In 2023, Alaina found a lump and went for additional testing, which showed it was a cyst. One short year later she went back and had a completely different experience. At the age of 43, Alaina was diagnosed with stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. It was a total shock as she has no family history of breast cancer, no genetic markers, and lives a very healthy lifestyle. In a daze, Alaina started the necessary steps to fight. Everything moved so quickly – additional testing, doctors’ appointments, MRIs, another biopsy, another tumor found, and all these big life decisions made in a matter of weeks. Alaina
has spent the past year battling through difficulties with her surgeries and reconstruction. It has been incredibly challenging physically, emotionally, and mentally, but as Alaina prepares for what is hopefully her final surgery, she is filled with a lot of
gratitude. As she shared with us “I am working to get to a place of acceptance, of my body and the ongoing changes, of recognizing that no matter a person’s story with cancer, the hard parts are still hard, and the joys should still be celebrated.”
FAB-U-WISH and The Pink Agenda were thrilled to grant Alaina a special experience including a day of beauty and shopping before an unforgettable afternoon at TPA Chicago’s Pink on the River Brunch.
“Thank you, the FAB-U-WISH community and The Pink Agenda for your kindness and warmth in hosting me and my sister as guests at the brunch on Sunday and for the extra touches that made the day special. I am still trying to process it all!
The brunch was so encouraging, and it was wonderful to see and meet many people who are supporting friends, family, co-workers, others and a great cause-what an amazing community! The gift cards are very generous, and I am grateful for your kindness and want to come alongside me on my breast cancer journey. These gift cards will help me find outfits that fit my new body and assist in helping me get back to my workouts and feel more like myself. I truly am so grateful for your consideration and compassion-thank you!”