The Women’s Eye Reflections for the New Year 2012–#3

We wanted to add more quotes from some of our 2o11 TWE Interviews as we get ready for the challenges of this new year.  They may inspire you to take on a new journey, task, or just reflect on what is possible… 

Interview: Ann Murray Paige And Pink Tips For Breast Cancer Fighters

Photo: VIPimages.com

By Stacey Gualandi

TWITTER: @annmurraypaige
FACEBOOK:  annmurraypaige

With the country’s attention focused heavily on breast cancer this month, there is story after inspiring story of amazing survivors of this disease.  But one woman’s journey in particular, Ann Murray Paige, truly captures the spirit of what it means to be a breast cancer fighter!

” Once life forced my face to the mat, I came back swinging, and I still am.”  Ann Murray Paige

Mutual friends Susie Stangland and Lee Woodruff, whom we profiled earlier this year, introduced me to Ann, and I am so grateful they did.

Ann getting chemo; Linda Patillo with camera

This Emmy-nominated New England TV journalist, wife, and mother of two adorable young children, was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 38.  Her dream of having a third child ended there.

But Ann did what she knew best; she told a story.  She documented her battle in the acclaimed film, “The Breast Cancer Diaries.”

She writes an award-winning blog Project Pink , and her just-released book, “pink tips: breast cancer advice from someone who’s been there,” is  the cancer Cliffsnotes she wished she had.

We both worked in television news and share a love of  “Charlie’s Angels” (don’t ask!!!), so I wanted to get to know this “warrior in pink” better.  I soon learned cancer picked the wrong gal when it picked her.

Be sure to tune in soon to our interview with Ann on The Women’s Eye Radio Show airing in December…

Interview: Lee Woodruff On Family, Her Foundation And Flannel PJ’s

By Stacey Gualandi

Twitter:  @LeeMWoodruff
Facebook:  Perfectly Imperfect

UPDATE: 2/1/12:  Lee’s blog reports that she’s just finished the manuscript of her first book, “Those We Love,” which will be out 9/11/12

UPDATE 1/9/12:  Lee Woodruff joins ‘CBS This Morning‘

Author Lee Woodruff  knows what it means to overcome adversity.   Five years ago, her husband ABC anchor Bob Woodruff,  suffered a near-fatal brain injury from a roadside bomb while reporting from Iraq.  It has been a long, yet successful road to recovery.  And in the process, she has become a voice for brain-injured soldiers returning from war.

“Things happen in life and we need to reach out and seek help.”  Lee Woodruff

Lee and her husband wrote In An Instant, an instant bestseller about healing from such a horrible event.   They formed the Bob Woodruff Foundation to help raise awareness, money, and assistance to those troops in recovery.

In her follow-up book, Perfectly Imperfect, A Life In Progress,  she humorously tackled the subject of everyday challenges.  Lee also speaks tirelessly to people all over the country.   This Good Morning America correspondent will be one of the hosts at  the More Magazine Reinvention Convention in Los Angeles on Monday.

I have recently had to “reinvent” myself, so I was very interested in talking with Lee about how to move forward, how to find inner strength, and how to embrace flannel nightgowns.  I’ll explain…