3 beautiful women and their fights with cancer

3 beautiful women and their fights with cancer

Two battled breast cancer, another recovers from Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Discover the beauty of strength with a closer view of three Look Good Feel Better models.
Updated:
2009-09-18 12:13
Published:
2007-09-10 00:00
By 
Wendy Goldman

Donna McGrath

In the October 2007 issue of Homemakers magazine, three women who braved cancer model fall 2007 makeup trends. Here's a look at the journeys they were on before posing for our cameras.

Donna McGrath
Donna McGrath vividly remembers that Saturday in 2005 when something in her bathroom kept brushing against her right breast. When moving the object away, she felt a lump that was later diagnosed as stage-three breast cancer.

Donna didn't allow cancer to control her life. She continued to juggle her job as an esthetician with raising her daughter, Mackenzee. “I didn't want to stop working because then you have time to think,” she says. “My little girl is the one who got me through this. I would always have her in my arms. I healed so fast so I could pick her up.”

Mackenzee was only two when she bravely helped her mother wash her scars following her mastectomy. Donna's husband, Michael, was also unfazed by the scars; he tried his best to make Donna feel good on the inside. When he shaved Donna's head three days after her hair loss began, Michael told his wife she had, “a beautiful head.”As an esthetician, Donna understands the importance of feeling beautiful. She attended the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) workshop with a friend, and has since applied to volunteer for the organization so she could help women going through cancer treatments. It's a way to get out of the house, which, she says, is important to do. “Go for a walk. Do something. You're going to miss out if you don't. You're going to miss out on life.”

Now 37 and finished her treatment, Donna says she doesn't sweat the small stuff. “I have more important things to do.” First on her priority list: spending time with family. This past summer, Donna's family rented a cottage in Wasaga Beach, and they've also taken more family trips to places like Cuba and the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Donna has lots to look forward to this fall, as she's getting new implants. “I'm going to have something in a t-shirt or bathing suit,” she says excitedly. “We move on.”

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3 beautiful women and their fights with cancer

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  • kimberly Wilson wrote:

    Oct 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:49 AM

    My mom lost her battle on September 18th 2006 with stage-four Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma this article was nice to read that someone fought this illness and won...I hope all is well with you Barb
  • Carolyn Grandy wrote:

    Oct 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    The Power of Positive Thinking and Prayer In November 1998 I was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer, had surgery and chemotherapy. Cancer returned early in 2000 in sigmoid bowel and again diagnosed as ovarian cancer. More surgery and chemo. Throughout this 14 month period I lived each day with a positive attitude and prayers from across Canada and the USA. I also started on a herbal supplement regime to build up my immune system. I will continue this regime for the rest of my life because I feel and look WELL. My friends call me the miracle lady because my physical condition prior to the second surgery was in a very low state. I credit my recovery to the healing brought about by positive thinking, to the grace of God, and to my enhanced immune system through supplements. I thank God every night for healing and the gift of the past 7 years. Be positive, ladies and gentlemen, as you deal with your encounter with cancer; you can win the battle.
  • Luanne Hill wrote:

    Oct 07, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:50 AM

    Thank you for sharing the articles. I too am a breast cancer survivor, it's been 4 years. My son was 9 years old and I wanted to fight this disease with my entire being - I wanted to watch him grow up. My husband and son were and still are my biggest supporters. Cancer changes your perspective on everything - and cancer is a family disease. Our family is extremely active in the CIBC Run for the Cure, from my husband as the Site Coordinator; I am a community liasion volunteer and our son just does whatever it takes to promote awareness helping with BBQ's and penny auctions. This disease has made me a stronger person. I enjoyed the programs Wellspring Niagara offered- so much so that I volunteer there now as a Reiki Practitioner. I am amazed at the strength women demonstrate while facing the biggest challenges in their lives. Thank you.
  • Eva McKaeff wrote:

    Sep 18, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    I just wanted to comment on the beautiful strong women introduced in this article. My heart goes out to each on of them. I too have just recently been diagnosed with cancer. My diagnosis was that of Thyroid (papillary) Cancer. My surgery was a success. Ladies, not only check your breasts, but please move your fingers north to your neck as well! This was all new to me, I'm so thankful that we speak of cancers so openly!
  • jojo Iorfida wrote:

    Oct 05, 2007

    2009-09-22 10:51 AM

    Barb is so right about looking good and feeling good as you go through chemo. I myself was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in early 2007. While I wait for the results of the last phase of my treatment which will be in the middle of December I to have taken up Yoga and feel better than I have in a long time breathing exercises and yoga has been giving me the peace I've been looking for since this has all started even if its just for a few hours. The past month while I sat at home and waited for time to pass by till my next doctor's visit I felt like a sitting duck. In the last 3 weeks I have been as active as I can be and look forward to the day I can regain my health back. I'm one step closer
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