Overcomers made the front cover of American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2018 magazine for the fall!

The article told the stories of both our Founder and Co-Founder, Genny Small and Jessica Meyers, as well as our recent fundraiser, The Men in Pink Gala. An excerpt from the post reads as follows: “Serving breast cancer survivors is a communal effort for the Small family. Genny’s husband, Paul, teaches the men’s workshop to help spouses process their emotions and support their wives as a co-survivor, and their children, who range from ages 4 to 16, also volunteer. (You can read one of there testimonies here) Genny hopes these charitable efforts and community outreach inspire them to follow in her footsteps.

“All of our children are involved, whether it’s helping me stuff envelopes for the gala, working behind the scenes with the organization or updating the organization’s website,” Genny says. “They all see the positive part of joining together as a family. I hope they’ll find a way to give back no matter what challenges come their way. That’s what life is about. It’s not about us. It’s about giving back in whatever season we’re in. If someone has a need, and we can meet it, why not be a blessing to someone else?”

Jessica and Genny crossed paths at the end of their breast-cancer journeys. They discovered a shared passion to help survivors rebuild their lives after cancer and joined together to create Overcomers: Daughters of the King of Kings, a nonprofit organization and sisterhood to encourage, equip and empower breast cancer survivors and their families. “Right after I was cancer-free, I made a vow to help as many people as I could, so when Genny first approached me about her idea, it was a definite yes,” says Jessica, Overcomers Co-founder, and Vice President. “We dove into it together without any hesitation. As survivors, we try to focus on the things we experienced and spread awareness to let people know about our services, so they won’t feel alone. We have a huge sisterhood. We take these women under our wings, and they become family.”

Genny and Jessica hope to expand their reach to help women beyond the San Antonio area find their new normal after breast cancer and remind them they are not alone. 

“I want to be a voice to let them know it’s OK to be vulnerable, and it’s OK to have these scars,” Genny says. “My breasts represented nurturing, so it was hard to lose that part of me. But having reconstruction helps me look in the mirror and say, ‘We’ve been through some stuff together. I’m thankful. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and say, ‘This is the new me – I’m stronger, I’m more resilient, that’s powerful.” “Reconstruction has helped me feel whole again,” she continues. “We have scars, but I think scars are amazing. They represent a battlefield and remind me that I am a warrior.”

[Note:] We want women to know that reconstruction is a personal choice and to do what you feel is best for your journey.   Sadly, the statics show that many women are not offered reconstruction as an option and that shouldn’t be happening.  Be your own advocate and get the care you need when it comes to all of your choices in your health care.  Overcomers recommend seeking places that can help you navigate your questions with breast cancer.  We support a new App called Breast Advocate for both you and your family members as questions arise.  Thank you to Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo for creating this incredible resource in an app.  

You can read the full article below:

Link to the online copy of the magazine here.

You can learn more about what Overcomers does for breast cancer survivors by visiting our About Page. Overcomers also needs volunteers to help us at events, so if you are wanting to know more information about volunteering with Overcomers, please visit our Volunteer Page. 

If you have any questions for Genny or Jessica, please leave a comment below!