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Warren breast cancer survivor to be fundraiser beneficiary

Photo illustration by Paris Chrisopoulos Alexandria Baker, 27, of Warren, was chosen as the recipient of this year’s This Means War Against Breast Cancer fundraiser. The mother of two daughters underwent a lumpectomy Aug. 28 and is facing radiation treatments.

WARREN — Alexandria Baker, a then-26-year-old mother of two, discovered the lump on her breast in March.

“I was just waking up on a Saturday and I don’t know what possessed me to check my breast, but I knew the lump I found wasn’t normal because it was protruding,” said Baker, who turned 27 in August.

“I immediately thought of the worst-case scenario that this could be cancer. This could be a tumor,” she said.

The following week, Baker had an ultrasound and mammogram at Trumbull Memorial Hospital. She was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.

She then began chemotherapy at The Hope Center for Cancer Care in Howland, which included six rounds of the treatment. Baker also underwent a lumpectomy on Aug. 28.

“The doctor said there was no tumor and I was really pleased that the lump was out,” the 2008 Warren G. Harding High School graduate said.

Now she faces radiation.

Even though Baker is insured through Medicaid, her aggressive chemotherapy treatment and doctor appointments forced her to miss weeks of work from her job as a log auditor at Falcon Transport in Youngstown. Her job entails checking to make sure the company’s drivers have all their licenses and comply with state and federal laws.

Those treatments plus unexpected out-of-pocket medical expenses also hit hard financially, she said. She said she was worried she would soon be forced to make difficult financial decisions for her family — fiance Mike Morgan and daughters Isabella, 8, and Arianna, 5.

She and Morgan bought their first family home in Warren two years ago. The girls attend John F. Kennedy Lower Campus through a state-funded EdChoice voucher.

“It’s been rough … not knowing month to month how we are going to pay the mortgage. The last thing I would want would be to not be able to put a roof over my daughters’ heads,”Baker said.

It was at The Hope Center for Cancer Care that Baker learned about the annual This Means War Against Breast Cancer fundraiser. The fundraiser to benefit one local breast cancer survivor each year was co-founded by Beth Ann Vanek of Southington, who was diagnosed with the disease at age 30, and her sister, Kelli Weir.

Initially held to offset Vanek’s expenses, the positive outcome and success of their initial fundraiser inspired the sisters, as well as their friends, family and others who volunteer for the nonprofit, to continue organizing events each year to reach other cancer patients.

The nonprofit was formed in April 2012 to help breast cancer survivors pay their medical expenses not covered by insurance. The all-volunteer group has raised roughly $43,000 for Trumbull County breast cancer survivors since its inaugural fundraiser in 2011.

Baker said, “I found out about it on a Tuesday and I had just had chemo. And the essay application was due on Friday. I had chemo brain. So, I started writing everything down and my brother printed it for me and I went from there.”

Baker’s heartfelt essay expressed a distress that many breast cancer survivors would understand. A portion of the essay states, “Knowing now that I have cancer and have these financial responsibilities, it has been extremely stressful. I just want my kids to be happy and not have to worry if we have enough money.

“I have found through this that I am stronger than what I thought I was. I am my children’s superhero. Knowing what my body is going through is hard enough, but to see them suffer is unbearable to me. I want to use my experience to inspire others to stay strong and be brave even on their darkest days.”

Baker was called in for an interview. “I tripped in front of Ken (Ken Moy, board president for This Means War) and I thought, ‘What a great first impression. I blew it,'” Baker said.

Soon after, Baker received a call at work from Vanek.

“I went into the break room. I figured she was calling to tell me, ‘Sorry, we’ve decided to pick someone else,'” Baker said. “I was so stoked when I found out they selected me to be the fundraiser’s beneficiary. If I wasn’t at work, I would have been jumping and screaming.”

Vanek, also the mother of two when diagnosed, said Baker’s story was near and dear to her heart.

“She’s so young and she has young girls and she’s struggling to make ends meet and still coming up short. One of Alex’s qualities that really impressed me is that her determination is so high.”

Weir said, “What we love about Alex is her attitude and determination to beat the disease so she can be healthy and a role model for her daughters.”

The fundraiser, which includes a three-on-three basketball tournament and a Chinese auction, takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 at Southington Chalker High School.

“I’m typically the one that says no to asking for help. I know other people have their own lives and things to worry about,” Baker said.

She said that since her diagnosis and throughout her treatment, “I’ve been coping through lots of laughter and staying positive. And my children have been a huge part. They would say things like, ‘It’s OK, Mommy. I know you don’t feel good from the chemo.’

“Today, I’m grateful. I’m feeling much better and I have a lot more energy.”

For others struggling with their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Baker said, “The most important thing is to stay positive and be around the people who are there for you. And, no matter how hard it is — losing your hair, etc. — remember, you’re still beautiful.”

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