Bel Air Christmas Parade 2012

On Sunday, December 4th, I had the honor of participating in the 22nd Annual Bel Air Christmas Parade. Hundreds of people lined the streets in anticipation of the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade was followed by the lighting of the town Christmas tree. The parade was sponsored by the Downtown Bel Air Alliance.

Thankful to be cancer free...

After what seemed like the longest week of my life, I received the best news ever. I am CANCER FREE! The phrase still sounds foreign to me. I still can't believe that a week ago, I was having to accept the fact that my life could possibly change in a way that seemed almost surreal. I was consumed with thought of having to explain the situation to my boys. How do you explain all of this to two kids? I had no idea.

I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of me on Thursday when the doctor gave me the news- the cells are abnormal, but not cancerous. I took a deep breath and thanked God for what I had just heard. I had a few moments in this euphoric state before the doctor brought me back to reality. The reality is that these cells have a high probability of becoming cancer, and given the fact that I already had abnormalities at such a young age plus my family history, we knew we needed to start talking about the options available to prevent me from developing breast cancer. She presented me with some options and assured me that I would have all options explained to me in great detail, and arranged for me to meet with a counselor next month. I don't have to make any decisions anytime soon, she said it would be a long process and would require absolute certainty on my end. We spoke of Tamoxifen therapy, which is a medication used as a preventive drug for people who are at an extremely high risk of developing breast cancer. It is also used for women who have had cancer, as a means to lessen their chance of reocurrence. It sounded good in theory, until she explained to me that it wouldn't be like taking antibiotics. The medication has serious risks, it can damage your internal organs and make you extremely sick. It would probably throw my body into early menopause, and has a lot of other serious side effects. Also, it would eliminate the chance of my abnormality becoming cancer by only about 60%. It's better than what I'm at now, so I figured I'd entertain the idea with the counselor when we meet, and take it from there. Her next option, one which I wasn't prepared to hear, was a radical mastectomy with reconstruction. Going by my approximate 'at risk score' of about 70%, she felt this is the option I really needed to think about. This is the only 100% way to ensure my boys will NEVER lose their mommy to breast cancer, when so far, the odds aren't in her favor. They would remove all of my breast tissue and then reconstruct my breasts with implants and skin from other areas. My concern was that if they reconstructed my breasts, how would I no longer be at risk?  She explained to me that since there wouldn't be any breast tissue left, my new breasts wouldn't be "breasts" like I thought. There would be 0% chance I'd ever develop breast cancer since all the "real" breast tissue would be gone.

To me, the decision is made. I want to be here with my boys for as long as possible. If there is a way to ensure that, I am doing it. I do understand that you can't make a decision like this in a few days. I will be speaking to a counselor and then having the breast surgeon perform the Breast MRI to see if there are any changes. I know there's going to be a lot of uncertainty, but the one thing that remains consistent for me is that if there is something I can do to ensure I can be here with the two most important people in my life, I'm going to do it. I owe it to them and to myself. Our goal is to decide what option is best for us, and put it in the works by the end of the summer. For now, I am going to continue being thankful that I am well, and I keep an open mind. I am so thankful for all the support of my friends and family. When the time comes, I will make the best decision for myself and for my loved ones. The best gift I can give to my family is to be here for them as long as possible.

The importance of breast self exams.



It's amazing how in the blink of an eye, things can happen that completely put your entire life in perspective. The little things you worry about suddenly become irrelevant, and you realize how many wasted moments you have spent worrying about things that in the big scheme of life, are of little importance.

