Janice Cleghorn

My name is Janice Cleghorn and I have been in the Beauty industry over 20 years. One of the many rewards in my business is knowing I can make a difference to how people look and feel about themselves.

My career started with a Skincare and Makeup Company and the same year I trained through Fran's Academy to learn Colour, Wardrobe and style. I then followed Fran when she set up Beauty for You. This lead me to also train as a underfashions specialist and gained the position of International Executive Director within the company.

Through working at a personal level with clients that come to me for a professional fitting, I'm continually amazed at the number of woman who have suffered invasive surgery through breast cancer. Over a year ago while fitting a lady, I noticed a lump and asked if a wire from her previous bra was causing it. The breast on that side was considerably larger and as the conversation continued on she told me her sister had died of breast cancer at the age of 32, she had also lost an Aunt. Nobody had ever suggested that she have an examination! I must say alarm bells were ringing, as she left with her new bra on. I told her I would be phoning to check that she had seen a doctor about that visible lump. Next day she called to say she had an appointment and now that she was aware of something in her breast, she could feel quite a large lump. To tell you what that poor lady had to go through over the next year brings tears to my eyes. She was just 40 years old with three young children. Until my fitting she as totally unaware that she had a lump, as she was wearing a bra that was well past it's "used by date" with no support, but with children's needs a new bra was not high on her priority list until now.

As soon as the doctor's result came back she was into hospital to have the first breast removed. Chemotherapy followed, plus all that goes with it and before she had recovered, the second breast had to be removed. Reconstruction followed and so did the side effects of so many traumas.

When I first heard about Plexuspink and the Breast Chek I was definitely interested in being a part of a team that demonstrated and spread the word about this amazing lump dector. I signed up straight away as a Senior Agent. With the Breast Chek Kit seeing and feeling is believing - you don't have to convince people that it works, they can experience the demonstration effectiveness themselves.

Plexus has given me a global opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people everywhere, not only through an exciting and rewarding business plan but also by spreading the word; we can save lives through early detection. I believe in the need to encourage women to take charge and not put their health in the hands of others. All women need the Breast Chek, not only for themselves, but also for her family and friends. They are part of her life and whatever happens to her has an effect on the entire family and friends so she owes it to them to take care of herself. Plexus is a company that cares, with help we can get the Breast Chek kit into the hands of every woman. Being part of the Plexuspink team is helping people to help others.

Judy Morgan

Twelve and half years ago I had breast cancer and found the lump myself, but the surgeon said it would have been there for some months before I detected it and I know now that if I had have had Breast Chek™ I would have been able to detect the lump at an earlier stage. I feel passionate about spreading the word about Breast Chek™ particularly as there are more women of all ages with breast cancer. I conduct nine yoga classes each week and have a therapy business where I am in contact with many women and I am amazed by the amount of women who do not do a breast check each month.

I think of my role as educating women, and with Fran's help in so generously giving her time whenever needed, I feel I can succeed with Breast Chek™.

Cathy Mc Carthy

Last year I was diagnosed with Stage IIB Breast Cancer. As you would imagine this came as a huge shock. I was only 37, married and have two small children ages 5 and 3. How could I have breast cancer, I thought I'm too young and it's not in my family.

My doctor sent me for an ultrasound and a mammogram, followed by a core needle biopsy.

The mammogram only revealed 1 lump however the ultrasound revealed another 6 lumps below the other one and a suspicious lymph node under my right arm.

A week later the results of the biopsy results came in. It was the longest and hardest week I have ever endured just waiting for the results and all the while trying to convince myself that Iwould be fine. Unfortunately reality set in, I wasn't fine I had CANCER.

My doctor acted very quickly, she made appointments that afternoon for me to see a surgeon and a oncologist. I met my surgeon the next day who is absolutely remarkable; he made me feel like I was in charge of this rotten thing growing inside me. He kept me involved in all the decisions on how best to treat my cancer.

A week later I was in hospital having surgery to remove my right breast, my surgeon and I both agreed that a mastectomy was the best option for me because I had 7 lumps in my breast as well as having a suspicious lymph node under my right arm. When my surgeon was removing the lymph node he decided to remove all lymph nodes because there was another two nodes that looked suspicious. I had a total of 21 lymph nodes removed with two nodes cancerous and 1 node benign.

Following my surgery I underwent 4 months of chemotherapy, I had all the usual side effects followed by 6 weeks of radiotherapy. My oncologist said I needed to do all this because I am at a high risk that the cancer may come back in the chest wall or my neck and by having the chemotherapy and radiotherapy it will reduce the risk of it coming back.

During my journey of experiencing cancer, I was introduced to a fantastic tool to assist with monthly self- breast examinations. The Plexus Pink Breast Chek Aid.

I have now become an Independent Agent for Plexus Pink and our mission is to get a Breast Chek Kit into the hands of every woman in the World.

Suzie Early

A few years ago, my dear friend phoned me to see if I was free to see her. Since I had others in the house with me at the time, she suggested I pop over to her house. I sat down and she calmly told me that she had been told that she had breast cancer. I felt useless and helpless, other than try to be a good friend to her, in her dark hours ahead.

Not long after, I drove with her to the hospital to support her through the operation. I wouldn't leave until I could see her after the double mastectomy, in the recovery room. Her journey over the next couple of years was a roller coaster ride. Sometimes I was able to join her on her ride, and other times she had to do it alone, or with others. Her strength and determination were an inspiration to me and I was unaware how much this was to be a turning point in my life.

I ended up knitting furiously, scarves to give away to those in need, including support groups. I had the idea that women going through difficult times with cancer and feeling unattractive could wear one of my lovely scarves and may feel encouraged and brighter in themselves. So this is what I did - I was a supportive friend and a very average knitter.

This year a different friend and I met up briefly for a coffee and catch up. During the conversation my friend whipped out a pink round thing, and showed me how it made salt and hair feel larger than it really is. Naturally I was amazed and wanted answers and information. Many hours were spent doing research until I couldn't find a reason not to do this. I could see a way for me to help others not have to go through what my friend did, with her cancer. I realised that if we could encourage women to check regularly, then any lumps would be found earlier rather than later, and they would be smaller rather than larger. I felt filled with passion, excitement and vision of how this could change the lives of so many, including my own.

I jumped in with both feet, deciding to be involved with Plexus Pink promoting and selling the Breast Chek. Got the gear, increased my knowledge then hit the phone and street, learning more on my feet, to talk to many groups and individuals, in eagerness to help empower women to take control of their health and be proactive.

I fully intend to succeed in my business, giving myself freedom and flexibility, whilst helping as many women as I can, so that they may avoid the roller coaster ride my friend had with breast cancer.