times a week and her faith helped her find the peace and strength to fight and overcome cancer. Her experience with Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons was amazing and exceeded her expectations – “Dr. Mirhaidari and the entire team were wonderful!”