A PICTORIAL TRIBUTE TO

WOMEN WHO ARE

WINNING THE BATTLE AGAINST
BREAST CANCER

runway
for acause
Jimmie Lou Fisher
4-MONTH SURVIVOR

AY M A G . C O M . 2 3
 From the Chairwoman

I am proud to chair Runway for a Cause

2009, our eighth show. In the past seven years,
Runway has raised more than $716,000 to fight
breast cancer, showcased hundreds of survivor
models, and received support from hundreds of
volunteers, sponsors and dozens of retailers. I
have worked diligently to continue Runway’s
outstanding record.
When I became involved with Runway in
2005, I must admit that I had never heard of it.
I was new to the breast cancer movement having been recently diagnosed
in 2003. I am grateful to Penny Burkhalter for asking me to join the

Beyond committee; and I cannot express my good fortune in being associated with
this important event.

COTTON
Runway has afforded me the opportunity to do SOMETHING about
breast cancer. My diagnosis made me feel powerless, and I desperately
11525 Cantrell Rd 10700 North needed to direct my energies toward fighting the disease. I desired control,
Pleasant Ridge Rodney Parham Rd and as my family and friends will tell you, I like to be in control! Runway
Shopping Center Little Rock
has provided me with a much-needed sense of direction.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time as chair. I admire our committee
because it is an all-volunteer group that produces a fabulous local fashion
show — arguably a full-time job from March to September — while
working and taking care of their families. We ask a lot of ourselves because
we are passionate about this event. That long-standing committee members
choose to remain active year after year is a testament to our love for Runway.
5913 Kavanaugh • Little Rock While this year’s economic climate presented fund-raising challenges, our
501.661.4696 • proposalsboutique.com
sponsorship committee, under the gracious guidance of Shirley Davis,
We salute our friend and employee overcame these challenges to raise money for our charitable recipients who
breast cancer survivor
Betsy Kemp treat Arkansans fighting breast cancer. Additionally, Runway would not be
possible without Vicki and her wonderful AY staff, who juggle our constant
committee demands and publish a great monthly magazine. 
I hope my marks on Runway this year are ones of organization and
creativity so future shows may be even better. However, for me, 2009 will
be hard to top because of the benefits I have reaped working with the finest
group of ladies in Little Rock in this worthy pursuit.  
Thank you, 2009 Runway committee, for your dedication and hard
work. Thank you to my family, Scott, Ella and Mary Scott, for your love
and support.

Kristi Moody, Chair

RUNWAY FOR A CAUSE 2009

Bring your race number the day of the

race and receive 20% off your purchase

2 4 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 2 5

11525 Cantrell Road | Little Rock | 501.225.7807
pleasantridgetowncenter.com
Big City Shopping …
closer than you think!
{ {
Be sure to visit the Susan
G. Komen “Race Space”
opened at Pleasant Ridge
October 2nd thru the 16th
2 6 . O C TOBER 2009
Contributors
KYLE G. MCLAUGHLIN
is the founder of studio
kgm, a commercial pho-
tography studio. While
working on his BFA, he
began an internship, that
became an assistant-
ship, which led to him
starting his own studio.
Some of his more noteworthy shoots have graced
the pages of American Photo, Cosmo Girl, and
Seventeen magazines. In his down time, Kyle
teaches classes at the Arkansas Arts Center and
works on personal projects to keep his artistic
passions thriving.
VICKI KOVALESKI
A watercolorist,
designer and in-
structor, Kovaleski
earned her Fine
Arts degree from
the University of
Arkansas at Little
Rock in 1990. Years later, a pivotal entry into a
prestigious art competition earned her the high-
est honor from Juror Janet Fish, affirming and
unleashing her passion. She is a former presi-
dent and active member of the Mid-Southern
Watercolor Society, a member of The National
Portrait Society, and has studied with many inter-
nationally famed authors and artists.
TRACY COURAGE is a
public relations professional
and freelance journalist.
She worked as a reporter
and editor for 15 years at
daily newspapers, including
eight years at the Arkansas
Democrat-Gazette. She
left newspapers in 2006 to
work in public relations at Pulaski Technical College.
She lives in North Little Rock with her husband,
Peter, and their 4-year-old daughter, Madison.
THE ARKANSAS
STUDIES INSTITUTE
served as the back-
drop of our Runway
model photo shoot.
We are grateful to their
staff, especially Holly
Mathisen, Kathryn
Heller and Colin Thompson for letting us invade
their space, drink their coffee and take over the
"dressing rooms."
AY M A G . C O M . 2 7
 Mailbag
You have again proven your commitment to
the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen
for the Cure. Thank you so much for all your
hard work in making the 2008 Runway for
a Cause such a success. Your willingness and
enthusiasm to help pull this event together
resulted in one incredible fundraiser!
Your $10,000 contribution will be greatly
appreciated throughout the state as grants
are funded to educate, screen and treat this
deadly disease. Please pass on our thanks to
all who participated in the event.
Elizabeth Clark
Financial & Missions Director
Komen for the Cure, Arkansas Affiliate
Thank you for your 2008 financial support.
The gifts that Runway for a Cause and other
donors entrusted to the Central Arkansas
Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI)
Foundation helped us serve some 2,500
cancer patients last year … CARTI has
helped bring the fight to cancer for 33 years.
CARTI Foundation’s role in that fight is
to raise money to support CARTI and
our cancer patients. Your gifts provide an
array of assistance in education and support
programs for patients as well as money for
5600 Kavanaugh • In The Heights
WHAT IS YOUR RUNWAY STORY? WRITE TO ANGELA AT ATHOMAS@AYMAG.COM,
Little Rock • 501.664.7330 OR TO AY MAGAZINE, 910 W. SECOND ST., STE. 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201
2 8 . O C TOBER 2009
{ Models from the 2008 Runway for a Cause
holding up signs noting their years of survival.
equipment and other items that guarantee
our patients receive the best treatment
possible.
Kathi Jones
President, CARTI Foundation
Little Rock, Arkansas
It’s been many months since Runway for
a Cause 2008, but I wanted you to know,
your event is still making a difference in at
least one life … mine! The Nurse Navigator
Project at Baptist Health Medical Center is
my lifeline to hope and to recovery. Laurie,
the Baptist Nurse Navigator, has been much
more than a caregiver; she’s a friend, someone
I can call in the middle of the night if I have
to. Thank goodness for programs like this and
people like Laurie, and thank goodness for
organizations like yours that can fund these
programs. It’s been one year; I’m cancer free,
and I really owe it all to the Nurse Navigator
program at Baptists and to [Runway].
Cindy, a breast cancer survivor
via Baptist Health Foundation
Congratulations on another fantastic Runway
for a Cause. As a survivor, I have a great
appreciation for what all of you are doing to
support these great causes. It was an honor to
be a model for several Runways, and I have
attended every year. Keep up the great work.
Thank you.

Cathy Clowers
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas

Congratulations on a very successful Runway

for a Cause! This was my first time to attend,
and I was quite impressed.

Gina Grace
Moore Stephens Frost
Little Rock, Arkansas

Thank you again for allowing me the

privilege of modeling in Runway for a Cause.
The entire event made me feel so special, and
I thank all the people who put so much time
and effort into making it such a special event.
As an eight-year survivor, I thank you from
the bottom of my heart.

Robbie Davis
Conway, Arkansas

Thank you, AY Magazine, for your fight

against breast cancer.

