I had heard about HERS from a friend, Judy Cooper, who was volunteering there. I was not yet diagnosed. She was telling another friend of ours that HERS was looking for a breast care specialist. Our friend, Pam Condy, interviewed for the job and was soon employed by HERS.

Joan celebrated the end of her treatment in 2013 by going on  a bike trip through France with her friends.

In July of 2012 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once I had chosen an oncologist and surgeons I was introduced to Laura Constantine, a Breast Health Navigator (and friend of HERS), who told me what I would be going through in my treatment.

I made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy. I would be having chemo first to pull the tumor away from the breast wall and then I would have surgery. I learned that I would need surgical garments, which took me to HERS as a client.

I timidly went into HERS to see what it was all about and to talk to my friends there. I was introduced to Polly Sherman, who fitted me into a surgical garment I would wear after surgery; it had pockets for the drains I would leave the hospital with.  This is where the true value of HERS comes in. It was obvious that I was scared to death. Polly was so understanding of my nervousness, as was everyone who saw me that day. Everyone wished me good luck and told me to stop in anytime even if just to say hi.

Between August and December I began stopping into HERS before my chemo treatments and visits to my oncologist "just to say hi". They always had a smile and friendly greeting for me. When my hair began falling out, they always told me I looked beautiful. No matter how I felt, I could stop in just for a hug and a chat. They always wanted to know how I was doing. 

Once I had healed from surgery, I was now ready to get my prosthetic breasts. Again I went to HERS feeling timid, not knowing what to expect or how I would feel once faced with the realization of how different my body looked. Would I be embarrassed to have someone looking at me uncovering my breastless chest? What would the conversation be? Would my emotions hold up?

Polly Sherman greeted me with a big smile and offered great support in the fitting. She made sure I was comfortable and spent plenty of time to make sure I was comfortable with the fit and size of my new breasts. We even had a few laughs during the fitting. I left feeling uplifted and very positive about how I looked.

The people at HERS have become friends. I feel comfortable stopping in anytime to say hi and they always make me feel welcome. I have supported several of their walks and fund raising events.  There is always a feeling a great support and love in the group.

I have been a breast care client since 2012 and now I am also fitted at HERS for my compression sleeves for lymphedema.

The people at HERS are friends and they keep my on a healthy and feel-good path.

Carlie works at the Fremont store, serving clients and helping wherever she's needed. Even though she is busy with work, breast care specialist training, and college courses, she took the time to talk to us about her experience working at HERS. She tells the story so well, we're sharing it here, in her own words:

I've had the pleasure of working at HERS for a little over a year now. In hopes to put my foot in the door in the medical field, I applied for a clerk position in another unit at Washington Hospital. Although I didn't have enough experience for that position, the manager of the unit referred me to HERS. I had no idea what this foundation was or what I was getting myself into. 

Crossing paths with HERS has been one of my biggest blessings. I am so thankful to be working with such caring and loving people with a purpose. It makes me even more eager to pursue a career in the medical field. I started training and getting the hang of things at the Fremont location. Soon after, I switched between the Stanford location and Fremont. Now I am usually at Fremont, and I go to Valley Care when help is needed.

 

I am a breast care fitter, soon to be certified. I see patients and fit them for bras and prostheses and also help around the office. I believe the wonderful ladies at HERS are so well rounded that we do not just have one specific job description. We do what we all specialize in, while helping each other out as much as we can.

 

I am currently a student at Foothill College. I aspire to be a pediatric nurse. I am applying to universities to acquire a health science bachelor's degree, then I hope to continue my education by obtaining a master's in nursing. 

For about four years, I taught color guard to elementary and middle schoolers in the New Haven Unified School District. I strongly believe in doing what you love and the rest will follow. 

I have a loving puppy named Jax. My parents, sister, and I are very close. They are the strongest support system I have, and the foundation for any accomplishment I have made and will make in my life.

 

Working at HERS has changed my life. Through working for this foundation, I have interacted with such passionate and caring people. I love listening to the stories and wisdom my patients have to offer. Each day I work, I take home a lesson and another thing to be thankful for. 

The ladies at HERS are more than just colleagues, I consider us family. We look out for each other and we show genuine and unconditional love. With the respect and care that we show for each other, it helps maximize the service and hospitality we show to all the breast cancer survivors that we help. Everything that this staff does, is for the beautiful women we serve. I am so honored to be a part of this foundation and to do my part in fulfilling our mission.