Companions on the Journey
This edition of Companions on the Journey will highlight Paula Zidonis.
I have the awesome opportunity to meet so many people as my life journey
takes me to different places throughout the United States and Canada.
I have met so many special, wonderful, and unique human beings but few
fall into the "my hero" category. Webster defines hero as "any person
admired for their qualities or achievements and regarded as an ideal or
model." I would like you to meet Paula Zidonis, one of my heroes. On June
7, 2006, at age 38, Paula was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
(DCIS) - cancer within the breast milk duct. Paula underwent a lumpectomy
on July 17, and was diagnosed with Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (ID)
- cancer that has broken through the duct wall and invaded the surrounding
fatty tissue of the breast. At that point she made the life changing,
traumatic and spiritual decision to have a mastectomy. Throughout her
entire ordeal and following months of chemotherapy, Paula leaned solely
on her belief that God would bring her through this journey better and
stronger. She surrounded herself with positive and encouraging people,
and never once thought of surrendering to her cancer. As Paula began her
chemotherapy treatments she lost her hair. "When I experienced my hair
loss, I came to the conclusion that wigs or hats didn't suit me but I
wanted something more fashionable than a bandana," she writes. "Therefore,
with the help of my mother, who has been a seamstress for 50 years, we
created Survivor Scarfs, Etc." Paula founded "Survivor Scarfs, Etc…From
One Survivor To Another" in 2007. Paula has designed a fun and glamorous
line of head scarfs and accessories that are comfortable, stylish and
affordable. Check out her website to see her line of scarfs made especially
for you "From One Survivor to Another." at www.SurvivorScarfs.com
Paula, from one who journeys but who rarely contemplates surviving the
journey (we all take life for granted sometimes, don't we?), I thank you
for sharing your courage, determination, optimism, talents and friendship
with so many. You have truly taken life's bitter lemons and made the sweetest
of lemonades - refreshing, soothing, and just plain good for ya! Continue
to feel God's healing grace and power in your life and in this new venture.
As you have blessed so many, may you receive blessing in return.