Joann Vaughn
Special Touch Catering
Little Rock, Arkansas

What a wonderful experience I had at

Runway for a Cause 2008! Thank you so
much for the honor of being a runway model
and a model in the October issue of your
wonderful magazine. It was such a privilege
to meet so many strong, beautiful and fun
women. Everyone involved made the event
such a special time for the models. We felt
like royalty.
I am so proud to have been a part of such a
10% OFF
wonderful event for such a wonderful cause.
ONE PRODUCT
Thank you for all you do. ONE TIME | ONE PER PERSON
BRING THIS COUPON IN TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT
Brenda Ball
Little Rock, Arkansas
Liz Clouse, R.N., C.P.S.N.
Edward J. Love, M.D. 14810 Cantrell Rd.
One Lile Court, Suite 100 • Little Rock, AR Little Rock, AR
501-907-7543 501-868-8484

AY M A G . C O M . 2 9
 2009 Runway Committee

2009 RUNWAY COMMITTEE: (Back row from left) Vicki Vowell, Laura Davis, Barbara Freeling, Sharon Heflin; (Second row from left) Carrie Hurley,
Bev Eberle, Anne Marie Gibbs, Evelyn Menz, Emily Wilson, Gerri House, Wanda Valacahovic; (Third row from left) Kristi Moody, Carey Hill, Cherry
Landfair, Toni Lazenby; (Front row from left) Rosanne Boyd, Cathy Gammill, Stacy-Lynn Hobby, Penny Burkhalter. Not pictured: Linda Newbern,
Becky Bien, Gayle Maloch, Lynn Corley, Shannon McKinney and Pam Drilling.

A Word of Thanks
Our committee members are a formidable group. Special thanks to: Kristi Moody our chair, the most
organized woman I know; Carey Hill, co-chair, for her attention to detail; Penny Burkhalter and Pam
Drilling for their job coordinating retailers; Stacy-Lynn Hobby, Gerri House and Cherry Landfair for
recruiting our beautiful models; Evelyn Menz for her insight into music; Lynn Corley for arranging
beautiful decorations; Laura Davis and Cathy Gammill for spreading the word; Bev Eberle and Becky
Bien for securing magnificent items and escorts; Ann Marie Gibbs, Carrie Hurley and Emily Wilson
for logistics; Sharon Heflin and Gayle Maloch for gathering plenty of volunteers; Barbara Freeling for
producing a great show; Shannon McKinney for a delivering a delicious menu; Linda Newbern for
mapping it all out; and Rhonda Penn, AY office administrator, for keeping us all on schedule. Much
gratitude to the sponsorship committee: Rosanne Boyd for her extra effort; Toni Lazenby for her
exceptional ability to raise money; Wanda Valachovic for her continued support; for all the women
on our committees who helped raise money; and to Shirley Davis, my friend, who reminds me that
friends, family and laughter will get you through.

Once again, job well done — Vicki

P.S. We would like to thank the Arkansas Studies Institute at 401 President Clinton Ave., in Little Rock
for allowing us to use their beautiful facilities for our fashion photo shoot.

(From top) Kristi Moody,

Carey Hill and Shirley Davis

3 0 . O C TOBER 2009
Symbolizing courage, strength and above all hope, the pink ribbon is recognized
worldwide as the emblem of the fight against breast cancer. Cecil’s has captured this
spirit in a gold and diamond ribbon pendant hand crafted by C.Y. Sheng.

We at Cecil’s have created a jeweled tribute to commemorate those who have lost
the battle with breast cancer, and to celebrate with those who have beaten this terrible
disease. This symbolic diamond studded ribbon will be awarded to a Breast Cancer
Survivor at the Survivor Luncheon following the race.

AY M A G . C O M . 3 1
3 2 . O C TOBER 2009
Where the Money Goes
2008 RECIPIENTS
 Penny Burkhalter, Bev Eberle, Kristi Moody,
Pam Drilling, Paula Pistorius, breast cancer
survivor and dosimetrist, Kathi Jones, president,
CARTI Foundation, Shirley Davis and Emily
Wilson. Kristi Moody (center), with Missy Lewis
(left) and Elise Siegler, Baptist Health Foundation.
 Penny Burkhalter and Sheila Vaught, Komen.
 Bev Eberle, Vicki Vowell and Dana Kleine,
campaign chair, The 20th Century Club.
2008 Runway fashion show models
S
ince its inception, Runway for a Cause
has raised more than $716,000. We
cannot thank our sponsors, volunteers,
donors and models enough for their
continued support. Each year, we have
supported some of the state’s most worthy
organizations as they champion the effort
to defeat breast cancer. With your generous
support, Runway for a Cause 2008 made the
following donations: $30,000 to the Baptist
Tribute
Health Foundation Nurse Navigator
Program, which pairs breast cancer Paying
patients and RNs one-on-one to help
patients manage their healthcare through
follow-ups, instruction, monitoring and
care to help arrest breast cancer; $30,000
to CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation to
Therapy Institute) Foundation Health
& Wellness Strategies for breast cancer
Family
patients, which includes their Cancer Well- Friends
Fit program; $30,000 to The 20th Century &
Club, which provides housing for breast and
other cancer patients who travel to Little
Patients
Rock for treatment and cannot afford to pay
who have had
for lodging during treatment; and $10,000
to the Arkansas Affiliate Susan G. Komen
breast cancer
for the Cure.
If your organization would like to be a recipient of the
with much love,
proceeds from 2010’s Runway for a Cause event, Liz Clouse
contact AY: Runway for a Cause, c/o AY Magazine, 910
W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201.
AY M A G . C O M . 3 3
 A Unique Approach
to cosmetic surgery
" … never forget the fact that we
are partners in this venture."

“I do not envision my patient relationship as a single experience. I want

to take time to fully understand their needs, so that I can provide the
highest level of safety, discretion, and care. Cosmetic surgery involves a
lifetime of personal attention. I largely focus on the prevention of aging
and, when time, the restoration of beauty and form in a natural manner.
Your decision to have surgery is an important one and should
be tailored to your individual goals and needs. From the initial
consult to the last postoperative visit and beyond, I want you to feel
comfortable and informed with the details of each process.

MICHAEL SPANN, M.D. | Arkansas Plastic Surgery | michaelspannmd.com | mspann@arkansasplasticsurgery.com | 501.219.8388

NOW AT TWO LOCATIONS: 9500 Kanis Rd, Little Rock, AR 72205 | 2200 Ada Ave, Conway, AR 72034

3 4 . O C TOBER 2009
women
(Seated, from left) Terri Parker West, Patricia Brown and Jimmie Lou Fisher, (Standing from left) Karen Trevino, Stephanie Flaherty,
Dale Ronnel, Jan Smithson, Nicole Francis, Evelyn McKenna, Karen White and Phyllis Watkins.

2009 RUNWAY
ay magazine's

FOR A CAUSE
A diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating
to an individual and her family; however, many discover
It’s with great pride, we present 11 women
of various ages and vocations and in various
strength in the face of adversity and become empowered stages of recovery … each graceful, joyful
… finding that cancer has no power unless it is given. and powerful. 3

Photography by Kyle McLaughlin • Shot on location at the Arkansas Studies Institute

AY M A G . C O M . 3 5
 Patricia Brown, 51
4-year breast cancer survivor
Executive Director,
Fort Smith Classic — Nationwide Tour

3 6 . O C TOBER 2009
Jimmie Lou Fisher, 67
(but my spirit is 35)
4-month breast cancer survivor 
Senior Education Instructor for
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel

AY M A G . C O M . 3 7
 Stephanie Flaherty, 37
8-month breast cancer survivor
Dentist

3 8 . O C TOBER 2009
 Nicole Francis, 36
two-time, 1-year breast cancer survivor
Literacy Specialist

AY M A G . C O M . 3 9
 Evelyn McKenna, 40
7-year breast cancer survivor
HRIS Manager for Stephens Inc.

