Stories of Strength, Part II: Continuing Our Tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, we wear pink, walk for a cause, and honor the women whose courage has changed the way we understand breast cancer. But behind every ribbon is a story — one of love, loss, resilience, and hope.

At Influential Women, we believe that sharing those stories matters. They connect us, remind us that no one walks this path alone, and help others find comfort in knowing that courage comes in many forms.

After our first Breast Cancer Awareness Month feature, we received even more powerful submissions from women who wanted to share their experiences and those of the people they love. Each story below is a reflection of strength, faith, and the incredible resilience that defines this community.

“I come from a background of very strong, courageous women.”

“My grandmother was the most powerful and special woman I’ve ever known. When her husband passed away suddenly, she was left alone with seven children and no support. She worked tirelessly, saving money from housekeeping and cooking, eventually opening her own grocery store and buying a small house for her family. At 83 years old, she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that had spread to her lungs. She chose not to undergo chemotherapy, saying she had lived her life to the fullest. My grandmother passed away peacefully at 84. Her strength lives on in me, my mother, and my sister. To anyone facing cancer, please remember that God understands your pain and your fears. Pray, hold on to hope, and trust that all will be well.” - Elsa Polanco, English Teacher at Hunter's Creek Tutoring Center

“My wonderful sister, Gail…”

“My sister, Gail Suskind-Assidon, was kind, caring, and accepting. She wrapped her arms around the world and filled it with warmth and compassion. Though she is gone, she lives in our hearts, and we are forever grateful for the time we had with her. I am also an artist, and after watching Schindler’s List, I began painting ‘The Girl in the Red Coat,’ inspired by the story’s emotional weight. In my painting, the little girl lives. She walks confidently down a cobblestone road, representing every child’s right to safety and hope. This painting has been recognized by Steven Spielberg and now has a permanent home at Temple Adath Yeshurun in New York. Like my sister, this painting is a symbol of life, compassion, and remembrance.” - Diana Suskind, Creator at Stonework Play

“Allow me to introduce my mother, Eunice.”

“My mother, Eunice L. Johnson, is an 80-year-old two-time breast cancer survivor. She was first diagnosed at 57, then again 10 years later. Both times, she faced her treatment with grace and determination. This October, she joined 17 other thrivers on the runway at the Runway to the Cure fashion show in Reston, Virginia. Watching her model with confidence and joy was one of my proudest moments. I encourage everyone to support organizations that fund breast cancer research and local outreach. Every donation, big or small, helps create a future where no woman has to fight this disease alone.” - Michelle Jackson, Senior Corporate Paralegal at Rees Broome, PC

“My mom is 12 years in remission.”

“When my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, I became her caregiver. I witnessed both her strength and her vulnerability. It was one of the hardest experiences of my life, but also one of the most beautiful. Her courage through treatment and recovery taught me the true meaning of resilience. Today, she lives with gratitude and inspires others to do the same. To anyone walking this path whether you are a patient, survivor, or caregiver please know that you are not alone. There is strength in love and community.” - Rachele Giusiana, Human Resources Generalist at Mission Bell MFG, Inc.

“My mother and I both survived.”

“My mother, Mary, underwent a radical mastectomy in 1989. I had a partial mastectomy with lymph node removal in 2002. We both had chemotherapy and radiation and lived through it together. It’s been 23 years since my diagnosis and treatment, with no recurrence. I want others to know that while breast cancer is hard, today’s advances in detection and treatment make survival more achievable than ever.” - Mary Jo Iozzio, Professor of Moral Theology at Boston College

“To my survivor sisters…”

“To my survivor sisters, I want to remind you that you are amazing. If you are in treatment, take one day at a time and keep putting one foot in front of the other. You can do this. If you are on the other side of treatment, take a deep breath and embrace your new life. I am proud of you.” - Leah Stancil, Owner of Marsta, LLC.

Together, We Continue to Rise

Every story shared this month reminds us that strength is not the absence of fear, but the choice to keep moving forward through it. Each voice, from survivors to caregivers, daughters, and friends, adds to a chorus of resilience that continues to grow louder with every passing year.

At Influential Women, we are honored to be a space where those voices can be heard. To every woman who has faced breast cancer, and to everyone who has loved and supported them, we stand with you. Your courage inspires us to keep telling these stories, to keep raising awareness, and to keep believing in the power of community.

#BreastCancerAwareness #StoriesOfStrength #InfluentialWomen #TogetherWeRise #HopeInPink #WomenSupportingWomen #CommunityOfCourage #PinkOctober