Age: 49Profession: Healthcare Chief Operating OfficerType of Breast Cancer: Stage 2 Infiltrating Mammary Carcinoma Number of Years as a Survivor: 12Relationship to Susan G. Komen: Race participantMy name is Elisa and I am a 12-year breast cancer conqueror. I never expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer especially since I have a large family with no prior history.In August 2004, a few months after my annual wellness exam, and much to my surprise, I noticed a lump in my left breast during my monthly self breast exam. I immediately contacted my doctor and completed a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. One week later, when I was preparing to take my one and only child to her freshman year of college, I received my diagnosis of breast cancer. That was the hardest week of my life. I tried to be joyful and enjoy such a great experience, yet I was struggling internally with the uncertainty of my future. After a lumpectomy, I began my first chemotherapy treatment on October 1st, ironically the beginning of breast cancer awareness month. My treatments consisted of several months of chemotherapy, almost 8 weeks of radiation, and 1 year of prescriptions. Though I felt I had come face to face with my mortality at a young age, I immediately turned to my faith in God to strengthen me through all the challenges I would face. I found strength through my daily fatigue in this scripture from The Bible: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9. In spite of my faith, there were moments of fear. I was concerned with whether or not I had a future and what it would look like. In prayer I found strength, and with God's help I would conquer cancer.I was blessed to have my very own band of hope within my family and friends. They supported me and kept me focused on my healing and recovery. During my journey, I refused to stop living and took on a very demanding project within my healthcare profession. Working reminded me that the patients and hospitals I supported needed me and that I needed to keep living. Today, my message to all those faced with this journey is to keep living, have faith and conquer cancer!I have been a supporter of Susan G. Komen since my diagnosis in 2004. I've never been fond of the color pink. Today, I wear pink proudly to encourage others to keep the faith, keep fighting and keep living. Our community of Warriors represents amazing strength and courage. Together we can find a cure!_______________________________________________About the Faces of a Warrior CampaignLast year, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Race for the Cure®, Susan G. Komen Miami/Ft. Lauderdale teamed with 101.5 LITE FM to launch the Faces of a Warrior campaign. To mark the 21st Annual Race for the Cure®, Komen is spotlighting 21 survivors to represent each year the Race has run. These individuals are sharing their stories of strength and resilience -- not just of surviving breast cancer, but thriving in spite of it.Read the stories of more Warriors hereFor more information on the Faces of a Warrior campaign -- and other ways you can get involved in the Race for the Cure® -- please email info@komenmiaftl.org or call 954-909-0454
Faces of a Warrior: Elisa Baptiste
By 101.5 LITE FM
Aug 16, 2016
Aug 16, 2016 10:17 PM