I woke up Monday morning tired from the events of the weekend. I spent most of Saturday helping set up for the Maryland Race for the Cure which was held on Sunday. My day started at 3:45 am on Sunday, so needless to say, I was still exhausted on Monday morning. After dropping the children off at school, I came home for a much needed bubble bath. I try to perform self breast exams at approximately the same time each month. Today was the day, and I performed what is usually a methodical, almost robot- like self exam. At 30 years old, I have always thought these exams served as a way to build a good habit, not really as a "real" screening method. This time, it was completely different. I found a lump and I knew it was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I instantly became completely alert, and knew I needed to get dressed and head to my mother's house as soon as possible. I was completely stunned and don't even remember getting dressed. I drove to my moms house and ran out of the car saying absolutely nothing. All I could think to do was to lift my arm and place her hand on my discovery. Her only response was for me to call the doctor. It took a little bit for me to regain my senses and get on the phone. The woman in my doctor's office put me in for the next available appointment with a doctor. I was so glad that they were able to get me in so quickly. Having a mother who had breast cancer, and two aunts who had it also, I knew that I needed to take this seriously. I went in yesterday for my appointment, and it was pretty obvious how concerned my doctor was. He confirmed my finding and diagnosed it as a palpable axillary mass needing immediate evaluation and referred me to a breast surgeon, and radiology for a diagnostic mammogram, and a diagnostic ultrasound. The location of the mass concerned him, as it is in the axilla which is where the lymph nodes are located. He had my mom and I head directly downstairs, where he was calling radiology and letting them know I was on my way down to schedule my tests. He wanted a Radiologist present, not just a technician, and he wanted the results interpreted right away.  Little did I know how difficult it would be to orchestrate all of this and get our insurance company to authorize a diagnostic mammogram because of my age. When we got downstairs to schedule the appointment, I was told that my doctor was in the process of calling the head of Radiology to authorize my mammogram. It is not in their typical protocol to do a mammogram on a 30 year old. This was news to me and even bigger news to my mom. After running back and forth and a few angry phone calls from my doctor, everything is scheduled for Monday, October 31st at 10 am. I am hoping for the best, but I am prepared for the possibilities. I know that no matter what, I will get through this. I have such a strong support system and I have two little men who need me around for a really long time. I allowed myself some "worry time" yesterday, and although I can't completely forget about what's going on, I refuse to let the possibilities scare me. I am much stronger than that...

Ladies, please take the time to do your self exams. Never had I imagined I'd ever find anything. You owe it to yourselves, your children, and everyone else in your life... 

Komen Maryland Race for the Cure 2011



It's hard to believe that after all these months, Race Day finally came and is now over! It was an amazing day and somehow, each year is better than the year before. I was amazed at the number of survivors who visited our tent today. Every year, it seems the number increases dramatically from the year before. It demonstrates that truly, we are getting closer to a cure. I am always touched at how proudly the survivors come into the tent and sign their names to the canvases we have waiting for them. They also provide the number of years they have been cancer free. I have seen everything from 5 weeks to 21 years. Each has their own story, which they are usually eager to share. All have touched my heart, some have left me speechless. I walk away from today knowing more than ever, I want to do more. The feeling is magnified when you are surrounded by people who put their hearts and souls into what they do. In all the years that I have served on the Survivor Committee, I have never heard anyone say they were overwhelmed or that they were frustrated. Everyone is involved for the same reason, to make an impact. I have learned so much from Kim Wright, the Survivor Chair. She's a pretty amazing lady, as are all the ladies I have had the honor of working with!

I walked away from today with a few beautiful scarves courtesy of Steve and Adam with Ford, who also had the keys to the beautiful "Warriors in Pink" mustang, coffee from Zeke's Coffee in Baltimore, and many other goodies from various vendors who supported the race. I took a photo near the infamous "Warriors in Pink" mustang which will be featured on the website for the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. Ocean City, MD will be holding its 1st Race for the Cure in April.

Thank you to everyone who supported the 2011 Maryland Race for the Cure! Together we can make a difference!

A Crown for the Cure

There are some really exciting things happening at A Crown for the Cure! Please take a moment to check out my page on Facebook.

WPOC's Bosom Buddy Brunch

Today I attended the Annual Bosom Buddy Brunch to benefit Komen for the Cure, Maryland. It was held at the beautiful Turf Valley Resort in Ellicot City, MD. The venue was beautiful, brunch was delicious,and the service was impeccable! There were over 500 people in attendance including both male and female survivors. There was pink all around, even pink champagne to toast the survivors who attended the event! The Bosom Buddy Brunch was sponsored by WPOC and featured a performance by American Idol Runner Up, Lauren Alaina. One of my favorite parts of the afternoon was playing Breast Cancer Bingo. It was such a nice event. Now I'm even MORE excited about Race Day!

Survivor Committee Dinner

On Saturday, October 1st, the Survivor Committee and I spent the afternoon creating beautiful centerpieces for the Survivor Tent for the 2011 Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. We had a wonderful afternoon! We try to make the tent as extravagant as we can, and we offer special services for our survivors such as massages, temporary tattoos, and makeovers. I can assure you it's unlike anything you have ever seen! This committee works so hard for several  months prior to the race to ensure the survivors have an area of their own, where each and every one of them is recognized for their amazing accomplishment- survival! Each year we have a special theme for our tent. We try to keep it a secret so SHH! I can give you a hint, it goes to space. You'll have to join me to see what it is! We worked late into the evening so that we could get as much as possible completed. The Survivor Committee sees a lot of each other, especially a month or so before the race. I truly look up to these women and honestly, I am honored to work side by side with them. I will post photos of the centerpieces after Race Day so I don't spoil the surprise! I hope to see everyone there!

