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OnTheCover: PinkOctober y Sally KalosBTheir courage was tested again and again—through rounds of chemotherapy, the harsh effectsof radiation, the loss of their hair, and the physical and emotional toll exacted by treatment. And still, they stood strong. Their perseverance in the face of pain and fear is nothing short of inspiring.Statistically, about 1 in 8 women— roughly 12.4 percent—will develop invasivebreast cancer during their lifetime. These women are more than statistics. They are mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, and friends. Their stories remind us of the urgent importance of early detection and the lifesaving potential of regular screenings.This October, as we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember and honor the women who have shown uswhat it truly means to be courageous. Let’s encourage the women we love to schedule their mammograms. Let’s offer our support, compassion, and time. And above all, let us love them—through every step of the fight.IronMan Interrupted: Monica Cost’s Journey of Survival and StrengthISubmitted By Monica Costn 2012, Monica Cost’s life changed when a distracted driver struck her while she was training for hersecond IronMan triathlon. The crash left her with a burst fracture in her L1 vertebra, causing paralysis from the waist down. Doctors said she’d never walk again, but her determination led her from braces to crutches and eventually back on her feet. That battle taught her resilience.In January 2024, she faced another challenge—breast cancer. Diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) and testing positive for the BRCA2 gene, Monica endured multiple surgeries, a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and an oophorectomy. Through each trial, her husband, children, and faith gave her strength. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” she said, clinging to Philippians 4:13.Even in treatment, Monica pressed forward with her nonprofit, *Now You SEE ME*, hosting “Monica’s Mile” just weeks after surgery. She continues to advocate for road safety, working with organizations nationwide to protect cyclists and runners.Now both a spinal cord injury survivor and breast cancer survivor, Monica urgesIt has been a difficult, but rewarding journey to ensure Colleen had the care and compassion to see the positive results of her treatments, even when it seemed impossible. Colleen successfully completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgeries backed by the endless support from her family and friends.She was declared NED (no evidence of disease) in January of 2025 and continues to thrive in the hopes to be the best role model to her two young daughters - Emma (8) and Kayleigh (6).Today, Denise and Colleen, walk side by side as cancer survivors, stronger in their faith and support of the fight to end breast cancer.Breast Cancer Story SubmissionsMonica Costwomen to schedule yearly mammograms, crediting early detection with saving her life. She finds joy in her children’s successes— her son beginning his law career in Houston and her daughter thriving in Austin after earning her MBA.Monica’s IronMan spirit lives on through her community work, including the upcoming 8th Annual Monster Dash on October 26 at Comanche Park. “Every decade has thrown me hurdles,” she says. “But each time, I land stronger.”SIubmitted By Mary Greenn January 2025, my journey with breast cancer began. Just a month later, in February, I underwent adouble mastectomy. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, in the midst of the struggle, I was lifted by an outpouring of love and support that carried me through. That encouragement gave me more than hope; it gave me strength.By March, I received the news I had been praying for: I was considered disease-free. Since then, life has been nothing short of a blessing. While I will never stop hating cancer, I can honestly say that more good than bad has come from this journey. It has deepened my gratitude, sharpened my perspective, and reminded me of the incredible resilience of the human spirit.Today, I move forward not only withMary Greenhealing, but with purpose—and with a heart full of thanks for the good that has come from such a difficult season.Today, I Move Forward Not Only With Healing, But With PurposeMother & Daughter Are Both Breast Cancer SurvivorsGet Your Screenings & Check UpsSD enise Athey was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 50. She was able to navigate through 12 rounds of chemotherapy, 32 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgeries with the unwavering support from her family and friends. Denise had been cancer free for over 16 years only to learn, her 39-year-old daughter, Colleen Knowlton, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in April of 2024.Colleen faced cancer head on with a positive attitude and determination to6Iubmitted by Denise Athey & Colleen Knowltonn March of 2023, during my routine woman exam the practitioner also performed a breast exam. NothingSubmitted By Yen DiepDenise Athey & Colleen Knowltonovercome. Denise went into action to support Colleen every step of the way.was out of the ordinary but since I was “of age” (over 40 years old) she recommended I have a mammogram screening, especially since I never had one before.After my first mammogram, the radiologists noticed some calcifications in two different areas and wanted more detailed images. I was then scheduled for my second mammogram with an ultrasound two weeks later. While calcifications are a fairly normal occurrence, the way that some of the calcifications clustered warranted aYen DiepCancer Stories - continued on page 7 October 2025www.stoneoakhighlights.com