1. A Breast Reconstruction Discussion with Dr. David Ciacoppo

    Pink-4-Ever, Inc. and the Pink Ribbon Connection joined forces to host a breast reconstruction discussion to serve as a resource for women who are still exploring their breast reconstruction options. Women of various ages and backgrounds joined together to share their breast reconstruction experiences and concerns accompanied by Dr. Cacioppo from University Plastic Surgery Associates to share his expertise on breast reconstruction. 

    Although the occasion was to bring women together to discuss breast reconstruction methods, breast cancer survivors in attendance also served as a support system for those currently battling breast cancer by sharing their experiences and offering words of encouragement. 

    There is hope,” said Nadia Miller [Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc], as she encourages those currently fighting breast cancer.

    Here are a few important points discussed at the breast reconstruction discussion: 

    Timing: It is recommended that you undergo breast reconstruction after radiation to replace radiated skin with healthy skin. 

    Types of breast reconstruction: Autologous vs. Implants 
    Autologous is a reconstructive surgery that uses your own tissue to replace lost tissue.  Others chose reconstructive plastic surgery which uses silicone or saline implants. 

    Silicone v. Saline: 

    Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel – a thick, sticky fluid and feels like human fat. Despite popular belief, silicone implants do not induce systematic diseases (systematic diseases such as brain cancer, lupus, etc.).  Saline implants are filled with saline and often times feel hard. 

    Bilateral Mastectomy v. Unilateral Mastectomy: 

    Bilateral [Prophylactic] Mastectomy is surgical removal of both breasts. The objective is to prevent breast cancer from occurring or (in some cases) reoccurring.  Unilateral Mastectomy is he surgical removal of one breast. 

    Age: Age does NOT matter. Anyone can undergo breast reconstruction at any age and the recovery time is the same, no matter if you’re young or old. Medical conditions are an important factor in regards to breast reconstruction, not age. 

    Physical Therapy: Physical therapy post surgery is very beneficial. It helps you stretch the tissue and aid in pain relief. Often times the patient must ask to receive physical therapy.  It is very important to inform your doctor if you want therapy. Dr. Cioppo recommends seeing a therapist who specializes in breast reconstruction physical therapy. 

    DIEP Flap vs. TRAM Flap 

    DIEP Flap is surgical removal of skin and fat from the lower abdomen and is transferred to the chest to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. No muscle is sacrificed which makes the recovery a lot faster.  TRAM Flap is the surgical removal of muscle from the lower abdomen and transferred to the chest to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. TRAM flap procedures may weaken the abdominal wall and torso strength. 

    Check out pictures for the discussion below!

  2. We want women who have had reconstruction and women who are exploring their options to join us in A Breast Reconstruction Discussion. A circle of survivors will be sharing their experiences to support and nurture other survivors in their journey.We invite you to join us, Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Pink Ribbon Connection, 1139 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN.

    We want women who have had reconstruction and women who are exploring their options to join us in A Breast Reconstruction Discussion. A circle of survivors will be sharing their experiences to support and nurture other survivors in their journey.

    We invite you to join us, Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Pink Ribbon Connection, 1139 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, IN.

  3. Basics of Breast Cancer Workshop: Ben Davis University

    Pink-4-Ever kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by hosting a “Basics of Breast Cancer” workshop for Ben Davis University’s sophomore class. “Basics of Breast Cancer” workshops travel throughout the community to provide basic information about breast cancer from breast cancer prevention, early detection, how to perform a breast self-examination and more.

    Contact us at http://www.pink-4-ever.org/ if you would like Pink-4-Ever to host a “Basics of Breast Cancer” workshop.

  4. 4 Ever Sundays

    For the month of October, church congregations will be flooded with pink. From pink church hats, stylish pink blouses, pink dresses, even men in pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Various churches throughout the city of Indianapolis have partnered with Pink-4-Ever to help spread Breast Cancer awareness through 4 Ever Sundays. 

    Although it is a pleasure seeing everyone in their pink Sunday’s best, 4 Ever Sundays are more than just a pink fashion showdown. 4 Ever Sundays reach out to church congregations to spread Breast Cancer awareness targeting not only women but the men and children of the church as well. 4 Ever Sundays also takes the time to honor Breast Cancer survivors. This past Sunday, Pink-4-Ever was honored to join Mt. Zion Apostolic Church in 4 Ever Sundays. This is the 3rd year Mt. Zion Apostolic Church has partnered with Pink-4-Ever.

    4 Ever Sundays are year round and Pink-4-Ever wants your church to help advocate Breast Cancer awareness. Contact us at http://www.pink-4-ever.org/ for more information on how your church can participate in 4 Ever Sundays.

    Check out pictures below!


