About me
I am a 37 year old breast cancer survivor determined to make a difference in the world of cancer. I am a mother of 3 young children with a hard working, supportive and dedicated husband. I am a partner with Brogan & Partners–a fantastic company with a staff of strategic, creative and hard working individuals creating cutting edge marketing communications solutions for over 24 years. I am forever grateful to my wonderful family, friends and coworkers who helped me through 9 months of surgeries, chemo treatments, doctors appointments and tests.
Hi Ellyn. I was moved to tears watching the video which Dad sent to me. You were inspirational and articulate, and I feel so proud that you are in my family.
I will be in Detroit July 15th – 25th. I would be so delighted to see you, compare notes, and perhaps even compare breasts. I am moved to do more than I have already to advance the cause, and I thank you for that.
Love, Judith
Judith Krauss
June 11, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Ellyn,
You are AMAZING!!! As I continue to tell any/everyone that is touched by cancer. You WILL make things happen I know. Stay well!!
Hugs,
Melissa Wolf-Litvin
Melissa Wolf-Litvin
June 14, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Dear Ellyn,
I am so glad that I met you at the FORCE meeting. Like Judith, I think you are inspirational and articulate. You are beautiful throughout and I am happy to be your friend. Cancer may stink, but if it brings us together, that’s a wonderful thing.
Thank you for sharing your blog with me. Keep writing! It’s good for the soul.
I’m looking forward to seeing you again.
Hugs,
Joan
Joan
July 23, 2008 at 10:24 am
Dear Ellyn,
I am pleased to see how your site has grown! As we approach Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many women came to mind, your story was very inspirational to me. There are several breast cancer awareness groups available to women. In Grand Rapids we have Gilda’s Club. I was invited to model along with other local media celebrities here in Grand Rapids, for the “Sister to Sister” program in October. This particular group within Gilda’s Club, is focused on African American women who are breast cancer survivors. The Sister to Sister organization are there to provide consultation to women who are going through the stages of treatment, as well as, provide counseling for those who need someone to talk to. I met this group years ago and received a beautiful calendar of women of color who were breast cancer survivors. Many of the women have not survived and those who did are no longer living here in Grand Rapids. The Sister to Sister organization has not been able to provide another calendar. However, I hope that they will do this again. WMFN AM 640 has provided women in the community with three health seminars, each seminar included Ellen Atkinson who was a dynamic speaker for Gilda’s Club. I was surprised as to how many women did not know how to self examine themselves, etc.
In closing, I would like to thank you for providing a website such as this. I am sure that it has been a powerful instrument for those who need someone to talk to.
God Bless,
Portia Bynum
Portia Bynum
September 25, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Dear Ellyn:
Please contact me.
I would love to speak with you.
I read about you in the JN.
I am a 14 yr survivor of ovarian ca.
warm regards,
Judy
Judith Grant
May 31, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Dear Ellyn,
I remember meeting you while waiting for my x-ray at Beaumont about two years ago. You mentioned that you had three young kids and you had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. You told me you would be having surgery, chemo, etc. and that your mom was taking it harder than you were. You were so optimistic and said your husband was very supportive. I never forgot you and frequently thought about you and wondered how you were doing. I was so happy to read your story in the Jewish News. I am so glad things went well for you and that you are over the surgery and treatment,and are back to work having a normal life. I was glad to read that there is genetic testing available because there seems to be a lot of colon cancer in my family, which puts us at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. I plan to look into it. You are a true inspiration. Take good care.
With warmest regards,
Jan
Jan
August 1, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Thank you so much for the nice message Jan. I’m truly touched that you have thought about me and remember me.
Ellyn
ellynd
August 1, 2009 at 6:55 pm
Hey,
Do like your blog and so agree that we need to fight this travesty.
I blog over on open salon and have blogged about how this is already affecting poor women’s access to free state screening.
Thanks!
Stephanie Hampton
o’stephanie
stephanie hampton
December 30, 2009 at 9:48 pm