How Far Will Happy Go

As copied from the Galveston Daily News
This was a full page and half article with a big pink ribbon with my picute in the middle of the top of the ribbon.

Cancer survivor makes her catwalk debut

By Bridget Brown
Correspondent
Published May 17, 2009

TEXAS CITY — Melena “Mo” Brown, of Texas City, is always in what she calls her “happy zone.” Recently, she received news that caused her to smile to get even bigger — she was picked to walk the catwalk as part of the Susan G. Komen 18th annual Pink Ribbon Reception.

“I am always in my happy zone,” said Brown, a two-time breast cancer survivor, orator, writer and advocate. “I always smile. I’ve been this way ever since I survived the second time. That’s when I realized what a blessing my life was, and that every single day is a gift from God. No matter how bad I feel, I’m always happy.”

Brown was shocked when she received the invitation. This will be her first time on the runway.

“I’m 53 — I’m just a frumpy old woman, but I’m a two-time breast cancer survivor,” Brown said, laughing. “I don’t know if it’s because of my attitude or something. I feel like the lion at the Emerald City. It’s just incredible.”

Brown made her modeling debut Thursday in Macy’s Houston Galleria at Hidalgo in Houston after receiving a hair and makeup makeover courtesy of the department store.

She was outfitted in Macy’s new spring clothing line along with 12 other models.

“Typically, they are selected based on their community involvement,” said Tania Cruz, volunteer program coordinator for the Susan G. Komen Houston affiliate. “(Models) are recommended by our board and committee members.”

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is devoted to finding a cure for breast cancer. The reception featured the affiliate’s new project, Photovoice, where Komen Houston members were asked to capture and illustrate the barriers that face breast cancer patients by presenting photographs of the challenges they face.

In 1998, Brown was diagnosed with cancer and received a lumpectomy with 25 rounds of radiation treatment. In 2000, the cancer returned, and Brown underwent a full mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy.

“I’ve been cancer-free from breast cancer but something has gone awry in my body where an antibody that normally fights cancer has gone berserk and thinks my whole body has cancer,” Brown said.

There is no cure for the autoimmune disease called Stiff-Person Syndrome, she said.

“There are days I can’t even roll over in bed or move,” Brown said. “In the meantime, I’m having a good time, and I’m going to be a model.”

And, she shares her sunny disposition with the world through her Internet blog titled How Far Will Happy Go, where she posts about something good or happy each day. Readers from all around the world, including Peru, Indonesia and England, are regular visitors to the site.

“I thought, ‘What’s my purpose here?’” Brown said. “So I started a Web site to see how far will happy go.”

Her other calling is to advocate for early detection of breast cancer.

“I am a walking, talking billboard when it comes to mammograms and self exams,” she said. “Catch it early. Do our self exam. Your hand is your best defense against breast cancer.”

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At A Glance

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is devoted to finding a cure for breast cancer. For information, call 713-783-9188 or visit www.komen-houston.org.


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