4 0 . O C TOBER 2009
 Dale Ronnel, 70
(and I’m still surprised when I have to say that!)
3-year breast cancer survivor
Community Volunteer

AY M A G . C O M . 4 1
 Jan Smithson, 46
5-year breast cancer survivor
Pharmaceutical Sales Management

4 2 . O C TOBER 2009
Karen Trevino, 49
currently undergoing treatment 
Executive Director,
North Little Rock Visitors Bureau

AY M A G . C O M . 4 3
 Phyllis Watkins, 63
7-year survivor
Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Arkansas

4 4 . O C TOBER 2009
Terri Parker West, 54
two-time, 10-year breast cancer survivor
Creative Director/Designer 

AY M A G . C O M . 4 5
 Karen White, 56
12-year breast cancer survivor
Sales Support Assistance for Publishing,
AT&T Advertising Solutions

4 6 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 4 7
 Generous
Gems
O 6.60 ct tw diamond, 14k
white gold earrings, provided
by Sissy’s Log Cabin.

ø 18kt white gold south

sea pearl and diamond
O 4.44ct oval tanzanite and 1.21 ct ring provided by Wilker-
diamond pendant with three natural black son’s Jewelers.
pearls, 16-inch Omega choker provided
by Newton’s Jewelers.

o Rose gold, bronze and steel

earrings with citrine by Rebecca;
provided by Cecil’s Fine Jewelry.

O Carleon bangle bracelet in sterling silver and 14

kt yellow gold with black diamond pave setting, by
Caerleon by Goldman Kolber, provided by Lauray’s
The Diamond Center.

4 8 . O C TOBER 2009
 Kiss My
FFANY!
No, it’s not a typo! FFANY, the Fashion
Footwear Association of New York, each
year, for 15 years, has hosted the FFANY
Shoes on Sale on QVC, and this year
promises to be FFANtastic as always. For
three shoe-lovin’ hours Oct.13, QVC will
offer more than 100,000 pairs of designer
shoes at half price. For the entire month
of October, the network will present a
Shoe of the Day. The net proceeds,
which have yielded more than $30 million
cumulatively, will benefit breast cancer
research and education at eight worthy
institutions including the Winthrop P.
Rockefeller Cancer Institute of the University
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
This is not the first year, UAMS has received
money from FFANY; however, for several
years, the center was not a recipient.
“We invited representatives from QVC
and FFANY to visit us and witness our
passion and relentless pursuit in the cure of
cancer,” said Rachelle Sanders, executive
director for the institute’s foundation. That
meeting included many of the researchers
and heavy hitters in the breast cancer
fight including Drs. Rhonda Henry-Tillman,
Thomas Kieber Emmons and Suzanne
Klimberg.
Klimberg is just one of the doctors
whose projects have used funds from
FFANY. “She’s a true warrior,” Sanders said.
“She always says ‘there’s got to be a better
way.’”
Klimberg’s outside-of-the-box thinking
has lead her to pioneer several projects,
such as Spit for the Cure; Tears for Life; and
her ground-breaking ARM (Axillary Reverse
Mapping) procedure, which prevents
lymphedema (swelling of the arms due to STOP FIGHTING OVER
faulty drainage of the lymph nodes); and THE LAST ISSUE OF AY!
eRFA, “a procedure that gives patients a
cancer-free area around the site where
their cancerous tumor was removed, so a
second surgery in the area is unnecessary.”
This year’s celebrity spokesperson for
the FFANY Shoes on Sale event is Jessica
Simpson. Her line of shoes is just one of
those that will be featured. For more info
tune into QVC on Oct. 13.  AYMAG.COM/GO/SUBSCRIBE
AY M A G . C O M . 4 9
 Resource Guide

O
FEINSTEIN’S
Jill Ricciardone, owner
Our models' fashions include some of this fall's hottest styles. Here's how you 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72207
can get their look from head to toe ... bling included. Thank you, retailers, for (501) 664-7330
helping our models feel like the glamorous superstars they are! Deco geometric print blazer with coordinating tank and pant by Basler, exclusively at Feinstein’s, onyx
and rings necklace by Lordane; provided by Feinstein’s.

B. BARNETT
VESTA’S Marisa Ensiminger, owner
Melissa Tanner, Owner 8201 Cantrell Road
11525 Cantrell Road Suite 280
Suite 610 Little Rock, AR 72227
Little Rock, AR 72212 (501) 223-2514
(501) 375-7820 bbarnett.com
vestasboutique.com

Royal blue scrunch tee, $99, royal blue and grey stripe skirt, $160, menswear button blazer, $206, all by
Dick & Jayne, provided by Vesta’s. 4.44ct oval tanzanite and 1.21 ct diamond pendant with three natural
black pearls, 16-inch Omega choker; 2.75 ct diamond, 18kt white gold ring and “Marquis Line” 14.31
ct diamond, 18kt white gold bracelet, both by Roberto Coin; Lady Rolex stainless-steel watch with 18kt
white gold bezel, mother-of-pear diamond dial, Jubilee bracelet; 2.50 ct diamond dangle earrings, by
Simon G, provided by Newton’s Jewelers.
Pintuck cotton jersey turtleneck, $105, by Gerard Darel, Lombard pant with side zip in black, $498,
birdseye tweed jacket with detachable fox shawl collar, $1,698, both by Ralph Lauren Black Label, graphite
shoe boot, $375, by Donald Pliner, provided by B. Barnett. 18k yellow gold onyx dragonball earrings with
tassels, 18k yellow gold multi-dragonball necklace, 18k yellow gold dragonball necklace, 18K yellow gold
jade ring accented with diamonds and sapphires, all by Lagos; provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin.

PROPOSALS
Dawne Vandiver, Shannon Aston, owners
5913 Kavanaugh Blvd.
FLETCHER & BENSKY FURS
Little Rock, AR 72207
11401 Rodney Parham Road
(501) 661-4696
Little Rock, AR 72212
proposalsboutique.com
(501) 225-9000
fletcherandbenskyfurs.com
Wool ottoman suit with ruffled, beaded jacket and neckline in black, $820, by Teri Jon, black evening bag,
Ranch-sheared mink coat with a natural chinchilla collar, $10,000, provided by Fletcher-Bensky Furs. $170, provided by Proposals. 1.67 tcw diamond pendant, on black diamond necklaces, 2.5 ctw diamond
18k white gold, 3.52 ct tw bezel set diamond earrings, 14k white gold ring with 1.95 tw center diamond pave set dinner ring, platinum and diamond 1.25 cushion-cut diamond ring with diamond pave accents,
accented with pave diamonds, provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin. by Henry Daussi; provided by Lauray’s The Diamond Center.

BARBARA JEAN DILLARD’S

Christine Bailey, owner 6000 University Ave.
7811 Cantrell Road Little Rock, AR 72204
Little Rock, AR 72227 (501) 661-0053
(501) 227-0054 dillards.com
barbarajean.com

Purple check jumper dress, $398, cashmere ruffle-sleeve turtleneck, $428, both by Burberry, over-the-knee Stretch, ruched taffeta blouse with brooch, $99, and trumpet skirt, $99, both by KM Collections Woman,
zip-up boot, $598, by Stuart Weitzman; provided by Barbara Jean. Rose gold and bronze ring with pear- rhinestone evening sandal, “Midnight,” $79, by Gianni Bini; provided by Dillard’s. Jewelry: 6.50 cts
shaped citrine, rose gold, bronze and steel earrings with citrine, rose gold and bronze cuff bracelet, rose diamond 18kt white gold bangle bracelet, by Odelia, 1.66 ct diamond and 1.85 ct sapphire 18kt white
gold, bronze and steel necklace, all by Rebecca; provided by Cecil’s Fine Jewelry. gold ring; provided by Wilkerson’s Jewelers.

