Empowerment to the Nth Degree
In April, the Charlotte Observer ran a story about breast cancer survivor Pam Phillips and her mission to send a girl from Garinger High School to the prom. Pam wanted to show her appreciation for the kindnesses shown to her during her journey through breast cancer and survivorship.
Pam is a patient of ours, and has also become our friend. There is so much more to Pam’s personal story of empowerment and she has allowed us to share it with you.
The tangible facts are these: Pam was 40 with two growing children when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has had seven surgeries in the past four years. She is a survivor.
Like most breast cancer survivors, Pam was faces with many choices about breast reconstruction. “The choices available on that road were both confusing and frustrating. I was entering a world of unknowns,” she says.
After two lengthy consultations, Dr. Ditesheim and Pam agreed upon a plan for her breast reconstruction. “My entire family became Dr. Ditesheim’s patient. He talked with all of us and included everyone in the process.” Pam’s reconstruction schedule included several surgeries, and she still has one more procedure to finish. But, the dramatic change has already been realized: “I feel like I never had cancer,” says Pam.
It is the intangible feeling of hope, encouragement and empowerment that began when Pam joined Team Ditesheim for the Koman Race for the Cure last year that led her to want to give back to the world. “For me, the walk was an end and a beginning at the same time. It was an end to the cancer diagnoses that brought fear and despair and a beginning that gives hope and encouragement to the rest of my life,” Pam says.
With the help of several Charlotteans that were moved by the story about Pam in the Observer, she was able to send not one, but three girls from Garinger High to the prom of their dreams on April 23.
Pam says, “My experience with Dr. Ditesheim made me whole and complete; mind, body and spirit. I wanted to share that feeling with others and hope to continue to do it even more!”
