About
History & Background
At 42 years old, hearing the words “You have breast cancer” was a life-altering moment for me. It felt like the world had stopped, and I was overwhelmed with disbelief. How could this be happening to me? I had always prided myself on my health and vitality, yet suddenly, I was facing a reality I never imagined.
The initial shock brought a flood of questions and fears. Why me? Would I have the strength to face the battle ahead? Amidst these emotions, one thing became clear – my determination to fight, not just for myself, but for the precious moments with my family that I cherished above all else.
I began a journey that tested my resilience in ways I never thought possible. Deciding to undergo a double mastectomy was not easy, but I knew it was the right choice for me. It was a decision made out of love – for life, for family, and for the hope of a future free from this disease.
For a year and a half, I believed I had overcome the worst. But fate had other plans. The discovery of a new lump shattered the peace I had fought so hard to achieve, bringing back the uncertainty and fear.
Facing eight rounds of aggressive chemotherapy was daunting, and the thought of losing my hair added to my distress. Losing my hair was the first visible sign that I had a serious illness. Hair is a fundamental part of a woman’s identity and can cause significant emotional strain during physical struggles. It’s not until you lose your hair that you realize its importance.
A few years later, my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer. When we learned that her insurance would not cover the cost of a wig, Mark, her brother and I immediately offered to buy her one. Wig costs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, an expense that can be prohibitive for many during a cancer diagnosis. When Laura’s hair began to grow back, another family member was newly diagnosed. The realization that we could pass on a gently used wig to the next woman was the moment that inspired the start of EBeauty Community’s “Pay it Forward” program.
The Pay It Forward program was created with the belief that the small act of donating a wig can create a significant impact for another woman undergoing treatment. A donated wig can ease their struggle, create a community of support, and help them feel beautiful on their journey to wellness.
It is through our shared experiences and acts of kindness that we find strength during our cancer journey. It is my honor and life’s work to have founded the EBeauty Community for Cancer Support.
With love and gratitude,
Carolyn
Carolyn Keller and her grandchildren, thriving for 15 years
Organizational Milestones
2011
2012
2013
2017
2021
2023
2024
Board of Directors
Carolyn Keller,
Founder of EBeauty Community Center for Cancer Support, Charman of the Board
Patricia M.C. Brown, Esq.,
current President of Oncology at Medically Home and former SVP of Managed Care and Population Health, and President of Johns Hopkins HealthCare LLC, Treasurer
Tiffany Delgado Sanders, Esq.,
Of Counsel, Real Estate
Caren Callahan, Esq.,
President of the Law Offices of Caren Callahan, Director
Sara Reges, R.N.,
in the Program Advancement for Brain Injury Services at National Rehabilitation Hospital, Director
Sharon Riser, CEO,
at Temple Annapolis & Temple Frederick a Paul Mitchell Partner School, Director
Jill Matheson, Director, Oncology Service Line,
Methodist Hospital of Southern California