Her advice to others is to surround yourself with people who are optimistic and strong.
About 20 years ago, a simple ride with a friend changed Bonnie Bornstein Fertel’s life forever. A sudden stop and the retraction of the seat belt caused her to feel something strange in her breast. Further investigation revealed a cancerous lump. Mastectomy and chemotherapy were the treatments of choice. Twelve years later, the cancer recurred on her scapula, directly behind the site of the initial lesion. The dedication of a wonderful oncologist, support of a strong network of family and friends and determination proved successful.
Today, eight years from recurrence, she continues a maintenance chemotherapy regime every two weeks. But that does not get in her way. Married with two adult children, the owner of two businesses and an active volunteer, she is living a very full life and recently celebrated 20 years of survivorship. Her advice to others is to surround yourself with people who are optimistic and strong; draw on your strengths when you can and do things that provide you pleasure. For Bonnie, painting with watercolors provides that enjoyment.