After feeling a pain in her breast and armpit several months prior, Chelese scheduled an appointment with a breast specialist who sent her for a mammogram and ultrasound. With no family history of breast cancer and an extremely healthy lifestyle, Chelese’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at the age of 39. A PET scan a few weeks later showed that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes along her clavicle and near her heart. After receiving a second opinion, Chelese started a rigorous course of treatment and continued her work as a College Counselor throughout chemotherapy. During this time, she also put her acting pursuits on hold. As she shared with us, for months her life felt like it was just “work and cancer”, both being full-time efforts. Her resolve was unwavering, and her pathology came back as showing a complete response to treatment.
For Chelese, part of her coming out of active treatment is rediscovering her sense of self and she is now trying to define what her new life looks like. Her wish was for some new clothing to help her regain her confidence and head back into the world after a very isolating few years. FAB-U-WISH was thrilled to arrange for Chelese to enjoy a shopping spree at one of her favorite retailers, Nordstrom Rack.
If you would like to learn more about Giuliana Rancic’s FAB-U-WISH initiative, or nominate someone for a wish experience, click the link in our bio!
Quote: “I decided to celebrate the 1-year anniversary since my last chemo treatment by treating myself to a day with my wife, who was my caregiver through all of it. Because she has given up so much this past year and a half, I insisted that she be included in this day. We truly were able to put worry aside and laugh together as we picked things out for each other to try on. Afterward, we shared lunch, and she said, “we have to do this more often – take time together and really set everything else aside to enjoy each other.” It was such an important reminder to both of us to carve the time, to find our way back to a new normal, to remember how to live joyously with less worry and fear. It was such a beautiful day of connection for us, all made possible thanks to the generosity of FAB-U-WISH. We truly cannot say thank you enough. This was so incredibly special!! I will never forget it! Truly.”
