Montgomery Mother Honored With Tickled Pink Breast Cancer Survivor Makeover
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WAKA) — A Montgomery mother battling breast cancer has been chosen as Action 8’s Tickled Pink Breast Cancer Survivor Makeover winner.
Irma McGlown was nominated by friend Crystal Vazquez, who said McGlown’s strength and faith have been an inspiration.
McGlown’s journey began in January, when she discovered a lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with stage three invasive ductile carcinoma. As a mother of two young daughters, ages 1 and 3, she said the news was overwhelming.
“I was going through all sorts of emotions because no one in my family has ever had cancer, especially breast cancer,” McGlown said. “It really hit because I have two little girls, and my first thought was, ‘Wow, what am I supposed to do now?’”
The busy mother, who works two jobs, started treatment immediately. She credits her husband, extended family and sister — who moved from Texas to help care for her children — for keeping her strong throughout the process.
“My husband’s mom and his dad have come often and they spend the night with us and cook for us and clean the house. My sister and my family have kept my faith very positive when it comes to God, and that’s what I’ve been leaning on,” McGlown said. “That’s what has kept me in a positive energy throughout this whole journey.”
As part of her makeover, McGlown received a 14 carat white gold and diamond pendant from Bryan Jewelry, selected a fabulous new outfit at Belk, consulted with the expert stylists Doug’s 2 Salon about a new hairdo, and had her makeup done by Mary Kay artist Tracy Richardson. Her final stop was to see Dr. Porcia Love at River Region Dermatology for a relaxing facial.
“It truly means a lot, especially because we don’t think about ourselves,” McGlown said. “We have so much going on, but it really makes us feel very special knowing that someone really cares about us.”
McGlown has completed chemotherapy and is undergoing immunotherapy while preparing to begin radiation treatment next week.
Her message to other women facing a cancer diagnosis: “Never stop fighting. It’s worth the fight. Anytime you feel like giving up or that it’s not going anywhere — don’t give up. Keep fighting.”
You can see Irma McGlown’s makeover reveal on Saturday, October 4 at the Tickled Pink Out Party at Riverwalk Stadium. Click here to purchase tickets.
