Debbie Stallings, Survivor and Pink Ribbon Entrepreneur

Debbie Stallings Photo © Tracy Stallings

Debbie Stallings didn't have breast cancer in her family, and had never had a friend that was diagnosed with the disease. But she was interested in supporting the cause - not knowing that one day, she would need that support for herself. Debbie was doing well in life, she had a good husband and two college-age sons, and was content doing good in her own way. But when a delayed mammogram revealed a worrisome spot, her life changed. She quickly processed her emotions upon receiving her diagnosis, and a firm resolve blossomed. She would endure the journey, as well as find ways to help others in her same situation.

As soon as she recovered from surgery, Debbie started out on a new path. She became a Pink Ribbon Entrepreneur. I love stories like this - instead of being flattened by a diagnosis of breast cancer, some people become energized and work to turn their situations around. Like Kathy Adams of Confident Clothing and Anne Best of DryDreams, and Marybeth Haydon of Practical Pockets, Debbie joined the ranks of breast cancer survivors who turned their breast cancer journey into an opportunity to help other people. Each of these ladies is a breast cancer survivor, and have put their experience to good use, designing products that make you look and feel good while dealing with treatment, side effects, and recovery. There's just nothing like "been there, done that!" to make you into an expert on the topic of comfort and care.

You can read Debbie's Survivor Story, or send in your own story to be considered for publication on this site. Likewise, you can sound off on how you define a breast cancer survivor.