BARBARA GRAVES
INTIMATE FASHIONS NEW TRADITIONS
Barbara Graves,owner Gayle Rule, owner
10301 Rodney Parham Road 1920 N. Grant St.
Little Rock, AR 72227 Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 227-5537 (501) 663-2388
barbaragraves.com

Zip-front, animal-print lounge caftan, $165, by Diamond Tea, black gown, $99, by Carlton Hall, marabou Pebble-print bracelet-sleeve swing jacket, $178, by Anthracite, sleeveless black turtleneck, $35, by
slippers, $42, by Jacques Levine, provided by Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions. 2.30 ct black and white Sisters, black gabardine pant, $138, by Elliott Lauren, black fabric boot shoe, $95, by Vaneli, provided by
diamond bangle bracelet, 1.25 ct black and white diamond dangle fashion earrings, onyx, diamond and New Traditions. 18kt white gold south sea pearl and diamond ring, south sea 14mm pearls with diamond
pink sapphire 18kt white gold fashion ring, provided by Wilkerson’s Jewelers. clasp, south sea pearl earrings with diamond accents in 18kt white gold; provided by Wilkerson’s Jewelers.

COMPANIONS
BEYOND COTTON
Pamela Rees, owner
Nancy Schuster & Mandy
14810 Cantrell Road
Schuster, owners
Little Rock, AR 72223
10700 N. Rodney Parham Road
(501) 868-8484
Little Rock, AR 72212
companionsboutique.com
(501) 221-9195

Grey pants, $85, coordinating jacket, $99, magenta shirt, $69, all by Tribal Sportswear, provided by Distressed skinny jeans, $178, by Joes, hot pink turtleneck, $118, polka dot jacket, $162, both by Sao
Beyond Cotton. 52-inch lampwork beads by Kathy Drake, 6.60 ct tw diamond, 14k white gold earrings, Paulo, silver earrings, $66, by Marcia Moran, provided by Companions.
provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin.

5 0 . O C TOBER 2009
 close to home
KORTO MOMOLU created this beautiful necklace, titled
“Sharon Renee,” for Runway for a Cause. It is fashioned
of pink turquoise stone and African wood. Momolu, who
lives in Mabelvale, Ark., came to national attention after her
NEWTON’S JEWELERS
701 Garrison Ave. appearances on “Project Runway.” She wore the signature
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 782-9123 piece at this year’s styleshow and dedicated it to her sister-in-
newtons-jewelers.com law Sharon Gaines, who is currently undergoing treatment for
breast cancer.
“I’ve participated in the Race for the Cure every year since I
moved to Arkansas. However, my husband has several family
members who’ve had breast cancer, so it’s definitely become
a more personal cause,” Momolu said.
She plans to duplicate “Sharon Renee” and sell the
necklace on her Web site, kortomomolu.com, to assist
SISSY’S LOG CABIN
2319 Camden Road Gaines in paying for medical expenses. “I am hopeful that
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
(870) 879-3040
a cure for breast cancer will soon be found. It affects so
sissyslogcabin.com many women, especially African Americans.”
Starting next February, you can obtain a bit of this
fashionista’s runway style. Her line of handbags —
including the popular “horn” handbag — and necklaces,
aptly named Korto Momolu will debut and be carried
exclusively by Dillard’s nationwide. You can purchase
Momolu’s jewelry and find more information about her
fashions and her busy schedule at kortomomolu.com.

CECIL’S FINE JEWELRY

10720 N. Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72212
(501) 225-5068 ROSIE DAVIS watched with sadness and a feeling of helplessness as her daughter
cecilsfinejewelry.com
Tosha waged a brave battle against breast cancer. When Tosha Thompson lost that
battle, Davis became angry and decided to use that energy in the battle against breast
cancer … “I don’t want to talk about breast cancer … I want to roar!”
Her latest endeavor — a cookbook titled Family Traditions with Rosie — capitalizes on
Davis’ fame as a part of the Hot Springs’ restaurant Jason’s Burgers ‘N’ More.
“This is a cookbook of family recipes and good southern food,” Davis said. “Many of
the entrees that we serve at Jason’s Burgers ‘N’ More are included, like coleslaw, pinto
WILKERSON’S JEWELERS beans, hush puppies and our famous grilled fish.”
222 S. Main St.
Stuttgart, AR 72160 The book also includes some rather exotic items Davis enjoys, but cannot serve at
(870) 673-4441 the restaurant, such as deer venison poppers, Ben’s Duck Balls, which are stuffed with
wilkersons.com
cream cheese, and fried squirrel.
“I actually started compiling recipes before Tosha’s diagnosis
and stopped when she became ill. One of her last requests was
that I finish the cookbook. I was not motivated, but my friend Lisa
Naylor pushed me. I wouldn’t have finished it without her,” Davis
said.
Family Traditions features the breast cancer awareness pink
ribbon and a pictorial tribute to Tosha. Davis is contributing the
proceeds from the books’ sales to Susan G. Komen for the
Cure and Runway for a Cause. To purchase your copy of
LAURAY’S
THE DIAMOND CENTER Family Traditions, contact Jason’s Burgers ‘N’ More at 148
402 Central Ave.
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Amity Road, Hot Springs, AR, (501) 525-0919. 
(501) 321-2441
laurays.com

AY M A G . C O M . 5 1
 in the
Pink
Chocolate-covered graham cracker
cookies, $20, 25 percent of sales
benefit NBCF; ladyfortunes.com.

Casua
Each year, thousands of manufacturers join in the fight against l, com
fo
and, o rtable
breast cancer by donating proceeds from product sales to pink, t f c ourse,
organizations, such as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure edition his limited-
tan
(komen.org), which was founded in 1982 and has raised Moss, k, by Ella
look
more than $1 billion; the National Breast Cancer Foundation on any s great
benefi wo
ts BCR man,
(nationalbreastcancer.org), founded in 1991 and has raised Nords F; $50;
$7.1 million; and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation trom.c
om.
(bcrfcure.org), which was founded nearly 20 years ago by
Evelyn Lauder and has raised more than $250 million thus far.
Here are a few of this year's great products.

Ford Motor Company

continues its support of
Komen for the Cure the
Warriors in Pink campaign,
which includes fashion
and accessories including
the silk tie (bottom right)
and this limited edition Zune Sometimes, you’ve got to take
4GB MP3 player, $175 (100 it with you! Clinique’s three mini
percent of the purchase price lip glosses in Air Kiss, Kissyfit and
benefits Komen), both feature Whisper, benefits BCRF; $19; national
the Warriors in Pink insignia; retailers or esteelauder.com.
shopwarriorsinpink.com.

Dove Chocolate offers a “bite” of

We love a great lipstick! Bobbie
Brown’s Pink Ribbon Collection
features pink crystal glitter lip
balm and blush pink creamy lip
color; benefits BCRF; $40; national
retailers or esteelauder.com.
encouragement in each of their Promises Get your guy to join the fight in
of Hope candies. The candies are this Warriors in Pink multicolored
available in milk and dark chocolate and silk tie with insignia, benefits
each is wrapped with a message from a Komen for the Cure; $29;
breast cancer survivor, benefits Komen for shopwarriorsinpink.com.
the Cure, $5, national retailers.

