Vail Valley Charitable Fund: Mammograms for early detection are essential

As development manager with the Vail Valley Charitable Fund, I connect with our applicants every day. I am grateful for this perspective because, with it, I have learned the complexity of our neighbor’s lives. In a word, the Vail Valley perseveres.

In 2023, days before my 48th birthday, my otherwise excellent health was interrupted by a diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer without any family history. I found a lump during a self-exam. My primary physician swiftly launched me into imaging and Shaw Cancer Center for diagnosis and treatment.

From here, I use the firehose analogy. We discussed treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and endocrine therapy. Then, genetic testing, physical therapy, nutrition, and exercise. It all came in a jarring and incredibly caring steady stream until we made our decisions. The information from my team at Shaw was phenomenal — effective, realistic, and focused on quality of life. Early diagnosis gave me options that allowed me to take charge of what I could.

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At diagnosis time, I felt I was humbly “Getting It Done.” Life was full, and I felt sharp. My husband, John, helped me set the tone for moving ahead. We would kick cancer out quickly and with as much humor as possible as we ushered our three kids through the storm. John’s steady reminder that this was a time for focus kept us calm. We told a small circle of loved ones and charged ahead.

Family, friends, and dear colleagues turned friends at the Vail Valley Charitable Fund gave support in countless ways. It doesn’t feel helpful to sugarcoat what occurred; my feeling of vibrancy dulled during this time because cancer is a haul. Even when one can tolerate treatment well, it still leaves a mark physically, mentally, and spiritually. Scanxiety is real. It’s an unavoidable train of thought as your scans approach and the entire family comes along for the ride.

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There have been many blessings amongst the struggles of the past months. I have been in the presence of the right person at the right time on countless occasions to offer me perspective, commiseration, prayers, humor, and occasionally a not-so-gentle nudge. I’ve met other women who have gone through this — I call them the Survivors and Thrivers.

At a summer BBQ, I met two women my age with similar experiences. They were sharp, intelligent, and beautiful inside and out. At that party, I saw what 10 or more years after breast cancer can look like, and it looks gorgeous. They conveyed to me that it all gets easier with time. In these connections with other Thrivers, I feel brighter.

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The Vail Valley Charitable Fund manages the Vail Breast Cancer Group. We are introducing a new mammogram program to help uninsured women in our valley get vital screening for early detection. We’re planning Bowling for Boobs on Thursday, Oct. 3, a fundraiser for these mammograms.

In that planning, I am in the presence of two stunning women, both survivors, Brenda Himelfarb and Brielle Stockton, who are the definition of thriving — more evidence of what’s ahead. I hope my story conveys the importance of self-exam and mammograms for early detection. A mammogram is invaluable information regarding your health. I genuinely hope yours provides an “all clear.” If it does not, you have what you need to make decisions, which is the first step to thriving.

Terri Reichert is the development manager for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. Find out more about the Vail Valley Charitable Fund’s mission at VVCF.org.