Strength in Pink: Inspiring Breast Cancer Survivor Stories from the Dixie Belle Paint Company Family

In the world of Dixie Belle, we understand that every stroke of paint on a canvas tells a unique story. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to raise awareness and support those affected by breast cancer. Today, we want to share a different kind of story—one that’s filled with resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of breast cancer survivors within our Dixie Belle Paint family. In the spirit of solidarity and hope, we want to share the inspiring stories of two incredible individuals from the Dixie Belle Paint Company family who have not only faced the tribulations of breast cancer head-on but have emerged as true survivors and supporters. Through their personal journeys, we hope to shed light on the resilience and strength that can be found within our own community. These are tales of strength that have transcended paintbrushes and canvases, touching the very heart of our creative community. Join us as we honor and celebrate these incredible survivors, their journeys, and the vibrant colors they’ve added to our lives.

Meet the Cunningham Sisters: Empowering & Life-Saving Decisions 

Amber Nichols, daughter of Dorothy and niece of the Cunningham Sisters, has a remarkable story resonating through generations within her family, and she is here to share. Amber has been with Dixie Belle Paint since 2020 and pours her heart and soul into the designs here at Dixie Belle Paint. While Amber has remained blessed enough to dodge this terrible disease, she is well aware of the trials and tribulations it can present to a family. The following story was paraphrased from a newspaper article published in the Orlando Sentinel. To read the original article in its entirety, please click here.  

Charlene Cunningham, a baby of four and full of life found a lump at the age of 25. Charlene was healthy, a non-smoker, active, and had no reason to think she was sick. A struggling college student at the time, Charlene had to wait a month before being able to afford a breast biopsy. On a Friday morning in February 1991, Charlene walked into a Pennsylvania Hospital, the same one her older sister, Julie, worked at, for her breast biopsy. A day later, her older sister delivered news no sister should have to. Witnessing Charlene navigate the tribulations of being diagnosed, Julie decided to have her breast removed to decrease her statistically high hereditary risks. It’s miraculous she did.  

One week after Julie’s mastectomies, their mother, Josephine, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Across the country, their other sister, Katie, was struggling with the same difficult decision. Torn and with an unknown future, Katie turned to her doctor for advice. Her doctor advised she should also move forward with the procedure to decrease her likelihood. The third and eldest sister, Dorothy, decided it was best to follow suit after watching her baby sister Charlene experience the anguish. Here we are, three sisters and their mother – all genetically disposed to an incredibly high risk of breast cancer, with a fourth sister battling the disease. All of whom previously had no inclination to believe they would ever be diagnosed with breast cancer, all undergo a life-altering procedure to reduce their newfound risks, together. 

The Cunningham sisters thank their baby sister Charlene for warning them about their genetic disposition. Charlene fought a tough battle with the gruesome disease and waved the white flag at age 29 in the year 1994. The breast cancer hit her hard, and fast. However, thanks to Charlene, her mother, and sisters were able to choose lifesaving alternatives. Their beloved mother, Josephine, passed away in 2017 due to tumors in her brain. The lasting effect of the countless radiation treatments Josephine endured. The legacy of these two women will provide strength and empowerment for generations to come. The story of the Cunningham Sisters and their mother has not only left a long-lasting legacy within their family but has also reached the headlines. The Philadelphia News caught wind of the sister’s miraculously resilient story and next thing the braved-faced women are on the front page of the Sunday paper.  Their story was also published in a book of heartwarming essays called Sisters written by Carol Saline and Sharon Wohlmuth. The Cunningham sisters and their story will live on for generations.  

To learn more about The Cunningham Sisters, click here. 

Meet the Teri: The Canvas of Strength and Resilience  

Teri Ronk is the genius marketing mind and chief marketing officer behind Dixie Belle Paint Company. Teri has been with the company since Dixie Belle’s earliest days and has contributed to the brand’s rapid success. While doing it all effortlessly and with a smile on her face, Teri remains the epitome of strength and resilience. Below is an interview conducted by Dixie Belle Paint with Teri Ronk, CMO. 