5 2 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 5 3
 This North Little Rock resident
found a combination of traditional
medicine and Mother Nature's remedies
to be just what the doctor ordered.
A
APRIL MILLER, 38, HAS GONE
HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH CANCER
MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE HER FIRST
DIAGNOSIS IN 2002. It has been a tumul-
tuous experience with many ups and downs.
She has put her trust in God, learned to stay
informed, be involved with the selection of her
doctors and, most importantly, to stay on her
toes.
Her first run-in with cancer began by
chance. She found a lump in her left breast
while showering one evening and visited
her doctor within a week to have it checked.
The results came back that the lump was, in
fact, malignant and in a very-advanced stage.
Her physicians recommended a bilateral
mastectomy along with the removal of lymph
nodes to be examined for more extensive
testing. After her surgery, Miller began
chemotherapy treatment only to find that her
lymph nodes had somehow been lost; then, to
add to her frustration, her lung was punctured
in the process of installing her port, which
increased her hospital stay. An LPN for more
than a decade, Miller reached out to some of
her colleagues to find a new team of doctors
that she could trust.
Though Miller finally felt she had found
the best doctors available, her battle with
cancer was about to become exponentially
more trying. She had a very adverse reaction
to chemotherapy that left her feeling worse
than ever.
5 4 . O C TOBER 2009
No Match for Miller
BY AMY BOWERS • PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMIE FENDER
“I was so very sick from the chemotherapy,”
Miller said. “I could barely get out of bed. I
don’t know why some people get sick from it,
and some don’t. They treated my cancer very
aggressively. I prayed to God one night and
told him I didn’t know how much longer I
could hold on. I didn’t know how much more
of it I could handle.”
Miller felt that her prayers were answered
the very next day. Her physician called her
family in to announce that he wasn’t sure
whether the chemo or the cancer was going
to kill her faster. She was given three to six
months to live and released from her chemo
treatments. “I walked out of the hospital that
day feeling like a weight had been lifted,”
she said. Miller went on with her life and
returned to work, only to be diagnosed again
with cancer 18 months later, this time it was
a mass on her uterus and another one in her
chest wall.
Miller underwent more chemo for the
new masses. One day, while receiving a chemo
treatment she found another mass on her
chest. She had researched natural healing
methods and decided to raise the money
she needed to attend the Oasis of Hope
Hospital in Mexico, a hospital that focused
on natural healing methods, such as: detox
and cleansing; learning new eating habits and
exercises; sunbathing; and the use of apricot
kernels, which, according to Miller, is a natural
chemotherapy. Miller was in Mexico for 31
days and came back feeling fantastic. She
waited three months and went in for a body
scan to see how the cancer was doing. “When
I left for Mexico, the cancer was attached to
my ribs and chest wall, when I came back it
was gone,” she said.
This experience inspired her to become
a certified natural health practitioner. She
speaks to groups about her experience and
the benefits of natural healing and conducts
workshops from her home. Miller continues
to stay on her toes with her battle against
cancer and overcome great odds.
 All of the proceeds from the book go back to support
Runway for a Cause and Susan G. Komen for the Cure

148 Amity • Hot Springs, AR 71913

501-525-0919
AY M A G . C O M . 5 5
 Breast Cancer Support Groups
Sometimes, we need somebody to lean on. Family and
friends are often more than willing to be your rock through
rough times, but there is nothing like being a part of a
group of individuals who has traveled the same path
you are on to offer insight and wisdom. Here is a list of
support groups, organizations and agencies that are fully-
equipped and more than willing to offer their guidance.

STATEWIDE
Look Good … Feel Better
Locations throughout Arkansas
(800) 395-LOOK
lookgoodfeelbetter.org

Reach to Recovery
Call (800) ACS-2345 for a Reach Visitor in your area and
for additional program information.

BENTON
Ladies’ Cancer Support Group
First Baptist Church
211 S. Market St.
Benton, AR 72015
(501) 315-2270

BENTONVILLE
Together Let’s Cope
Mercy Health Center
3101 SE 14th St.
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 986-6040

FAYETTEVILLE
Been There Inc.
2949 Point Circle
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479) 571-4673

Coping and Conversation

Cancer Support Home
1101 N. Woolsey Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 521-8024

Hispanic Women With Cancer

Cancer Support Home
1101 N. Woolsey Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 521-8024
Tickets: $50 per person • Dress: business casual • Open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvers
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Ozark Affiliate
Seating is limited. Please RSVP by calling 501-244-9700 or at aymag.com/go/cookoff.
P.O. Box 9462
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Proceeds from the evening will go to the Pulaski Technical College Foundation for the Arkansas Culinary
(479) 750-PINK (7465)
School in honor of the late columnist Richard Allin. komenozark.org
AY MAGAZINE'S 2009
CELEBRITY Enjoy a lovely evening as these celebrity chefs prepare recipes submitted in our 2009 Reader Recipe Young Breast Cancer Survivors Group

CHEF
Contest: David Bennett of Vieux Carre, Rob Best of Best Impressions, Donnie Ferneau of Ferneau Restaurant, Cancer Support Home
Timothy Morton of 1620, André Poirot executive chef of Peabody Little Rock and Lee Richardson of Capital 1101 N. Woolsey Ave.
COOK-0FF Hotel. Event judges will be Mark Abernathy of Loca Luna, Faith Anaya of KidsCook Arkansas, Peter Brave of Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 521-8024
Brave New Restaurant, Todd Gold of Purple Cow and Mary Twedt of KUAR’s “Arkansas Cooks.”
Thursday, October 8
Pulaski Technical College FORT SMITH
aymag.com/go/cookoff Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House
Offers multiple group sessions and classes

5 6 . O C TOBER 2009
3324 S. M St.
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 782-6302

HARRISON
Dialogue Support Group
First Christian Church
915 Maple St.
Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 741-9560
Fresh! Casual! Delicious!
HOT SPRINGS
Cancer Support Group The Keet family invites
St. Joseph’s Mercy Cancer Center you to help us support
1455 Higdon Ferry Road
Daffodil Room Susan G. Komen for
Hot Springs, AR 71913 the Cure. Bring this ad
(501) 622-4730
to Taziki’s during the
Genesis Cancer Center month of October and
133 Harmony Park Circle
Hot Springs, AR 71913 we will donate $1 for
(501) 624-7700 every entree purchased.
genesiscancercenter.com

Pink Ribbon Sisters

McAuley Senior Center
5010 N. Hwy. 7
Hot Springs, AR 71909
(501) 622-4113
Catering, Happy Hour,
JONESBORO Covered Deck, Open Sundays
Cancer Support Group
Northeast Arkansas Medical Center’s Hope Circle 8200 Cantrell Road
311 E. Matthews Ave. (501) 227-8291
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 934-5214

Northeast Arkansas Breast Cancer Support Group

Holiday Inn
3006 S. Caraway Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 935-3196

Sisters in Survival
Mount Carmel Methodist Church 11600 Mara Lynn • Little Rock
4000 Southwest Drive 501.224.3075
Jonesboro, AR 72404
(870) 919-2851

LITTLE ROCK
American Cancer Society
Little Rock Office
901 N. University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501) 664-3480
cancer.org

Bosom Buddies
Baptist Health
9500 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 202-7386

BreastCare
4815 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(877) 670-CARE
arbreastcare.com

Cancer Friends & Family

Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
4823 Woodlawn Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 223-3575

Faithful Friends
Christ the King Catholic Church
4000 N. Rodney Parham Road
no drama, just great hair!
AY M A G . C O M . 5 7

