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Cindy's Story

Age when diagnosed: 41 - 45
Florida, United States of America
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The Empty Cup Runneth Over

Mon, May 11 2009 by Cindy

When I finished speaking I realizing how little these students knew about breast cancer, I decided to make the commitment to developing and communicating understandable and accurate information in a book (which I did titled The Empty Cup Runneth Over, published by Dorrance Publishing Company) to better help educate high school and college women and men about breast cancer.

After more than six years of lecturing, I have found that students had many questions about what it feels like to have a mammogram, how are biopsies performed and does it hurt, how it feels when one is first diagnosed, what it feels like to have no breasts, how did I finally make the decision to have breast reconstruction, and most importantly, how to examine their own breasts.

In many of the chapters in The Empty Cup Runneth Over, I navigate my story and share the interviews with several University of Miami cancer specialists who have contributed chapters in my book.

Sabrina Hernandez, a licensed, registered dietician who currently is in private practice and has seen many patients not only with breast cancer but other health issues, and is my co-author, shares the importance of healthy lifestyles such as diet, medical nutrition therapy, and exercise as well as sharing many delicious recipes she has created. Sabrina is also the founder to Scientific Nutrition located in Miami, Florida.

The Empty Cup Runneth Over (www.theemptycuprunnethover.com) is written in a dialogue that is easy and even humorous in many chapters. We feel it is important to begin educating high school and college students before they have to deal with breast cancer or other heath issues, either with a family member, or a friend. We know you will find it informative, but more so, hope it will inspire you to get to know and take care of your body. My book is available on AMAZON and also a signed copy by me can be purchased at the University of Miami college campus book store in Coral Gables, Florida by calling (305) 284-4101 and asking for Randi.

A portion of the proceeds from The Empty Cup Runneth Over will go towards The Kristy Lasch Miracle Foundation. Kristy was diagnosed with breast cancer at 22 and lost her battle at age 26. Her dream was to create a foundation for women under 30 to help with medical-related expenses. Her compelling story is in The Empty Cup Runneth Over from the first day of diagnosis until her final days. For more information please go to www.kristylasch.org

I am currently the Executive Producer to a documentary, writing two more books and a screen play. What I learned most from my experience of having breast cancer is that the disease has no boundaries, to live everyday to its fullest, and be sure to take those trips you want to take and not put it off until retirement!