Can you tell us about the day you felt something was off?

“I was due for my normal annual Mammogram, but I really didn’t want to do it.  It was during the height of COVID-19, and I just didn’t want to bother with the mask and dealing with going, BUT something inside made me think it was important and I shouldn’t put it off.”   

What do you remember about the day you received the news?  

“It was super weird; I got my normal mammogram, and they called about a week later saying I needed to do a needle biopsy because they were concerned about a spot.  They assured me it was probably nothing (I have had to go back for ultrasounds because of weird spots before).  So scheduled it, and went in. The next day I was sitting in Suzanne’s office around lunchtime.  I got a call coming in from my gyno.  Weird, never get calls from her.  And so quickly after a procedure.  My doctor just came out and said very bluntly “So, we got your results back from your needle biopsy and you have cancer.”  She said it like she was talking about the weather.  Almost perky.  I remember asking her to repeat what she said because I just didn’t understand what she was saying.  The rest of the phone call was a big blur.  I got off the phone and Suzanne knew by my face that something was really wrong.  Then I just was numb.” 

Can you tell us what helped get you through any moment of weakness? 

My beautiful family and the support I got from them as well as my friends.  People who I didn’t even know would write me letters.  There is a group of women that write Handwritten letters to newly diagnosed women with breast cancer called Girls Love Mail.  They sent me letters.  I had friends and family that just did stuff.  They didn’t ASK what they could do to help, they just did.  They made meals, came over and sat with me, sent presents, sent cards…. even people I hardly knew.  I had some retailers send gifts, one of my favorites was a candle that said, “I’m sorry your boobies tried to kill you.”  Also, my wonderful husband went to every appointment with me and had a shoulder for me to cry on when I needed it. 

What motivated you to stay positive during the difficult time?  

I know this is weird, but I have always had big breasts and my shoulders ached from having to wear such big boulder holders.  Keeping focus on the fact that I could have those big boobies removed and get smaller implants really helped!  I was also extremely lucky that they caught my cancer when it was still in stage one. As long as the cancer had not spread to my lymph glands, I would not need chemo or radiation.  God had his hand in that.  

What words of advice do you have for others affected? 

Don’t skip your mammograms no matter what.  I know life gets busy, but that simple little process saved my life.  Also, I tried to find some humor, it helped me.  I needed people around me to be positive and happy which helped me stay positive and happy.  Tough times make you stronger.  Another one of my favorite gifts I got was a t-shirt that says: “They whispered to her; you cannot withstand the storm. She whispered back I am the storm!”.  That really resonated with me, I am a strong woman and I wanted to be that especially to show my two girls that we women can make it through whatever life throws at us. 

(End of Interview) 

Their stories are more than just tales of personal triumph; they are beacons of hope, illustrating the vital lessons we can all learn from their journeys. Teri and Amber’s experiences underscore the critical importance of early decision-making and listening to your body. Their proactive approaches to diagnosis and treatment serve as a powerful reminder of the difference timely action can make. But these stories go beyond the individual. They illuminate the incredible strength that a supportive family, whether it’s bound by blood or a shared passion, can provide during the darkest of times.

Perhaps most inspiring of all is the courage that has emerged from the depths of adversity. Teri and Amber’s journeys exemplify the human capacity to not only endure but thrive in the face of life’s challenges. Their stories are a testament to the human spirit’s innate ability to persevere, adapt, and ultimately emerge stronger. As we come together to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let these stories and other stories of survival remind us that we are part of a larger tapestry. By raising awareness, offering support, and sharing these inspiring survivor narratives, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

Together, we are painting a brighter future—a future filled with hope, strength, and a community that truly cares. In our collective efforts, we find the colors of unity and resilience that define the spirit of the Dixie Belle family and the broader community beyond our paintbrushes.