Hello November! Welcome to the month when we give thanks. This November will be one personally for me that I’ll always remember and give thanks for. It’s never easy to tell your family, friends, colleagues, Board members, volunteers, and community members that you have cancer. Back in August, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was detected during routine annual mammogram screening. My world, to say the least, has been a whirlwind ever since.
My cancer was caught early, but after additional screenings, it became evident lumpectomies were not an option. I have cancer in both breasts, grade 1, but it was significant enough that a bilateral mastectomy was the best option for me. On October 27th, I underwent that surgery, and on November 4th, I’ll undergo reconstruction using my own tissue.
Why am I giving thanks, you may ask? Because my doctors found my cancer early. Annual screenings are so important! My prognosis is good, and I trust that my care team at Froedtert will do what they do best so that my post-surgery recovery and possible additional treatment go smoothly. Now I focus on the healing and recovery my body needs. Obviously, that will require time away from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
As of October 26th, the BBBS staff and Board are handling all daily operations in my absence. We have an amazing staff who I know I can trust to keep everything running smoothly. I know there may be some bumps in the road, but they have an amazing support system with a dedicated 14-person Board of Directors who have stepped in to help! Caitlin, Ayesha, Alex, Stacey and Jessica (newly hired to help Ayesha with some Match Support, because we are growing) are all here to support you, our volunteers, the youth on our waiting list, the families we serve, and our community partners.
Please pray for my healing this November and I’ll see you all in January! Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!
~Heidi Sternig, Executive Director