National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Survivor Strives To Share Strength

Every October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) educates the public about breast cancer. But it's the individual stories that often help the most, particularly when they are close to home. In Oct. 2011, SFGN shared the story of lesbian business owner Bernadette Zizzo, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2010.

At the time of the article, the co-owner of Art Frenzie was recovering from her second surgery and had dealt funding her healthcare. Broward General Hospital eventually provided assistance through Medicaid Out-Patient Eligibility Department (MOPED), but the approval process took about seven months.

This experience led Zizzo and her friends Pamela Dodson, Debbie Weisinger, and Debbie Burke to establish the Knock Out Cancer 4 The Cure Foundation. As she told SFGN, the foundation was created so breast cancer patients would "not have to worry about all the red tape I went through."

Recently, Zizzo updated SFGN on her health, the foundation, and what she would tell anyone dealing with breast cancer.

How have you been feeling over the past year?

I am slowly feeling a lot stronger - mentally, physically as well as emotionally. I have now been cancer-free for almost a year and that feels amazing.

What have you learned as you dealt with the cancer and as you recover?

Cancer is not only a physical battle ... [but] also an emotional and mental battle. I have struggled with accepting that I don't have the strength I used to have. I look at this as a challenge to do things I would've never done.

I am learning that [the] strength I use for my own health and recovery gives others strength for survival. I love knowing that I can help others have strength and courage in their lives.

How has the funding for your aftercare been going?

My great surgeon Dr. Nicholas Tranakas [fought] for my behalf to get approved for the double mastectomy to be performed and covered through MOPED. I ended up having all aftercare covered. Without the great healthcare [my doctors] have given me, I would not be where I am.

Can you share information about the Knock Out Cancer 4 The Cure Foundation?

Last year, I received a lot of support. A huge thank you to my great friends, family, and all who donated their time and gifts, businesses like Sidelines Sports Bar, The Manor on Wilton Drive, the Boardwalk, and Debbie Burke of Art Frenzie.

I have been very ill throughout this year with medical issues not related to my cancer, so I haven't had the strength and time to work on the foundation.

[But] I plan to organize another boxing match and hope all the support is still there.

I hope to expand this organization within Broward Hospital by having events within medical centers. The time I was confined in the hospital room was a very lonely and low point in my recovery. I'd like to [make] the time spent in the hospital feel a little better for those that are going through what I went through.

Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, what can you share with our readers that they may not hear often enough?

Do your self-exams and get your mammograms.

What would you say to individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who are survivors?

I suggest staying positive even when it's the last thing you feel like doing. Pray to your higher power for strength. Lean on your friends...you don't have to put on a strong face all the time. I believe in laughing as much as you can because it truly is the best medicine.

Open up your heart... letting somebody in has allowed me to realize I feel more alive than I have ever felt before. You only live once, so why not live life to the fullest, make life worth every minute without regrets.