Fort Belvoir, Va. (Oct. 30, 2014) - The Fort Belvoir community honored breast cancer survivors and those who lost their lives to it, Tuesday at the Officers' Club as a part of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month events.
Shondia McFadden-Sabari, a military spouse and breast cancer survivor spoke during the luncheon.
McFadden-Sabari, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2010, underwent a bilateral mastectomy in early 2011 and decided against having reconstructive surgery.
McFadden-Sabari is the executive director of Bold and Breastless, a nonprofit organization focused on providing education, awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
"Three years ago, I scared the hell out of cancer, so it took both of my breasts and left," she said. "I had no lumps, no discomfort, no discharge, no symptoms to suggest breast cancer."
One day, McFadden-Sabari realized she should have a mammogram despite having no symptoms. She immediately saw her gynecologist who scheduled her for a mammogram.
A week after the mammogram she received notification that there were calcification and changes in tissue, she said. Her breasts were also fibrocystic and dense.
After a few more exams and a biopsy she was diagnosed with Stage 0 Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ in her right breast. In her left breast she had DCIS, which was stage 1A and near a blood vessel.
When she was told she had breast cancer, McFadden-Sabari said she thought it was a joke.
"I rarely ever had a cold … never had migraines or any medical issues," she said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. More than 220,000 women and more than 2,000 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011.
Although breast cancer is typically found in women 50 and older, it can also affect younger women, according to the CDC.
McFadden-Sabari was diagnosed at age 36, four years before the recommended breast cancer screening age, she said.
Brent Jurgerson, Army Community Service director, provided the luncheon's closing remarks.
"Fort Belvoir means 'beautiful to see,' and I think today we can say that every one of these survivors is beautiful to see," he said.
Jurgerson said he wanted people to use their stories and memories of those with breast cancer to spread awareness and support.
Sgt. Maj. Yvonne Jones, who is in the Warrior Transition Battalion, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. She had DCIS in the left breast. In 2010, she was diagnosed with DCIS in her right breast and this year, she was diagnosed with cancer in her lymph nodes.
"I just completed my cycle six of chemotherapy and now I'm currently going through therapy (to) help control the cancer," Jones said.
Jones said she receives a lot of support from friends, Family members, medical professionals, the battalion and the brigade.
Lt. Col. Philip Lenz, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Belvoir, Headquarters Battalion, commander, said that faith, friends and Family help people to be resilient and thanked McFadden-Sabari for sharing her story with others.
"We talk about what makes a person resilient where one person can be shaken to their knees by a particular event and another, like (McFadden-Sabari), bounces back as if seemingly nothing happened and you are a better person for it," Lenz said.
"This was a big surprise," Jones said about the luncheon. "I really appreciated and enjoyed them recognizing us. It made me feel good. This is the saddest month of all of the months for me, but it was very encouraging and gave me a lot of hope. I really appreciate it."
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