Lucie

Lucie was born and raised in the Czech Republic, and completed her undergraduate studies in nursing prior to relocating to Ohio at age 19. Once in Ohio, she enrolled at Case Western Reserve University and pursued three consecutive masters degrees in nursing, including nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist – completing all degrees with honors while also learning English as a second language! Lucie has enjoyed a successful 18 year career as a nurse practitioner in cardiothoracic surgery at University Hospitals in Cleveland. In 2008 she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but decided not to let this disease define her and participated in an experimental study which successfully suppressed her symptoms. She married her husband, Karl, shortly thereafter and is now the proud mother of two healthy and spirited girls, Johanna (8) and Emilia (7).  In her spare time she enjoys outdoor activities and also loves to crawl into a chair or bed and read a good book while sipping tea or a glass of wine.

In the middle of the COVID pandemic in 2020 she was faced with another obstacle – breast cancer which was diagnosed during a routine mammogram screening. She decided to undergo a double mastectomy with implant reconstruction. In 2023 she came to Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons for a breast reconstruction revision with implant exchange and capsulectomy with Dr. Gary Pennington.

Lucie advises women dealing with this or any health issue, to keep a positive mindset and to stay as active as possible throughout the entire process.  Live your life to the fullest and as normally as possible! As many women have heard before, DO NOT let this disease define you!  She walks the Pink Runway because she views breast cancer as just a small bump in her road, and to show that you can get through it. She also wishes to honor those who continue to make great contributions to the fight against breast cancer, including the team at Crystal Plastics who took great care of her during difficult times.