Let me tell you a little about myself!

Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Pattie Altobelli- Barbato and I am Mrs. Maryland United America. Let me tell you a little about myself.  I am a full time homemaker and a loving wife to my husband of 10 years. I am the proud mother of two beautiful little boys, ages four and eight. I am very involved in my children's education. I am serving the last year of my three year term as Vice President of the Home and School Association. My goal has been to unify parents and administrators to better our children's education. The Home and School Association makes decisions that effect the well being of our children. It has been very fulfilling watching the ideas the Executive Committee and I had early in our terms, come to fruition. For the past two years, I have served as Chairwoman for the event "A Night at the Races." This event involves 100 business/community sponsors coming together to raise funds for the ever changing technological needs of a school. Proceeds from this event purchased school whiteboards, portable laptop stations, and other items beneficial to our children's education. I am the recipient of the President's Award for Community Service in 2009 and 2010. I have held titles on both local and national levels including Miss Maryland and Miss American Cover Girl. I have been competing in pageantry for approximately 15 years. My involvement with Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivorship has been on-going. Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivorship has been my platform for the past 15 years. As the daughter of a survivor, I feel that it is my duty to help find a cure for this disease, so that no mother is ever taken from her son/daughter. I started as a general volunteer for Susan G. Komen, Maryland. I am now serving on the Survivor Committee. I have also started my own non-profit organization called "A Crown for the Cure."  This site was created to raise cancer awareness and survivorship. Each month, I name a different Survivor of the Month, and share their story. I also share area events being held to benefit breast cancer research/awareness that I am involved with. My ultimate goal is to become the Chair of the largest fundraiser in Maryland, the Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. Due to my involvement in pageantry, I am often asked about my appearances. Although I do enjoy attending many events and lending my name/title to many causes, I prefer to "sit" on committees if possible, and have a more meaningful role to help a cause. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, the outdoors, and decorating my home. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive family and friends!

7:03:00 AM

by Mrs Maryland US Beauties 2012

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Let me introduce myself!

Thank you for visiting my blog! My name is Pattie Altobelli- Barbato and I am Mrs. Maryland United America. Let me tell you a little about myself.  I am a full time homemaker and a loving wife to my husband of 10 years. I am the proud mother of two beautiful little boys, ages four and eight. I am very involved in my children's education. I am serving the last of my three year term as Vice President of the Home and School Association. My goal has been to unify parents and administrators to better our children's education. The Home and School Association makes decisions that effect the well being of our children. It has been very fulfilling watching the ideas the Executive Committee and I had early in our terms, come to fruition. For the past two years, I have served as Chairwoman for the event "A Night at the Races." This event involves 100 business/community sponsors coming together to raise funds for the ever changing technological needs of a school. Proceeds from this event purchased school whiteboards, portable laptop stations, and other items beneficial to our children's education. I am the recipient of the President's Award for Community Service in 2009 and 2010. I have held titles on both local and national levels including Miss Maryland and Miss American Cover Girl. I have enjoyed participating in pageantry for many years. My involvement with Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivorship has been on-going. Breast Cancer Awareness and Survivorship has been my platform for the past 15 years. As the daughter of a survivor, I feel that it is my duty to help find a cure for this disease, so that no mother is ever taken from her son/daughter. I started as a general volunteer for Susan G. Komen, Maryland. I am now serving on the Survivor Committee. I have also started my own non-profit organization called "A Crown for the Cure."  This site was created to raise cancer awareness and survivorship. Each month, I name a different Survivor of the Month, and raise awareness about events going on to benefit breast cancer research/awareness. My ultimate goal is to become the Chair of the largest fundraiser in Maryland, the Komen Maryland Race for the Cure. Due to my involvement in pageantry, I am often asked about my appearances. Although I do enjoy attending many events and lending my name/title to many causes, I prefer to "sit" on committees if possible, and have a more meaningful role to help a cause. This is what I consider community involvement. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, the outdoors, and decorating my home. I am blessed to be surrounded by such a supportive family and friends!