October 26, 2022
PINK nails to FIGHT!
PINK brings people together!
2022 has been a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, and our choices and actions have the power to protect the most vulnerable among us in a big way. This year we ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves, by teaming up once again with SurvivingBreastCancer.Org.
We created a special "Think Pink" Collection and for every gel polish sold, Madam Glam donates $1 to the organization for breast cancer research and care! Our glamorous community of nail techs and influencers joined their forces and decided to mark the event with pink Nail Art designs to raise awareness and help us fulfill our mission every year!
Nail Art Designs are an effective way of self-expression and as the world is going pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s officially time for you to "Think Pink" for your next manicure!
This month is not only about wonderful manicures, it's also about the pepple! We met Ria Despi - a breast cancer survivor and thriver. She has found hope in sharing her story on her Instagram account, @thisgirlisthriving, talking about both her successes and the hard moments in this lifelong journey.
While she enjoyed a glamorous at-home manicure with Madam Glam's products, she was kind enough to share with us a few words about herself, her family, work and of course the survivorship. Let's read her story!
Hi, Ria! Lovely to meet you! Please, tell us a few things about yourself!
Hi, I’m Ria. I am a wife, mother of two, mompreneur, skin cancer survivor and breast cancer thriver. In 2018, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. I went through chemotherapy and had a single mastectomy. I received the amazing news of my pathology report, I had a “complete response!”. Which meant chemotherapy worked. That day I was declared “in remission/cancer free” from my oncologist!
How is survivorship and life beyond cancer?
Survivorship is hard. There are good and bad days. Survivorship reminds me of waves in the ocean, where all you are trying to do is keep your head above water. For me, life after cancer is harder than active treatment. Why? Because during active treatment, you become this warrior you did not choose to be. And the goal of this fight is to beat cancer. Where life after cancer is where you have to pick the pieces left of your old self and try to put yourself back together with this new person you do not recognize.
Did your cancer diagnosis have an impact on your body-image?
Yes, I lost a breast. I gained weight from treatment, steroids and hormone blockers.
We believe it is important to always put yourself first. How did you manage stress and mental health during breast cancer and after?
My go-to therapy for stress is exercise. Even during active treatment, I worked out. Another big part is my faith in God. I have learned to “be still” and to give my fear of recurrence to Him.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for many things. I’m grateful to still be here, to wake up to another day. Life is precious. It is a privilege to grow old. I am grateful for my family. Lastly, I am grateful for the hidden gift that cancer has taught me. It has molded me into the person I am today.
What do you enjoy most doing in your free time?
In my free time, I like to spend time with my family. I sometimes play with makeup. After having both of my kids, the makeup artist days seemed over. But every now and then I’ll do bridal or special event makeup.
What advice would you give to someone who is going through the same battle as you?
The advice I would give to a fellow cancer survivor/thriver is to believe everything you are feeling is valid. Surviving cancer is hard. It can take a toll on our mental health. Take it one day at a time, and know it’s okay to seek help.
If you want 100% of your money to support Breast Cancer Research and Care, you can donate directly to Survivingbreastcancer.org.
💅 THINK PINK
https://www.madamglam.com/collections/think-pink-collection
💅 GET INVOLVED x Survivingbreastcancer.org
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/get-involved
For more glam, everyday inspiration
💅 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madam_glam/
