Today we’d like to introduce you to Marge Morena.
Hi Marge, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I live in Cary, NC and my journey started in August 2015. I went for my annual mammogram at University of North Carolina (UNC) – I was always very diligent never missing my annual screening. For the first time, I had a 3D mammogram. Unfortunately, the results concerned my doctors, so one month later, I returned for a follow-up mammogram and ultrasound. The diagnosis was invasive lobular carcinoma in the right breast. One week later, my 93-year-old mother passed away, compounding my circumstances, and my whole world came apart.
In addition to a second opinion at Duke Cancer Center, I also had a 21-gene genetic test. Today they test 84 genes. The results indicated there was no genetic reason for my cancer, even though there was a significant background of breast cancer on my father’s side of the family. In fact, my father’s brother died of breast cancer.
I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction through the UNC system.
The good news was the cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes and therefore I didn’t need chemo or radiation, I was very lucky.
I am now a proud seven-and-a-half-year breast cancer survivor and thriver and am very passionate about helping women and men with their breast cancer journey not only through fundraising but also by personal interactions and support. I was blessed during my journey to have an amazing support group starting with my wonderful husband, Rich Lewis, Sr., family, and friends and I truly know the importance of reaching out and lending support wherever needed. I was so happy when I could say “I am breast cancer FREE” in November 2015. I am living life to the fullest – just ask my family and friends who try to keep up with me! I often say “there is life after diagnosis”.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I thank God every day that my recovery wasn’t too bad. I do suffer from “Survivor’s Guilt”, knowing that so many other women have to endure chemo and radiation which is not very easy or pleasant. God saved my life by putting amazing doctors and other medical personnel in my life. My journey was difficult at times, but I have met a lot of wonderful people who are also experiencing a similar journey. All the people I have met agree that even though we each have a personal story, no two stories are the same, but the one thing that IS common among all of us is our desire to live a long and quality-filled life – breast cancer FREE!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In 2016, my Second Act began when I founded Marge “Madness” for 3D Mammograms and in 2019, we became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Since 2016, Marge “Madness” has raised over $27,000 for breast cancer research.
Starting in 2021, Marge “Madness” made its primary focus for its fundraising activities, the UNC REX Mobile Mammogram Unit that helps provide mammograms and follow-on care as needed to North Carolina underserved residents, especially for Black and Hispanic uninsured women and those in underserved areas of North Carolina. We have sponsored two free mammogram events providing 24 Hispanic ladies with free screenings. To date, we have raised over $33,000 for the UNC REX Mobile Mammogram Unit.
In 2023, Marge “Madness” will host two special fundraising events: Monday, July 24th, the 2nd Annual Fundraiser Golf Event and on Sunday, October 22nd, the 6th Annual Fundraiser Luncheon – both events will be held at the amazing Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC. For more information, please contact: mm43dmams@gmail.com. Your support and participation are very important to our mission.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During the Covid-19 Crisis, I learned a very important lesson – life goes on! Even though we couldn’t meet in person for the Marge “Madness” Annual Fundraiser Luncheon, we conducted an online raffle and were able to raise $7,500 to fund free mammogram screenings for underserved and uninsured women.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: margemadness3d
Image Credits
Kim Mitchell
