Susan G. Komen for the Cure
SURVIVORS SPOTLIGHT: PATTI MASONIS



Patti Masonis What accomplishment could be greater than surviving breast cancer? For Patti Masonis, it is surviving breast cancer not only once but twice!

Patti's first diagnosis was in 1999 at the age of 38 and just 4 years later, came her second diagnosis in 2003 at the age of 42. This was not much longer after she moved to the Lowcountry, eight years ago. When she found out, she was angry, scared and in disbelief as you would imagine most would be in her situation. Hitting golf balls was her escape, a way to release stress and take her mind off of the situation.

With hair down to her waist, Patti's greatest disappointment was that she had to lose it. Throughout her experience though, she turned the negatives into something positive, starting with a donation to locks of love every time she had to lose her hair.

Fortunately, Patti had both of her parents with her through thick and thin. She was very appreciative and found great joy in all of the caring people who surrounded her with love by calling, bringing food and just being there. This inspired positive changes for Patti and encouraged her to take better care of herself by letting it be okay to put herself first. Everybody made a different impact and took this journey with her, including Komen.

Patti said that Komen has had a huge impact on her life and after the first Race for the Cure, it was amazing to her how many women were facing the same circumstances. This made her want to give back and help prevent any other woman from having to experience breast cancer. She set out to help Komen in providing hope and education to women, let them know they are not alone and how important it is to take care of themselves and know their body. She would call those that were recently diagnosed and welcome them to the sisterhood even though she was sorry that they were here.

Patti loves volunteering and always makes sure to let everyone know how important it is to have a mammogram. Working with Komen has allowed her to give back and empower not only the younger women but those growing older as well. Her goal is to continue to completely empower women and get the word out that they can take care of themselves and it is okay to reach out for help when you need it.