October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. It also develops in men, although rarely. Screening methods include mammograms and breast self-examination. Treatment options include lumpectomy or mastectomy with breast reconstruction.

Melissa Olmos joined Farmers’ West Flowers and Bouquets in Carpinteria, CA in Oct 2005 as head of the Accounts Payables Department. One day in April 2006, a large cyst appeared on her breast and the following day a 19 cm tumor appeared. This was a shock to Melissa who had maintained yearly examination checkups. Now Melissa had joined two of her three sisters who have also had breast cancer. Immediate aggressive treatment ensued, consisting of two rounds of chemotherapy over the course of 9-months and a radical double mastectomy. During and after, Melissa was so sick that she could not function and in cooperation with her supervisors, she took an 8-month leave of absence in order to focus on her battle.

Melissa praised Farmers’ West owner Wilja Happé & her colleagues for supporting her during and after the entire process, even to this day. “Wilja guaranteed my job and was very sensitive to my needs. Daily I received calls from the Farmers’ West team to check on me and offer emotional support. She provided for my children and grandchildren expenses to play football or be on the cheerleading team. It was amazing how cared for I was and even after returning to work a modified schedule was given me as well as paid time off for my many Doctors visits.”

Melissa received her daily dose of positive encouragement from her 2 grandchildren:

“Lily Rose 6 years old in this picture. Lily Rose loves cheerleading, gymnastics and dance. She loves to sing and tell stories. She was a huge Hannah Montana fan, but is now moving on to the Jonas Brothers. (Anyone who has a pre-teen knows who both are) She is a very kind and gentle spirit. She is blessed with an ability to make the best of any situation. She loves with her whole heart and holds nothing back. She is a walking, talking, contradiction. She is as sweet as she is shy, as rough and tumble as any boy, but loves to dress up and go to the theater. She will sit next to you and tell you how much she loves you, and then is off on another adventure.”

“Andrew Jr. 11 years old in this picture is an Avid football fan. He loves to play it, watch it, and talk about it. He loves camping, hiking, horseback riding. In his last trip to summer camp, he shot a turkey with his bow and arrow and their group had a Thanksgiving style dinner, featuring the turkey. Andrew is a good student, flirts with just about anything in a skirt, is a very well behaved boy. Anyone who knows him, likes being around him. He has a great sense of humor and is willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.”

Farmers’ West became a regular supporter of the American Cancer Society as well as the Komen Foundation. The Cancer Society not only is a leader in research to cure cancer, but offers tangible aid to cancer patients. The Komen Foundation is also aggressively seeking the cure to breast cancer. Melissa loves Farmers’ West for the care that she has received for the past 4 years. Had it been another company, her situation could have been much worse. “Farmers’ West is a model of support for team members afflicted with cancer. I am so grateful to be a part of a company that isn’t just talk about support, but made the huge difference during the process of becoming “cancer free.” Melissa also wants to remind everyone “to have a breast exam regulary as the best preventative medicne.” All of us at Farmers’ West are very proud of Melissa who has been cancer free since 2008. Since October is Breast Cancer Awarness Month we want to encourage everyone to ask you doctor any questions regarding brest cancer detection and prevention.

For further information and to get involved,
please visit any of the following websites:
www.AmericanCancerSociety.com, www.komen.org, www.mypinkplan.com
www.PinkTogether.com, www.CityOfHope.com and www.nbcam.org.

Back to Farmers' West