Remembering Suzanne
E
EVERY YEAR, ON THE EVE OF THE
SUSAN G. KOMEN ARKANSAS RACE
FOR THE CURE, two dozen women from
cities across the country gather at Little Rock
architect Steve Barker’s home for what has be-
come an annual tradition.
Between the three bedrooms, four sofas
and numerous airbeds, the women make
themselves at home and settle in for what
Barker describes as a weekend of “eating,
gossiping and catching up.”
They rise early the next morning to join
the thousands of other women on race day
while Barker prepares a post-race champagne
brunch for them back at his house.
What really brings them to central
Arkansas each fall, though, is their love for
Suzanne, Barker’s wife of 34 years, who lost
her battle with breast cancer in April 2005.
The women have become Barker’s extended
family, and their annual visit is now a festive
time to honor Suzanne’s memory and her love
for life.
on your mark!
Each year, women and men flock by the thousands to participate in the Race for the Cure by running or walking to do
their part to bring us closer to finding a cure for breast cancer and to honor loved ones who have fought the battle. It
is easy to get involved. Contact your local Susan G. Komen affiliate and sign up. We'll see you at the finish line.
0 Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure; Oct. 17, 2009, Little Rock, Arkansas. komenarkansas.org.
0 Susan G. Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure; Oct. 17, 2009, Texarkana, Arkansas. www.komentexarkana.org.
0 Susan G. Komen Ozark Race for the Cure; April 24, 2010, Rogers, Arkansas. komenozark.org.
5 8 . O C TOBER 2009
BY TRACY COURAGE • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF STEVE BARKER
Suzanne, who worked 30 years as director
of computer services for the Medical College
Physicians Group at the University of
Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), was
always hopeful she would survive cancer.
“She was never one to let things get her
down,” Barker said. “She always wanted to be
the one leading the parade.”
Suzanne was diagnosed with breast
cancer in 1998 after a routine mammogram
when she was 50 years old. The following
year, she had a double mastectomy followed
by chemotherapy.  The Barkers thought the
cancer was gone. Suzanne survived nearly five
years when a general malaise prompted her to
see her doctor.
“She just wasn’t feeling 100 percent,”
Barker, 60, recalled. “At one point, she had a
cough that wouldn’t go away. She went to her
doctor and had X-rays, and they found that
she had pneumonia.”
The doctor discovered that Suzanne’s
cancer had returned and spread to her
lungs.  Radiation and more chemotherapy
followed. With mounting respiratory
complications, Suzanne was admitted to
UAMS where she died on April 12, 2005, at
2:20 a.m., with Barker by her side.
The aftermath of Suzanne’s death is still a
blur to him. On the day of his wife’s funeral,
Barker was hospitalized for meningitis. He
spent nine days in the hospital, and the ordeal
destroyed some of his short-term memory.
What he knows for certain is this: “Life is
fragile, and it can change in a heartbeat,” he
said. “One second, everything is wonderful,
and the next day, it’s caving in around you.”
Within two months of Suzanne’s death,
Barker found a way to honor his wife’s memory
while helping others with breast cancer.
In June 2005, Barker donated the seed
money to establish the Suzanne F. Barker
Breast Oncology Fellowship Fund at the
UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer
Institute. The fund’s purpose is to help
improve the quality of care given to breast
cancer patients by providing continued
training to doctors in breast oncology. Income
from the fund provides financial support for
selected fellows to attend medical conferences
and to spend time on research, education and
clinical activities.
Dr. Anjali Sibley, who works in the
Division of Hematology/Oncology at UAMS,
is the current fellow.
Through an annual campaign, the
fellowship fund has grown to more than
$300,000. “It keeps growing and growing,”
Barker said. He hopes the fund will someday
provide for an endowed chair.
The fellowship is directed by Dr. Laura
Hutchins, director of the UAMS Division
of Hematology/Oncology, and Dr. Suzanne
Klimberg, director of the Breast Cancer
Program at the UAMS Winthrop P.
Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Both doctors
helped treat Suzanne.
The fund also provides support for a guest
lecturer at the Breast Cancer Challenge,
an annual medical conference held at Big
Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Mo., which draws
health professionals from Arkansas, Missouri,
Oklahoma and Kansas.
 “We know that cancer is evil, and doctors
are the good guys,” Barker said. “Maybe
someday the spark will be there and will lead to
something. Something will happen someday,
and it will be a better day for everybody.” 
Support Groups continued
Little Rock, AR 72212
(501) 664-4510

Just Between Friends

5001 W. 34th St. SWIMWEAR 2010
Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 568-0971

New Outlook: The Women’s Cancer

Recovery Support Group, St. Vincent Health System
2 St. Vincent Circle
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 552-3900

Susan G. Komen for the Cure Arkansas Affiliate

904 Autumn Road, Ste. 500
Little Rock, AR 72211
(501) 202-4399
komenarkansas.org

Witness Project
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
4301 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-6000

MOUNTAIN HOME
Peitz Cancer Support House
Offers multiple group sessions and classes
315 Powers St.
Mountain Home, AR 72653 Breckenridge Village • Little Rock
(870) 508-2273
501-227-5537 • barbaragraves.com
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
Bosom Buddies
Baptist Health Medical Center
3333 Springhill Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501) 202-6888

PINE BLUFF
Caring Bosom Friends
303 N. Maple St.
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
(870) 534-5852

Friends
Cook’s Kitchen
3700 Olive St.
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
(870) 879-2813

SHERWOOD
New Outlook: The Women’s Cancer
Recovery Support Group
St. Vincent Rehabilitation Hospital
2201 Wildwood Ave.
Sherwood, AR 72120
(501) 552-3900

SPRINGDALE
Cancer Support Group
First Baptist Church of Springdale
1709 Johnson Road
Springdale, AR 72762
(479) 751-4523

TEXARKANA
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Texarkana Affiliate
P.O. Box 6085
Texarkana, TX 75505
(903) 791-9585
komentexarkana.org

AY M A G . C O M . 5 9
 PHOTO: UAMS

Vaccine is Almost a Reality

A breast cancer vaccine to
prevent a second occurrence
of the potentially-deadly disease
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UAMS
could be literally placed in the

breasts, spit & tears hands of doctors within days. Dr.

