News

JoAnn Carroll: Survivor's Story

BY Melissa Cordial, Vera Bradley Public Relations Representative

Fort Wayne, Indiana (June 2, 2008) — It has been two years since JoAnn Carroll went from breast cancer patient to breast cancer survivor. Two years ago we interviewed her shortly after she became cancer-free. We decided to check in with her to find out how she’s doing today.

Melissa Cordial: How has life changed since you became a survivor?

JoAnn Carroll: The biggest change is that my husband retired and we moved to beautiful Sarasota, Florida. Since I have been through all of the cancer treatments, when someone tells me that they or a loved one has cancer I feel I can really talk to them from my own experience and they can see that I made it and they will too.

MC: What was the hardest part for you during chemo or radiation?

JC: Trying to still feel like myself.

MC: If you could say one sentence to someone going through breast cancer, what would you say?

JC: You will get through this.

MC: What has having breast cancer taught you?

JC: That I need to take care of myself.

MC: How has breast cancer changed how you live?

JC: It has made me aware of how precious our lives are and to be thankful for each day.

MC: What is your hope for the future of breast cancer research?

JC: My hope is to find a cure for breast cancer and to make sure women have their mammograms every year so they can start treatment as early as possible.

MC: What do you do for fun?

JC: We feel so fortunate to live in Sarasota—it is so beautiful and warm. We enjoy the beach very much and also boating. We lived here many years ago, and it is wonderful to catch up with all our old friends.

MC: What advice would you give to a woman who has been recently diagnosed?

JC: It is scary to be told you have breast cancer but take comfort in that many people are out there trying to find a cure, and the wonderful Vera Bradley Foundation helps with funding that research.