2002 New Balance Honorary Team Member

Lisa Brzezinski

Lisa is a breast cancer survivor who turned her experiences and her talents into a way of helping hundreds of other cancer patients.

In October 1997, at 35, Lisa discovered a lump in her breast, which was diagnosed as breast cancer. Treatment choices are complicated and confusing for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer, but Lisa had a special concern - she was seven weeks pregnant.

Lisa chose the form of treatment that she felt posed the least risk to her fetus. She had an immediate mastectomy but delayed the rest of her treatment until after her baby was born. The remainder of her pregnancy was a nerve-wracking time, punctuated by the constant fear that her cancer might be spreading.

As soon as her healthy son was born, Lisa began chemotherapy. As with most chemotherapy patients, she lost her hair. But that presented Lisa with an opportunity. Lisa is a licensed cosmetologist and owner of Lisa's of LeGrand hair salon in Fox Point. She combined her talents and her experience into a way of helping others. She is now the owner of a thriving wig business called "Naturally You Wigs." She offers not only wigs, but the empathy and understanding that can come only from a breast cancer survivor. Her story has been the focus of television and magazine features.

Lisa's wig business has led her to other ways of helping cancer patients too. She refurbishes used wigs to give to low-income women through the American Cancer Society.

In addition, she has hosted several "Looking Good" seminars and participates in the Knueppel Fashion Show, an annual event hosted by cancer survivors. She also is involved with the St. Francis Cancer Center and is a recipient of their Caring and Sharing Award.

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