Thomas Kieber-Emmons (pictured
above), a professor of pathology
at the University of Arkansas for
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is cooking up Medical Sciences, is awaiting
new and innovative ways to test for the breast cancer gene. approval from the FDA.
Research projects “Spit for the Cure” and “Tears for Life” involve the “This vaccine can be thought
collection of saliva and tear samples from thousands of participants across of a prophylactic. It will be used
the state to create a DNA database for future breast cancer studies. So far by high-risk women who have
more than 10,000 women have submitted saliva samples to the “Spit for the had breast cancer and who have
Cure” project, which was developed by UAMS scientist, Susan Kadlubar, been surgically cured to prevent a
Ph.D., (above right) and Director of Breast Surgical Oncology Dr. V. Suzanne recurrence,” Kieber-Emmons said.
Klimberg (above left), who also works on the “Tears for Life” program. The two The vaccine may also be used
women came up with the brilliant “Spit for the Cure” during a car ride back therapeutically to target metastatic
from Memphis, and it has since taken off. disease, which is when a tumor
“We have collected spit samples from every county in Arkansas,” Klimberg disseminates through the body,
said. “That kind of participation is unheard of. When you look at who is spitting which can be lethal.
— everyone is spitting — it’s not one particular group. We have a good “The vaccine, in our view, will
number of minorities, lots of African Americans and Hispanic women. Most help ‘mop up’ cancer cells that
research groups have to try very hard to get minorities to participate.” remain after a patient undergoes
Participants are asked to answer a short questionnaire and indicate if they radiation and follow-up treatments.”
would be willing to participate in follow-up studies. All information is, of course, The hospital has already
kept confidential. received requests from women
“We take the spit and tear samples and study the proteins, [looking for who want to participate in the
those] that are common to breast cancer. Through these tests, we ultimately initial study. Kieber–Emmons, an
hope to create an at-home breast cancer test that is much like an at-home admitted perfectionist, is excited
pregnancy test. Too many women don’t find breast cancer tumors until it is and, at the same time, cautious.
large, and that’s too late. The average size of a lump is 2 centimeters; we “Who is that woman, the first one
want to reduce that,” Klimberg said. who will receive the vaccine? I
The home test would be more cost efficient as well as more available. dream about her. I worry about
Many women say they do not get breast exams, because they do not have her safety and wellbeing. I’m 99.9
time to get a mammogram or transportation to a doctor’s office. Klimberg percent confident that it will work,
hopes to have the technology developed within two to five years. but I worry,” he pondered aloud.
Recruiters for “Spit for the Cure” will be available at the Race for the His passion and concern cause
Cure on Oct. 17, 2009. Look for the “Spit for the Cure” tent on Race Day to him to become emotional. “Who is
participate in this exciting study. For more info, log onto uamshealth.com.  this pioneer going to be?” For more
info log onto uamshealth.com. 
6 0 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 6 1
 PATRICIA BROWN,
executive director of the
Fort Smith Classic and
the brains behind their
new event Pink on the
Links, traveled a long
and weary road to get
to where she is today.
Her battle with breast
cancer began in 2005,
while she was out of
town working with
John Daly at a celebrity
golf event. She felt
a tingling sensation in her right breast and pain in
her armpit. She thought perhaps she had pulled a muscle, but scheduled an
appointment with her physician anyway. After an examination, her doctor told her
it was nothing to worry about and she left his office feeling great relief. Within three
months Brown’s nipple started hurting as well. She returned to the doctor, who, with
one look, knew it was cancer.
“The look of the breast had drastically changed. He just looked at my breast and
knew without any exam. He preformed a series of tests, and by the end of the day
the news that it was cancer was certain,” Brown, pictued above center, said.
She underwent surgery, followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy and
radiation. All the while her friends did their best to keep her spirits up.
“I have terrific and creative friends,” she said. “One day, after my hair began to
fall out, they all showed up at my house in crazy multi-colored wigs, and when I
opened the door they said ‘and you think you are having a bad hair day!’ We would
dress up like we were going to a fancy cocktail party and go to my chemotherapy
treatments.”
Having cancer was an eye-opening experience for Brown. She learned many
things, not only about herself, but also about those around her. “Cancer does two
things: It cleans out your closet of creepy people, because creepy people don’t like
to help, and it also allows warm and creative people to come into your life … even
some you never realized cared so much.”
Brown describes her battle with cancer as the most physically-challenging,
painful and depressing years of her life, but also thinks of them as the best years
of her life. “I had many prayers answered during this time and grew so much
spiritually.”
In January 2006, she was cleared of cancer. Once Brown was back on her feet
she started thinking of ways she could help spread the word about breast cancer.
“I wanted to take the experience I had and make it fun and give back beyond
just myself. People just don’t know about breast cancer unless they have been
through it. It is scary, but can be less so … if you decide that’s how it’s going to be.”
Through her association with the Fort Smith Classic, Brown came up with the
idea for Pink on the Links. The inaugural event was held June 19 and was a major
success. It is a fun way to integrate golf and the battle against breast cancer and
was the biggest day of attendance during the Classic. The pros dressed in pink
from shorts to socks, shoes and hair coloring, and events included: a fashion
show; the Pink Zone, featuring health and beauty tips, women’s sports apparel and
1920 NORTH GRANT games; a luncheon; and Par-Tee Pink at the 19th hole. Ticket proceeds benefited
LITTLE ROCK the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
501.663.2388 Log onto fortsmithclassic.com to learn more about this great event that started
with one woman’s battle with breast cancer. 
6 2 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 6 3
 Intimate Conversations Five couples share their breast cancer experience in effort
to help others weather the storm.
BY TRACY COURAGE • PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY LIGHT PRODUCTIONS

(From left) Alan and Boots Barnett Warrick; Karen and John Carroll; Sandra and Charles McFadden; Dr. Karen Kozlowski; Dwayne and Shana Wilson; and Dr. Al and Cathy Alexander.

W
WHEN BOOTS BARNETT WARRICK
WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST
CANCER, she worried not only about her
health, but also about the effect it would have
supportive role in their partner’s treatment,”
said Elise Siegler, director of annual and major
gifts at the Baptist Health Foundation. “The
couples discuss their fears, what they would
a difficult challenge,” he said. “I knew we could
do it together.” 
Shana and Dwayne Wilson also speak
candidly about how breast cancer challenged
have done or said differently … what inspired
on her new marriage to husband Alan.                                                  their relationship. “I knew it would be a
“My biggest fear was that he would them the most. The discussions are intimate, turbulent time,” Dwayne said. “I needed to
withdraw from me,” she said, “but he gave me and [the couples are] very real about their own hear from her what was going on in her mind,
complete support.”  personal situations.”  what was going on in her heart.” 
Not all women get the support they need, The video was produced last year through   Shana describes how she needed her
and not all marriages survive as the Warrick’s the Boots Barnett Warrick Breast Cancer husband to listen.
has. The stress of dealing with breast cancer — Support Program, which Alan established in “I needed to feel secure intimately with
or any kind of cancer — can be overwhelming, his wife’s honor. Baptist Health will distribute him. I needed to know that though my
and even the strongest marriages can become about 250 copies of the DVD this year. The body was changing, he was not going to feel
strained. Ideally, couples learn to communicate Arkansas Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the differently about me.” 
their fears and needs so that their relationship Cure will distribute 1,000 copies of the videos  Karen and John Carroll also prepared for
not only endures, but also grows stronger as through the breast cancer survivor kits given the ups and downs. 
a result.  to new patients at breast centers, doctors’   “We reassured ourselves and again
The Warricks joined several central offices, hospitals and clinics around the state, maintained the focus that we are going to
Arkansas couples and individuals to discuss according to Sherrye McBryde, executive communicate through this whole process,”
their experiences with breast cancer on a video director of the Arkansas Affiliate Susan G. John said. “There’s going to be good days, we
that Baptist Health gives newly-diagnosed Komen for the Cure.  know, and there’s going to be bad days, we
breast cancer patients. The video is simply On the video, Alan says he learned to know.” 
titled, “An Intimate Conversation with accept his wife’s diagnosis as one of life’s Dr. Karen Kozlowski, a gynecologist and
Survivors of Breast Cancer and their Loved challenges. “I said to myself this is part of my a two-time breast cancer survivor, dealt with
Ones.”  commitment; this is part of my vows, but most her disease by working. After being treated in
“Alan [Warrick] saw a real need for importantly, it was my deep, abiding love for 1997, she returned to work within two weeks.
husbands and partners to take a more active and her, to stand next to her and help her navigate “That was part of what I needed to do to heal

6 4 . O C TOBER 2009
myself,” she recalled. 
The second time, though, she faced a more
aggressive cancer, and her doctor forced her
to take time off. Kozlowski also speaks of her
decision to delay breast reconstruction surgery
until she was certain her body was cancer-free. 
For Dr. Al and Cathy Alexander, surviving
cancer required teamwork. 
  “You have to lean on each other and
depend on each other, but you also have to
lean on your family, your friends and most
importantly, your faith,” said Al Alexander, a
radiologist, who discovered his wife’s cancer
while looking at an X-ray. 

