I'd like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Janice for inspiring and empowering her community. I'm proud to be a small part of that in making several custom capes to support her breast cancer awareness efforts.
ABOVE: Janice and friends get ready for a race.
"I was diagnosed in June 2015. When I heard the words,"you have cancer", I cried then went to exercise. My mother also went through the same fight. I knew I wasn't going to let it win. The night before my surgery, I rappelled the Niagara Casino. Right after surgery, I was walking 5 miles daily. Sit, rest, not me! One week after my double mastectomy, I completed 13 miles of the tough mudder.
My first chemo, I wore boxing gloves. I was going to win this fight. Throughout my chemo infusions, I would pick a theme, then decorate myself and my cubicle. I wore all pink, dressed as "Sally", a pilgrim, Mrs. Incredible and santas elf. The staff and patients enjoyed my decorating and I made them happy. They actually looked forward to me getting my treatment. It was not a time for defeat but rather a new beginning for me. It was time for my marathon in Florida and I bought matching top and bottom with a princess skirt. Holly had made capes for my grandsons and I thought, "why not me?" I wore my cape for the Susan Komen race. I was not only representing me in the fight against breast cancer but also all the women out there. I was shopping in the mall, and people would greet me. I know you!! You're one of us!
When I wear my cape, it is not for me. It is to bring recognition to the disease and to all fighting. I wear it to represent everyone. Even though you had surgery, you can still run. Even though you had chemo, you can run. Even though you had radiation, you can run. You do not have to stop living your normal life because you have cancer. I did not let the disease control me, but rather I controlled it!
I am proud to wear my cape to all my runs and will continue doing so."
–Janice
ABOVE: Janice met Donnie Wahlberg (actor, producer, and member of New Kids on the Block) and asked him to sign a cape for the artist behind Creative Capes. He wrote "To Holly, Love Donnie. PS - This is Awesome!"
ABOVE: Janice presented the Mayor of Buffalo his own cape!
After developing these capes for Janice, I have been asked a number of times if I would make them available for purchase to everyone. Since breast cancer awareness month is October, I will make these special editions available during the months of September and October. Click here to shop now.