The Angelina Effect: Silver Linings

Me and  some of my beautiful friends at this year's Breast Cancer Alliance 
Luncheon and Fashion Show. I was honored to be a featured speaker.

I received so many beautiful emails from friends about my blog on my reaction to Angelina Jolie's public announcement that she underwent a prophylactic mastectomy,(http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2013/05/you-were-angelina-before-angelina-dr.html) just as I did 13 years ago. My family, friends and employers were incredibly supportive during one of the most physically and emotionally trying times of my life.  None of you are forgotten to me, because I couldn't have fared as well without you.

I just wanted to share two, of many, that mean the world to me.  The first is written my dear, dear friend Ilissa, who is every bit as gorgeous on the inside as she is on the outside:

1. 

   Ilissa, Diva and Jill 

   When I chose to do my surgery, I only told a handful of my closest friends and clients with the information.  I had no doubt, that I was making the right choice for me and my family, but my son was only 7 at the time and I couldn't bear for my private life to in any way become P.T.A. fodder. Ilissa supported me unconditionally and always respected my privacy and wish for confidentiality. She made a difficult time lighter and I will always love and remember her specially for it.
   
   
   From Ilissa: 
   This is by far my most favorite blog you have written. Yes, of course I think what Angelina did was beyond wonderful! But it is you that is truly special. I watched you so gracefully steer through this incredible obstacle. You were brave, focused and strong. I am so honored to say that you are my dear friend. Although I have never met your doctors I can say that I love them for all of the wonderful things they have done for you, your hubby, your son and all of your family and friends. Any person who is fortunate enough to cross your path should consider themselves the lucky one. You are an inspiration. I love you. Friends forever Ilissa
   The other one I wanted to share, is from my good friend Susan Bevan, who spotted something in me she nudged a bit to develop.  As I said, I was not always vocal about my surgery, not even my initial breast cancer diagnosis:
   
   
   

   

   Lisa Matthews, Scott Mitchell and Susan Bevan

   
   
1. Susan invited me to join the Breast Cancer Alliance of Greenwich Committee and asked if I would speak at a morning kick off breakfast in her home. That was 4 years ago.
   
   I was a bit anxious, but afterwards, I felt a great curtain lift and it empowered me to speak and write publicly about my journey. Hopefully I have helped others along the way. This past October, I was honored to have been one of the speakers at this year's BCA Fashion Show and Luncheon. Preparing my speech was an incredibly emotional experience. To have to deeply reflect and create an account of 17 years of survivorship, edit and recite it in front of 925 graciously attentive women, (many, many of them friends), was quite a moment. 
   
   I was proud of my growth and humbled by the outpouring of love and kindness that came my way. This my lovely readers, is what is known as a silver lining...
2. 
   
   From Susan:
   
   I love you. I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes (making it hard to see this tiny phone keypad) and now my nose is running, too! You are so eloquent. 
   
   Thank YOU, for what you are doing to get out the information. 
   
   I am going to copy Yonni and Kathy Clark at BCA - I think YOUR information in your Blog should go onto our website.
   Hugs, love & health - Susan
3. 
   
   See what I mean??? Silver Linings...
   
   xox,
   DD
1. P.S.  If you are in the Fairfield or Westchester area, please join us at 10:30 a.m. Sunday May 19th,  (Richards parking lot in Greenwich) for the annual Walk for Hope, sponsored by the Breast Cancer Alliance of Greenwich.  I hope to see you there!