Breast Cancer Awareness month hits close to home for this family. Karen Sacksteder, of Sacksteder's Interiors, and her two sisters, Linda Nixon and Connie Acra, were all three diagnosed with Breast Cancer within 6 months of each other. Connie and Linda underwent double mastectomies. Karen had chemotherapy treatments. She lost all of her hair.

According to Karen, the oldest sister, If Linda had not been diagnosed with the disease, Karen and Connie would not have fared so well. Cancer is not a hereditary gene in this family. All had regular mammograms. They are survivors, Survivors with a story to tell.

Giving back to the charity which helped them through humor is their goal. Through selling Bodacious Boas, they have been able to raise money for the Pink Ribbon Girls, a non-profit organization that helps young women with breast cancer awareness. Karen has found that these bright, fluffy, pink boas have helped take the edge off of the chemotherapy treatments with pink boa parties signaling the end of a difficult and terrifying treatment. Karen believes, "Laughter is the best medicine, so I began to share this vision with others." The Bodatious Boas have brought laughter through tears and strength through pain for many a cancer patient and their families. They share their story with you to give courage to others. For more information visit www.sackstedersinteriors.com.

Karen Sacksteder

As CEO and owner of Sacksteder's Interiors and Design Group for over 21 years, Karen recently became a widow. Her husband of 30 years died just one year prior to her Breast Cancer diagnosis. As an upcoming author and a cancer survivor, Karen has a book, due in November 2008, on the humorous side of Breast Cancer. Part of the proceeds of her new book,"Vivacious Vivian, The Wig That Helped A Girl Through Breast Cancer," will go to the Pink Ribbon Girls. Karen's business, "Sacksteders Design Group was recently certified as a Women's Business Enerprise for the National and the Southeast Council for minority, women-owned businesses. Karen has been featured by the Wall Street Journal and Redbook Magazine.

Download a audio clip of Karen here.

For more information about the Pink Ribbon Girls click here.