11525 Cantrell Rd. Ste. 610 • Next to FRESH MARKET • Little Rock, AR 72212 • 501.375.7820

  “Of course your self-esteem is going to

be challenged," Cathy said. “If you handle it
correctly, it can strengthen your marriage.” 
Sandra McFadden of Little Rock, an
eight-year cancer survivor, credits her late
husband, Charles, with helping her regain
her health. She recalls feeling “sad and angry”
when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 
“I felt like I had done everything right. I
exercised. I tried to eat right,” she said. “I just
asked ‘Why? Why me?’ The answer I got was,
‘Because you can handle it. You’ll be OK.’” 
For six months,  she forced herself to
slow down to focus on her health. She read,
exercised, meditated, and drew strength from
her spirituality and from Charles, her husband
of 48 years. 
“I wanted her to know that I loved her
no matter what, that [breast cancer] was not
just hers — but ours — to overcome,” Charles
McFadden said, on the video. 
Sandra did overcome her cancer. Her
husband, who received a heart transplant
13 years ago, died of kidney complications
in January, just a few months after the
videotaping.  
“I’m so grateful for the time we had
together,” Sandra said, recently.  “We were
there for each other. I helped him, and he
helped me.” 
 
AY M A G . C O M . 6 5
worth a thousand words
Local artist and breast cancer survivor
VICKI KOVALESKI has donated two beautiful
watercolor paintings to help our cause to find a
cure for breast cancer. One will be auctioned
off at Runway for a Cause, and the other will
be available for bidding on eBay afterwards.
Though the subject of the paintings — a
group of local survivors of breast cancer —
are the same, Kovaleski created two versions,
one she thought of in a more literal way, the
other in a more spiritual.
Her first painting depicts the women at
the finish of their journey across a major
local landmark — The Big Dam Bridge. “The
symbolism here is that these women have
been through it all and made it to the finish
line. They are empowered now, they have
gone through the battle and are back and
ready for anything,” Kovaleski said.
Once she completed the first piece she
didn’t feel that her work was quite finished.
“I wanted to do another one that had a more
spiritual feeling as a tribute to Vicki Vowell, who
started this whole thing.”
The second painting shows the same
women in more of an abstract sense. Their
faces are harder to recognize, and there is
no background. “These women could be
any women who have battled breast cancer.
Someone could look at it and say ‘oh that
looks like my mother, or sister, or wife. It
speaks to any survivor,” Kovaleski said.
Her good friend and Runway committee
member, Evelyn Menz, approached her to
donate a painting. These two women were
brought together nine years ago. “Evelyn was
the best cheerleader. Her big cause is Runway
and donating these paintings is a way for me
to let her know I appreciate her.”
To learn more about Kovaleski log onto
kovaleskistudio.com. To bid on her painting,
log onto aymag.com/go/runway and follow the
link to the eBay auction.
6 6 . O C TOBER 2009
JANET CARSON is surrounded almost
daily by nature’s splendor. Carson
works for the University of Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service as an
extension horticulture specialist; she
hosts “The Garden Show with Janet
Carson” on KARN and twice a week
appears on KARK’s “From the Garden”
segment. She’s living her life’s dream.
“I love plants. I like being outside,
and I always wanted a job that
wouldn’t require me to sit behind a
desk everyday,” Carson said.
Just as the flowers and plants
Carson loves have a genetic history,
so do we. Carson’s genetic history
contains several cancers — her
mother Nancy Biermann had three
types of cancer and her father
Elmer Biermann has battled the disease
twice; and three of her four grandparents died of cancer. So when Carson found a
lump in her breast in December 2006, she “just knew” it was cancer. She received her
diagnosis the next month.
“I decided to wait a bit. My mother had just died [though she’d battled breast cancer,
it did not cause her death]; my father was sick at the time,” Carson said. “So I thought I’d
wait.”
Because of her family history, Carson visited a geneticist who found she has the
CHEK2 gene. Individuals who have this gene are more prone to breast, colon, kidney
and thyroid cancer, Carson said. Further, though her mother had breast cancer, it’s
Carson’s father who has the CHEK2 gene; he battled breast cancer and underwent a
mastectomy. Coincidentally, each of their right breasts was affected.
“I found the lump, researched it online — I research everything ad nauseam — I even
diagnosed myself and … I was right,” Carson said, matter-of-factly. One would expect
her to be anxious, after all, a few weeks passed between her discovery of the lump and
her diagnostic visit. “I don’t worry; but I did get stressed when the doctors began to
plan treatment. They planned to ‘throw the book at me’ with chemotherapy. So, I kept a
journal.”
And she kept her schedule. In a fashion true to Carson’s ‘no fuss, no muss’
approach, she and her husband went for her biopsy and soon afterward told her family.
“My biggest concern was my father. He said, ‘oh, no,’; he was very positive, but it
was a tough year,” Carson said. She and husband Clay also used humor to make it
through tough times. “I remember, the night of my biopsy, I asked my husband for a
glass of water. He looked at me, questioningly. I said, ‘do I really have to get up? I may
have breast cancer.’”
“You have to laugh everyday. I did not want to become the disease … just someone
who had it. In fact, when I sent the e-mail telling everyone about my diagnosis, I referred
to it as a bump in the road,” Carson said. She found her “work family” to be very
supportive. “Everyone just sort of rallied around me.”
Carson underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery; she did not
have to undergo chemotherapy as her breast cancer was found early and had not
affected any nodes. This was a relief for Carson, who witnessed the ravaging effect early
forms of chemotherapy had on her mother, and feels that worry and negativity should not
rule one’s life.
“You simply cannot let cancer rule your life. It’s important live fully and to have fun
everyday.” 
A Dedication To The Fight Against Breast Cancer From Active Years Magazine

Faces of
hope Magic Eight Ball
Sophisticated Survivors:
REAL FASHION FOR
REAL WOMEN We don’t have to rely on luck — breast cancer will be defeated! Since
Charming Accessories 2002, AY staff, a dedicated team of volunteers and an assembly of
Keep You
PRETTY IN PINK brave breast cancer survivors have joined forces to bring Arkansas’
largest, most successful fundraising luncheon/fashion show. This year,
we’re pulling out all the stops to raise $140,000 to aid four worthy
organizations to “shake up” cancer, so the answer to “Will we find a
S u r v i v o r S a n d t h e C ity 2 0 0 6    

cure for cancer in this lifetime?” is: It is decidedly so!

2002 2003
Runway to the Cure Runway to the Cure
Chair: Shirley Davis Co-chairs: Evelyn Menz and Becky Bien
Amount raised: $37,531 Amount raised: $64,863
Survivors and the City 2003 1 SUR VIVORS AND THE CITY 2 0 0 7    

2004 2005 2006

Runway for a Cause Runway for a Cause Runway for a Cause
Chair: Mimi San Pedro Chair: Cindy Pugh Chair: Linda Newbern
Amount raised: $104,461 Amount raised: $108,875 Amount raised: $130,489

SURVIVORS AND THE CITY 2004 1

2007 2008 2009

Runway for a Cause Runway for a Cause Runway for a Cause
Chair: Penny Burkhalter Chair: Pam Drilling Chair: Kristi Moody
Amount raised: $136,035 Amount raised: $134,625 Goal: $140,000+

S U R V I V O R S A N D T H E C I T Y 2 0 0 5 1

AY M A G . C O M . 6 7