Shelia's Story

Shelia is a two-time breast cancer survivor, Pretty In Pink Champion and the ultimate volunteer! When you meet Shelia, her warm smile and humor immediately make you feel at ease. That’s one of the many reasons she’s such a great volunteer! Her loyalty runs deep, as she’s been one of our helpers for 8 years. But it was a heart wrenching diagnosis that first led Shelia to Pretty In Pink.

Shelia heard the words “you have breast cancer” after a routine mammogram in 2014. At the time she was working two jobs, a hotel breakfast attendant during the day and a restaurant hostess at night. She had insurance, but it wasn’t that great. Luckily, a nurse told her about Pretty In Pink and we were able to assist with her medical bills. “Receiving this help from Pretty In Pink was definitely a bright spot along this difficult path,” explained Shelia. “There are so many stressors when you’re diagnosed and this assistance helped alleviate the financial stress, which I’m so grateful for.”

Shelia had surgery in 2015 and the next year she began volunteering with Pretty In Pink. “I’ve been through it and I know how important this organization was to me. I just want other breast cancer patients to be able to receive that same help. Now that I’m back on my feet I want to do my part to support this lifesaving mission and support Dr. Tolnitch.”

Shelia was back on her feet, working as an associate technician at Merck when the cancer returned in 2021. After her second battle, she continues volunteering with Pretty In Pink—assisting with the Pink Pumps & Bow Ties Gala, speaking at various events and being an advocate by spreading the word to help others! Thank you, Shelia!