Lisa Willman

My diagnosis of Stage 2 Breast cancer came on April 4, 2006. When Dr. Yazdi called me at 5:30pm and was obviously upset I knew the worst. After surgery on my youngest daughter’s fourth birthday, the chemotherapy, radiation and Herceptin treatments began. It is so difficult to put into words the vast array of emotions that I went through; from being horribly mad and asking “why” to feeling defeated, to being mad enough to fight and finally settling on the will to live as I am bound and determined to see my girls grow up and hold my grandchildren. In this area, we are extremely fortunate to have the highest caliber of cancer treatment. Dr. Copur and his entire staff are in one word: AMAZING! Their medical expertise is unbelievable, but the caring attitudes of those providing the treatment make every patient know that they are loved and cared for. I often tell people that after reading a book entitled “Bald in the Land of Big Hair” that the first paragraph states “upon diagnosis you stop dying and start living.” This is the frame of mind that I encourage all cancer survivors to be in; it’s not fun, it wears you down, but it’s up to each individual to have the right attitude to help with the healing process. I am truly grateful to my husband Kim, who never let me give up, to my beautiful daughters who make my life full and to the rest of my family, including friends who stood by us, fed us, lent a listening ear and were unbelievable in every way. GRACE Foundation was born in 2008 with my dear friend and now “sister,” Julie Pfeifer. This has been a very healing endeavor for both of us and serves as a tribute to those who helped us and has given us this tool in which we can give to those facing diagnosis now and in the future.

Vital Statistics:

Born July 11, 1967 in Rapid City, SD

Raised in Martin, SD – graduated from Bennett County High School in 1985

Rec’d BA with double majors in Business Administration and Speech Communications from Chadron State College in 1989

Moved to GI in 1989 for job as Special Projects Director for Bosselman, Inc.

Worked for Midtown Holiday Inn for 5 years (Sales Director), Fonner Park (Special Groups Coordinator)for 5 years, Staab Management Co (Marketing Director for 9 years and currently at Grand Island Chamber as Operations & Marketing Director and currently serving as the State Fair Coalition Coordinator

Three kids – Daryn Mariah(6/9/98), Kamryn Grace (1/30/01) and Lauryn Elizabeth (4/24/02)

Married Kim Willman on 5/24/97

Diagnosed with BC on 4/4/06

Founded GRACE with Julie 2008