Gayela Bynum
"Celebration of Life"
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Gayela Bynum, Chair of "We Will Survive Cancer."
Touraine Lynch with Gayela Bynum
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Ginger & David Vuich
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Copa: When did you establish “We Will Survive Cancer?”
Gayela: "We Will Survive Cancer" was established in August 2009.
Gayela: "We Will Survive Cancer" was established in August 2009.
Copa: What was the main reason why?
Gayela: My daughter-in-law Michelle Bynum, diagnosed with advanced stage III breast cancer made me aware of the need to pay attention to the needs of families. She had amazing support from my son, her parents and sister and a myriad of friends in Texas where they lived – her stories of other young women going through treatment were not so bright. Michelle told stories of driving young women home in the early days of her treatment because they were abandoned by their husbands because it was not what “he signed up for.” Their loss of hair, breasts, eyebrows, finger and toenails left them less desirable so these men often left them without insurance, transportation, food, shelter. This was a shocking revelation to me.
In 2009, Michelle, her mother and sister visited DC – Michelle had been named Komen Austin’s honoree for 2009 because from the time she was diagnosed until 2009, Michelle, her family and friends and extended friends in DC raised tens of thousands of dollars for Komen Austin. While she was here, several of my friends arranged fundraising events for Michelle’s cause. Several of my friends who attended convinced me that we should start an organization here. We started out with the name Michelle’s Angels but changed it to We Will Survive Cancer because our mission became assisting persons with all forms of cancer. (Link to full article): http://www.copastyle.com/gayela-bynum.html
Gayela: My daughter-in-law Michelle Bynum, diagnosed with advanced stage III breast cancer made me aware of the need to pay attention to the needs of families. She had amazing support from my son, her parents and sister and a myriad of friends in Texas where they lived – her stories of other young women going through treatment were not so bright. Michelle told stories of driving young women home in the early days of her treatment because they were abandoned by their husbands because it was not what “he signed up for.” Their loss of hair, breasts, eyebrows, finger and toenails left them less desirable so these men often left them without insurance, transportation, food, shelter. This was a shocking revelation to me.
In 2009, Michelle, her mother and sister visited DC – Michelle had been named Komen Austin’s honoree for 2009 because from the time she was diagnosed until 2009, Michelle, her family and friends and extended friends in DC raised tens of thousands of dollars for Komen Austin. While she was here, several of my friends arranged fundraising events for Michelle’s cause. Several of my friends who attended convinced me that we should start an organization here. We started out with the name Michelle’s Angels but changed it to We Will Survive Cancer because our mission became assisting persons with all forms of cancer. (Link to full article): http://www.copastyle.com/gayela-bynum.html
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Copa: At what time did you start the “Celebration of Life” events?
Gayela: Celebration of Life celebrated its 4th Year this past February.
Gayela: Celebration of Life celebrated its 4th Year this past February.
Copa: Up until this time who where all of the recipients of the awards?
Gayela: Year 2 - Greg Babcock 2014 WWSC Board Member
Year 3 - Touraine (Enchanting) Lynch) 2015 (for the full article follow this link): http://www.copastyle.com/we-will-survive-cancer-honors-touraine-lynch-as-a-13-year-cancer-survivor-at-a-special-mardi-gras-dinner-at-mccormick--schmicks.html
Year 4 - Ginger Vuich who is also a Founding Member of We Will Survive Cancer
Gayela: Year 2 - Greg Babcock 2014 WWSC Board Member
Year 3 - Touraine (Enchanting) Lynch) 2015 (for the full article follow this link): http://www.copastyle.com/we-will-survive-cancer-honors-touraine-lynch-as-a-13-year-cancer-survivor-at-a-special-mardi-gras-dinner-at-mccormick--schmicks.html
Year 4 - Ginger Vuich who is also a Founding Member of We Will Survive Cancer
Greg Babcock with Hahn Margand
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Gayela Bynum and Touraine Lynch
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Gayela and Ginger Vuich
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Copa: Would you like to share with our readers what “Celebration of Life” means to you as in pertains to “We Will Survive Cancer?”
Gayela: Cancer takes its toll on the person it attacks – it is a mental and physical struggle to go through treatment and face the obstacles associated with being treated, working, maintaining one’s life and health. Greg Babcock, Touraine Lynch and Ginger Vuich all epitomize strength of character in fighting this vicious disease. Each researched the best personal treatment and maintained their spirit that they would not be defeated in their battle. Each contributed a story in Don’t Waste My Cancer and each offer HOPE to others facing this battle. I personally respect their “Never give UP Spirit!
Gayela: Cancer takes its toll on the person it attacks – it is a mental and physical struggle to go through treatment and face the obstacles associated with being treated, working, maintaining one’s life and health. Greg Babcock, Touraine Lynch and Ginger Vuich all epitomize strength of character in fighting this vicious disease. Each researched the best personal treatment and maintained their spirit that they would not be defeated in their battle. Each contributed a story in Don’t Waste My Cancer and each offer HOPE to others facing this battle. I personally respect their “Never give UP Spirit!
Copa: What does the future hold for WWSC?
Gayela: WWSC has interesting prospects in its future – I’m sure you realize, I can’t share those until they are set in stone! I can tell you we just instituted a program offering wigs to women facing loss of hair due to the treatment they are going through. The program “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Wig,” has been in place on an informal basis for about 5 years, but as of this spring, we can now declare it permanent due to WWSC's benefactor the Thomas L and Linda J McCormack Foundation. This is a wonderful addition to our mission, Rodney. And, there will be More! |
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"Gayela and Blaine's Photo shoot"
(for Ginger Vuich's Celebration of Life)
Models: Gayela Bynum , Blaine Bynum
Hair Stylist: Jeremy Paul
Dress Designer: Kenneth Daniels
Photography: Tu-Anh Love Nguyen Tu-Anh Love Nguyen
Hair Stylist: Jeremy Paul
Dress Designer: Kenneth Daniels
Photography: Tu-Anh Love Nguyen Tu-Anh Love Nguyen
Gayela Bynum, Copa Style Magazine's
"2016 Woman of the Year"
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Gayela Bynum with Rodney Wayne Branche, Publisher/CEO Copa Style Magazine
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Photography: Donnell Wallace
~Copa