My name is Lisa Lurie. Like most people, I wear many hats as a woman, wife, mother, and entrepreneur. The one that I hope that I will never have to takeoff contains that hated word– cancer. I am a cancer survivor.

18 years ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I underwent a double mastectomy without reconstruction, an oophorectomy (ovaries removed) and chemotherapy. This picture of me is one that is not very easy to share. It is hard for me to make such a private picture–public. At the same time, I know that I (and the world) can’t hide from the reality of cancer.

Cancer stole not only my physical health but also my essential self. It impacted my appearance, my self-esteem and my ability to live comfortably in my own skin. It was devastating, not just for me but for my family as well. Like a cancer-created Humpty-Dumpty—I couldn’t put myself back together again.

During treatment, I began searching for lifestyle information, fashionable recovery products, and other women to talk to who understood. Eighteen years ago, I couldn’t find what I needed and I realized that other women must be facing the same challenges. I joined forces with a dear friend of mine, Ellen Weiss Kander and together we co-founded Cancer Be Glammed.

Our mission: To prepare women for the body-altering, visible side effects of surgery and treatment, and to empower them to recover with dignity, positive self-esteem and personal style. Cancer Be Glammed supports women coping with all forms of cancer.

Over the past eighteen years, the cancer recovery landscape has changed–for the good. Oncology professionals, particularly nurses, navigators, and social workers are focusing on helping patients manage the psychosocial issues they face. For women, these include body-image, self-esteem, sexuality, infertility, relationships, parenting, work and lifestyle concerns.

The business world has given rise to more companies founded by survivors or their loved ones. It is a an important part of CBG’s mission to support these businesses. Our “Life & Style” e-boutique on Cancerbeglammed.com sells practical-yet-fashionable recovery clothes for surgery and treatment, accessories and gifts, designed by survivors for survivors.

As for me, living and working in the cancer world has changed me profoundly. I have found my passion and my voice as a patient advocate. I have met the most amazing people who have transformed me with their strength, wisdom and kindness. And yet-working in the cancer world can be tough and is often painful. I have great admiration for all who do it. A few years after we co-founded Cancer Be Glammed, Ellen, my beloved friend and business partner passed away from liver cancer. Over the years, the losses have continued to mount.

I was interviewed awhile back by AT&T Business for an article. The last question the interviewer asked was “Where do you see yourself and Cancer Be Glammed in the next 5-10 years? My answer was this, “Hopefully out of business. My dream is that no one will need a company like mine.” Until that happens, I better flip open my computer and get back to work.