Anna

Anna and her husband Chris have been married for 28 years. They have two sons, Vincenzo and Salvatore. Anna has worked in a variety of nursing roles, most recently as the hospice director of nursing. Inspired by her passion for end-of-life care and decision-making, she left hospice to start her own company, Journey to Pura Vida. She now works as an end-of-life doula.

In December 2021, Anna was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. She chose a bilateral skin-sparing mastectomy. Cancer was found in 1 of the 7 lymph nodes removed. She had 6 weeks of daily radiation and a complete hysterectomy.

Dr. Lewis Diulus performed breast reconstruction with DIEP flap, with Dr. Derek Cody lending his expertise in vascular microsurgical reconstruction. Because of tissue changes from the radiation, she’s had 3 revision surgeries, completing her final one this past July.

Anna says, “I finally feel beautiful, complete, and strong—able to do whatever I want. In addition to physical reconstruction, Dr. Diulus reconstructed my hope for a wonderful future. I cannot thank him and his team enough.”

Her advice for others is to advocate for yourself and bring a support person with you to all appointments. She says, “My sisters Nicole and Donna have been by my side through everything.”

Along with the support of family and friends, Anna found strength and healing through her yoga practice.

Last year, she had the privilege to attend Pink Runway. This year, she is grateful to be alive, thankful to everyone who supported her, and honored and humbled to be a participant.

She says, “I want to bring awareness, celebrate survivorship, advocate for others, give hope, support those who are undergoing treatment, and honor those who have endured cancer. I especially want to show my children, husband, family, friends, and co-workers that I DID IT. I’m a survivor!”