WHY BIRCH BOUTIQUE?
Birch is a symbol of new beginnings and growth.
I created Birch Boutique to help others affected by cancer following my own breast cancer diagnosis. This is my story.
At 34 I was married with a 4 year old daughter and working as a registered nurse. Right before Christmas that year I felt a lump in my breast and was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. Like so many others, my entire world was turned upside down.
My cancer treatment consisted of 20 rounds of IV chemotherapy, 4 surgeries, 6 weeks of radiation, and a year of daily targeted therapy. Throughout this lengthy process I experienced many side effects, emotions, and a new understanding of what cancer patients and their loved ones go through.
"I personally had to travel almost two hours one way for mastectomy supplies."
During the middle of my cancer treatment I switched roles as a nurse and became an oncology nurse navigator at a cancer center. While working in this role I learned about many types of cancer and treatments and soon came to realize there was a need for products and services for cancer patients that weren’t available in my area. I personally had to travel almost two hours one way for mastectomy supplies.
I knew this needed to change.
Patients who are going through such a difficult time in their lives needed closer access and availability to these services.
My vision for Birch Boutique is to allow a comfortable, safe space for cancer patients, survivors, families and friends to come for products and support.
People lose their hair, their bodies change, their entire lives change. I have lived this and can understand what people may be feeling and going through. I feel very fortunate for my experiences and that I was able to leave the cancer center as a nurse but have the opportunity to continue to help cancer patients through Birch Boutique.
