Juanita

Juanita is a retired respiratory therapist, with her career lasting 44 years. She was widowed at age 46 but found love again with her husband Mark. They have been married for 15 years, and between them they share five children, seven grandchildren, and two rescue dogs. Juanita enjoys working in the garden, kayaking, and dragon boating. In 2008 she joined the Dragon Dream Team, Ohio’s first breast cancer dragon boat team, and it saved her life! Being a member of this team helped her regain her confidence and showed her that there can be a wonderful, active life after breast cancer. She enjoys the sisterhood of this amazing team as well as competing with them. She has competed in Italy, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States and is looking forward to participating in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission festival in France in 2026!

In 2007 Juanita was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. In 2011 she had a recurrence in the same breast and then underwent a mastectomy. At that time, Juanita chose to have a latissimus dorsi flap and an implant. The implant was removed in 2023, and Juanita had a DIEP flap reconstruction with Dr. Derek Cody and Dr. Lewis Diulus. “I wanted to feel more natural,” Juanita shared. “I had problems with my implant and was very uncomfortable most of the time. I now feel much more natural and can wear clothing and bras I wasn’t able to wear before.”

Juanita advises other women to ask questions and find the choices and surgery that are right for you. “Don’t settle for not being happy with your results. It was at an earlier Pink Runway event when I realized I wasn’t too old to still have the surgery that would make me feel good about myself, and I am happy with my results!”

From the day she called to make an appointment with Dr. Cody, she has been happy with her decisions. Dr. Cody and his entire staff are kind, compassionate, and encouraging. She says, “If you are thinking about reconstruction and not sure if this is the choice to make, I encourage you to take that first step and make an appointment!”

Juanita is honored to walk the Pink Runway to share her story and show that cancer does not win! She would like to thank the doctors and staff at Crystal Clinic as well as her family and friends who have been with her every step of the way!