Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity

Breast Reconstruction Press Kit

Tracie Metzger

Tracie Metzger, of Cincinnati is a breast cancer survivor; Tracie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 30. After undergoing chemotherapy and breast reconstruction, she realized there were very few, if any, support groups for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. So, Tracie, with two other young breast cancer survivors, founded Pink Ribbon Girls (PRG) support group for younger women with breast cancer. PRG, which is growing nationally, goes beyond support. It provides education, fund raising, and such services as catering meals during chemotherapy or after surgery. As Richard B. Williams, MD, who nominated Tracie explains, "Tracie is one of those unique individuals able to tackle the physical and emotional aspects of her disease and turn it into a positive force in her life."

Bonnie Northey

Bonnie Northey of Lead, S.D., is passionate about swimming. When Northey was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 69, she was devastated to think she would not be able to wear a swimsuit and get back in the water. Her plastic surgeon, Robert Schutz, MD, advised her to have immediate breast reconstruction after her mastectomy. Northey was back to swimming soon after surgery. She has since won a gold medal in the Senior Olympics, speaks to numerous groups about breast reconstruction and counsels women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Schutz said, “Bonnie has an enduring spirit that reminds us all that reconstructive plastic surgery isn’t just about healing someone physically but socially and psychologically as well.”

Lillie Shockney

Lillie Shockney was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent mastectomy in both breasts. Lillie initially postponed reconstruction; however, with the introduction of the DIEP flap reconstruction, Lillie realized the benefits it could bring her and multitudes of women. Whether she is writing books, testifying to Congress, founding the organization Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer, Lillie is an outspoken advocate and educator for breast cancer patients.

Originally a nurse in the neurosciences department, she is currently the administrative director at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, and will soon be the first non-physician to be named president of the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

Beth Silverman

Beth was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 26 years old. After having a lumpectomy followed by four months of chemotherapy, Beth decided to undergo bilateral mastectomies and immediate TRAM flap breast reconstruction despite her concerns about the emotional consequence of losing her breasts.

Today, Beth is supporting others facing the same fate. She and her ASPS Member Surgeon are looking to “change the face of breast reconstruction” by starting , which launches this month. Volunteering as a counselor and speaking at fundraisers, she is an active member of breastcancer.org, the American Cancer Society, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Young Survival Coalition and Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition.