Celebrating 25 years of the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign

September 28, 2017

<h4>Kim Appelt</h4>
<p>To our friends everywhere with breast cancer, we stand beside you. This is a chapter in your life, not the story, and we are all here fighting with you. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Chef Susur Lee</h4>
<p>I can’t say I’ve personally been affected by breast cancer, but I do have friends who have lost mothers and wives to it. Losing someone is never easy, but we are getting so close to finding a cure that a little goes a long way. My heart goes out to anyone who’s lost a mother, wife, sister, or daughter to breast cancer.</p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

The hosts of The Social

My mother-in-law, Jacek's mother, is a breast cancer survivor. It may not have been the same situation if she was still living in Poland when she was diagnosed. She was treated in Vancouver and just went into remission when Jacek and I first met. There was a possibility that I would never have known her if she hadn't been given the care that she received at the BC Cancer Agency.

Lainey Lui

My cousin has been battling breast cancer for five years. She is the young mom of three young girls. While her treatment has been very difficult, I feel that part of the reason why she is still alive is due to the world class treatments available to her in Canada. While we don’t know what her future will hold, there has at least been reassurance in knowing that she is receiving the best care possible in the world.

Melissa Grelo

Some of my closest friends have battled breast cancer. I witnessed their strength and their will to live. Some won the battle, some did not. So in any way I can – I continue the fight for them.

Marci Ien

My breasts have a lot of cysts. My annual physical examinations at the doctor’s office have often led to ultrasounds. A number of times they have even resulted in tense mammograms. Every time I get a clean bill of health, I want to weep from relief. And then I immediately think of the countless other women who have not been so lucky.

Cynthia Loyst

One in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer. And one in 31 will die from it. This is motivation enough for me to screen, and to support those afflicted by it and the medical community dedicated to stamping out this blight for good. `

Jess Allen

Photo: © George Pimentel Photography

<h4>Suzanne Rogers</h4>
<p>Over the years, I have encountered so many other women who have given so much, both in terms of their time and resources, to help support this crucial battle. I am simply proud to stand alongside them in that fight. Also, I have travelled this arduous journey with friends, and have come to recognize how much individual contributions are enhanced and magnified by the deep, dedicated commitment that organizations like The Estée Lauder Companies have made and continue to make. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Tanya Kim</h4>
<p>I am humbled and inspired by the courage and strength I have witnessed in those who have fought or are fighting breast cancer with all their being. To come to understand that being a woman is not simply about body parts but rather finding the determination, bravery, strength, wisdom, acceptance within all of us is truly a beautiful thing. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Roxy Earle</h4>
<p>Having stood by and watched my sibling fight cancer, I am in awe of anyone who can conquer this disease. Breast cancer is particularly cruel to a women's sense of femininity, and it's inspiring to see a woman take on her changing body with pride.</p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Simona Shnaider</h4>
<p>I lost my mother to cancer sixteen years ago. That opened my eyes to the enormous impact this illness has on countless lives. Through volunteering with cancer patients, I've also witnessed the strength and spirit this disease brings out in patients and their families. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Heather Ogden</h4>
<p>Participating in the fight against breast cancer is very important to me. This disease touched my family directly when I watched my Aunt fight breast cancer many years ago. Her strength and courage was inspiring and it definitely changed her. As a mother, I can’t imagine what she went through wondering if she would see her children grow up. I know there has been much progress in the research and treatment for breast cancer, but the reality is that it is still something to fear. It's important to me to bring awareness to this cause and to make sure this is a disease that one day we won’t have to fear anymore. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Belinda Stronach</h4>
<p>Receiving a cancer diagnosis, as any survivor will tell you, stops you in your tracks. It forced me to evaluate my priorities in a way that I never had to before and to become an advocate for my own health. As a private person living in the public eye at the time, it was difficult and I faced many criticisms for the choices I made, but in the end I did what was right for me and my family and I encourage every woman or man facing this diagnosis to do the same. Today I am strong, healthy and happy. Together we can find a cure.</p>

<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

Sylvia Mantella

In 2002, I lost my beautiful sister in law Judy Mantella to breast cancer. She was 38 years old. Judy was a wife, a daughter, a sister, a mother and so much more. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2000. Despite aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, the breast cancer metastasized to her lungs and finally her brain. In August 2002, Judy passed away leaving behind two sons she adored and cherished: Mitchel age 11 and Matthew age 14. Her husband Raymond Mantella was devastated. He had lost the love of his life and the mother to his children. Robert, my husband, and I wanted to do whatever we could for him. We helped raise his youngest son, sensitive and fragile Mitchel, with our 3 children who were just a couple of years younger. At just 11 years old, Mitchel knew he wanted to be a doctor. Fast forward 14 years, today Mitchel is in medical school at The University of London, England. He has become the doctor he knew he would be. Perhaps it was the loss of his mother at such a young age which motivated him to succeed - only he truly knows.

Amoryn Engel

My mother passed away after a gruelling battle with cancer. The first time she had cancer, it was breast cancer. She was so strong and she fought the good fight and was inspiring to everyone around her. Sadly, when the cancer came back many years later, she wasn't as lucky. It was terrible to watch the suffering and devastation. We all felt helpless. Watching someone die certainly puts life into perspective. With cancer so prevalent in my family (two of my mother’s sisters also had breast cancer) I decided to have an elective double mastectomy to give myself the best chance at a healthy happy life with my husband and two sons. We live in an incredible country where women like myself can be proactive and make a huge difference not only in our own lives, but in the lives of the people we love so much.

<h4>Sarah Baeumler</h4>
<p>Cancer has affected almost everyone, its weight is felt across the globe. Even if you are not a sufferer, then you probably know someone who is. My Gramma was a breast cancer survivor, and although she made a full recovery from a radical mastectomy and lived a full and energetic life until she was 94, her illness had an effect on all of those around her. To help in any way to lessen that weight on people’s shoulders is an honour. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Emmanuelle Gattuso</h4>
<p>Cancer changes your life and your priorities. Helping other patients and organizations in whatever capacity I can is what drives my fight against cancer. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>

<h4>Jennifer Valentyne</h4>
<p>I teach my daughter that living a balanced lifestyle consisting of physical activity, nutritious food and self love can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Being aware of changes in our bodies and doing regular breast exams is essential to good health and wellbeing. </p>
<p>Photo: © George Pimentel Photography</p>