  5. Photo: Nadia Miller, Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc. At the young age of 21, Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc. Nadia Miller, had no idea breast cancer would have such an impact on her life. Although Miller’s grandmother and aunt were diagnosed with breast cancer, the seriousness of the disease did not hit home until Miller’s oldest sister lost her life battling breast cancer. “She made it look so easy,” Miller says, as she speaks about her oldest sister. “When she began her radiation treatments and started losing her hair, that’s when it became real for me,” says Miller. Two years after her sister lost the battle against the disease, Miller was diagnosed with breast cancer. Miller says, “Although my sister had breast cancer, I didn’t know much about it. I began to educate myself after I was diagnosed.”  Miller had to undergo numerous surgeries. Her first surgery was the removal of the left breast (the cancerous breast). Following her partial mastectomy, Miller began chemotherapy treatments. Because of the genetic history of breast cancer in Miller’s family, Miller had her right breast removed to prevent any future breast cancer scares. After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy treatments, a total hysterectomy and numerous reconstructive surgeries, Miller has been cancer free for five years! Miller is the inspiration behind the organization that addresses the needs particular to the African American community. Miller is a five-year breast cancer survivor, who turned a family’s health afflictions into an organization that provides standardized educational programs, support, empowerment and hope. After the death of her sister to the disease and during her personal fight to survive breast cancer, she recognized a lack of awareness and support in local traditional organizations. In 2008, Miller with the facilitation and coordination of her brother John M. Miller founded Pink-4-Ever Inc. in order to ensure that the minority community especially women would receive comprehensive information, support and resources regarding breast cancer health and prevention.  When asked how “Pink-4-Ever” came about Miller said, “I will always have these scars to remember where I came from.” Hence the name, “Pink-4-Ever.” Miller’s primary motivation was to create a movement among the minority community to dispel myths about breast cancer and to create and environment where “Its Ok To Talk About It” (breast cancer).  Miller has been Chairperson of the Circle of Promise Committee; she is the first African American Honorary Race Survivor for the local Susan G. Komen Indianapolis Affiliate. Miller earned a degree in Business (2009) from Indiana Wesleyan University. Leading by example, Nadia Miller continues to make a difference and lives by the Pink-4-Ever Inc. slogan: “It’s Ok To Talk About It.” Click HERE to check out Nadia Miller sharing her story on Religion in the News:

    Photo: Nadia Miller, Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc.

    At the young age of 21, Executive Director of Pink-4-Ever, Inc. Nadia Miller, had no idea breast cancer would have such an impact on her life. Although Miller’s grandmother and aunt were diagnosed with breast cancer, the seriousness of the disease did not hit home until Miller’s oldest sister lost her life battling breast cancer. 

    “She made it look so easy,” Miller says, as she speaks about her oldest sister. “When she began her radiation treatments and started losing her hair, that’s when it became real for me,” says Miller. 

    Two years after her sister lost the battle against the disease, Miller was diagnosed with breast cancer. Miller says, “Although my sister had breast cancer, I didn’t know much about it. I began to educate myself after I was diagnosed.” 


    Miller had to undergo numerous surgeries. Her first surgery was the removal of the left breast (the cancerous breast). Following her partial mastectomy, Miller began chemotherapy treatments. Because of the genetic history of breast cancer in Miller’s family, Miller had her right breast removed to prevent any future breast cancer scares. After having a mastectomy, chemotherapy treatments, a total hysterectomy and numerous reconstructive surgeries, Miller has been cancer free for five years! 

    Miller is the inspiration behind the organization that addresses the needs particular to the African American community. Miller is a five-year breast cancer survivor, who turned a family’s health afflictions into an organization that provides standardized educational programs, support, empowerment and hope. 

    After the death of her sister to the disease and during her personal fight to survive breast cancer, she recognized a lack of awareness and support in local traditional organizations. In 2008, Miller with the facilitation and coordination of her brother John M. Miller founded Pink-4-Ever Inc. in order to ensure that the minority community especially women would receive comprehensive information, support and resources regarding breast cancer health and prevention. 

    When asked how “Pink-4-Ever” came about Miller said, “I will always have these scars to remember where I came from.” Hence the name, “Pink-4-Ever.”

    Miller’s primary motivation was to create a movement among the minority community to dispel myths about breast cancer and to create and environment where “Its Ok To Talk About It” (breast cancer). 

    Miller has been Chairperson of the Circle of Promise Committee; she is the first African American Honorary Race Survivor for the local Susan G. Komen Indianapolis Affiliate. Miller earned a degree in Business (2009) from Indiana Wesleyan University. Leading by example, Nadia Miller continues to make a difference and lives by the Pink-4-Ever Inc. slogan: “It’s Ok To Talk About It.”

    Click HERE to check out Nadia Miller sharing her story on Religion in the News: