Michaele

Michaele has worked as a registered nurse for 35 years, both in the hospital and in a provider’s surgery center. She has one son, daughter-in-law and a grandson, Luke, and enjoys spending time with her grandson. She is a lover of animals, has four fur babies, and enjoys shopping with her sisters.

Michaele found a lump in her breast while performing a breast self-exam in November 2023. One month later she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, Stage 2B. She underwent chemotherapy for a little over three months when she suffered a minor setback. She discontinued chemo, and when she grew stronger, chose to have a lumpectomy with reconstruction on both breasts by Dr. Shayda Mirhaidari. Her breasts are “perky and natural” after her reconstruction.

Michaele is grateful that she was able to undergo breast reconstruction, and that Dr. Mirhaidari did such a wonderful job with her surgery. Dr. Mirhaidari and her staff made Michaele feel comfortable and were very caring. “They always encouraged me and were available at any time for my questions – encouraging me and reassuring me along the way.”

“Do not be afraid,” she advises other women. “Have a good outlook and always be optimistic. The glass is always half full and not half empty. Having a positive outlook is half the battle, and I had the support of all my friends and family!”

Michaele chose to walk the Pink Runway to show others that no matter your age, your outcome can be an uplifting experience in more ways than one!