Patricia

Patricia has one daughter, Rachael, and a sweet Havanese dog named Beau. In 2017 she chose to retire early from her freelance graphic design business. After going through a divorce in 2024, she felt called to begin a new chapter – as a Sound Therapy Practitioner.

Her inspiration came from a deeply personal place. During her recovery from two breast cancer surgeries, Patricia found immense comfort and healing through the monthly sound baths at Stewart’s Caring Place. At the time, she was also navigating the emotional challenges of divorce, and sound therapy became a powerful source of peace and support. Following that experience, she dedicated herself to studying sound therapy under symphony percussionist Becca Laurito for six months, going on to earn certification through the International Sound Therapy Association. Today, it is her mission to share the same sense of peace and wellness that helped her. She is proud to now be leading those monthly sound baths at Stewart’s Caring Place – bringing the journey full circle.

Patricia was first diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ in 2007, following a routine mammogram. Years later, in 2020, a breast MRI revealed ductal carcinoma in situ and in 2022 she was diagnosed with Stage 1 ductal carcinoma, also detected through a breast MRI. After her Stage 1 diagnosis in 2022, she chose to have a mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction on her right side. Due to the timing and complexity, the reconstruction was done in two stages: the mastectomy with a temporary silicone implant took place in December 2022 followed by the DIEP flap procedure in April 2023.

“The results have exceeded all my expectations, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had such skilled and compassionate surgeons – Dr. Victoria Van Fossen and Dr. Derek Cody – as my surgical team,” she shared. Patricia is grateful to have her own tissue, as it feels much more natural and comfortable for her.

“If it is an option in your situation, I wholeheartedly recommend considering the DIEP flap reconstruction,” Patricia said. “As an artist myself, I have a deep appreciation for form and detail, and I can tell you Dr. Cody is a gifted sculptor of tissue. He created a beautiful, natural looking breast for me. His skill and precision made all the difference in my healing and confidence.”

Patricia reassures other women facing this journey that “the process is undeniably difficult, but absolutely worth it in the end. Today I feel whole. I feel restored. And most importantly, I feel confident in my body again.”

Patricia chose to walk the Pink Runway to inspire other women so they know they can make it through a diagnosis and don’t have to face it alone. “I’m here to support you through every step of the journey, especially through my online sound baths, which offer comfort, calm, and healing from the inside out. And finally, I feel incredibly blessed to have had such a skilled and compassionate team in Dr. Van Fossen and Dr. Cody. Thanks to their expertise and care, I truly had the best outcome that I could have hoped for.”