Genny Small

Genny Small is the Founder and President of Overcomers. She is also a workshop facilitator. She is a breast cancer survivor, diagnosed  in her third trimester of pregnancy,  before the birth of her 8th child in 2014.   She realized through her journey that many women were finding themselves feeling alone or unable to share with others the very real and personal assaults that cancer does to the mind, body, and spirit. Through this journey, this ministry was born.  Genny wrote the curriculum that Overcomers uses in their workshops.  She thanks God for giving her the wisdom to put together this workshop and the many others that are being formed.

Her hearts desire is to serve others where she is planted, to be a help in times of difficult seasons, and to make a difference in the world one life at a time starting with her family of 10 first. Her life motto is, “Rise when you think you can’t, crawl if you can’t walk, and try even if you think you’ll fail. Life is short so make it count.”

Jessica Meyers

Jessica Meyers is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Overcomers. She was diagnosed with stage 2 Invasive breast cancer in December, 2014. Genny and Jessica met at the end of their breast cancer Journeys. They soon discovered that they both have a passion and heart for helping others. “For me I realized the hardest part of my journey was after being cancer free. Cancer can rob you emotionally, mentally and spiritually.” This realization brought Genny and Jessica together to find a way for women to break down those walls that hinder those from healing and to address some of the issues we face, mentally and physically as survivors.

Kristen Coulon

Kristen Coulon is the Secretary of Overcomers. Kristen was diagnosed with breast cancer (DCIS) in September 2017. After having a double mastectomy, DIEP flap reconstruction, as well as losing her mother to terminal breast cancer in December 2017, attending the fall 2018 Overcomers workshop was a lifeline for her. The workshop helped her to process her grief, pursue healing, and come together with other women who were on a similar journey. As the workshop leaders invited the Holy Spirit to come alongside the group, the Lord’s healing power and loving comfort reduced her anxiety and helped her start to see that even a cancer diagnosis can have a deeper purpose.

She would now like to serve in this important ministry and help ensure it is there for future overcomers. No woman should have to feel she is alone in the battle against breast cancer. Kristen believes that Overcomers is a band of pink sisters – together walking forward along the journey and trusting that nothing is impossible for God. She wants to help others in their healing process to develop an abiding faith that He can bring good even out of darkness and uncertainty.

Heather Waggoner

Heather Waggoner is our Committee Chair of Pink Under the Tree and the Co-Committee Chair for the Pink Gala. “I first heard about Overcomers during my time working as a nurse and caring for breast reconstruction patients, but it was not until I attended their Pink Under the Tree event that I really understood their mission. Surrounded by breast cancer survivors, we all spent time wrapping Christmas presents for< patients and their families who needed a little extra love and support during the Holiday season. This organization not only helps patients and their families transition from treatment to survivorship through their amazing workshops, but they also step in to show love and support to those who need it most during their breast cancer journeys. They rally around their pink sisters and become more than just another support group—they become family.
As an oncology nurse navigator, I am honored to work alongside the Overcomers organization to help the many women in our community impacted by breast cancer. Overcomers’ generosity and love can be felt by all those who come in contact with them. From workshops, fundraisers, and support retreats, this group of incredible people makes a great impact on our breast cancer community. As someone who has lost several family members to cancer, I know firsthand how important this support can be!”

Alexander Small 

Alexander Small is the technology head of Overcomers. Alexander is Net+ certified, and specializes in website development and online marketing. Alexander has been volunteering with Overcomers for 5 years now. His daily tasks include website management, backend event support, and social media marketing.

Rebecca Osborne

Rebecca Osborne is our Dove Fund Director and Ministry Support Director. Rebecca Osborne started her breast cancer journey in December of 2016 at 45 years old.  She has been blessed to be a participant in the Overcomer’s workshop as well as the first annual Overcomer’s retreat.  She is thankful to Overcomer’s for the relationships that have been formed with other women walking through a similar journey.  Ultimately her desires to bless other survivors caused her to seek out volunteer opportunities with Overcomers. Rebecca has served as a leader in her local church working with young women for decades, and is excited for the opportunity to be a small group leader for the Overcomer’s workshop.  The workshop allowed her to examine some of the hardships and blessings that the breast cancer journey has brought into her life, and to use that ultimately to deepen her relationship with God.  The retreat was an amazing time of refreshing worship and a sweet moment to breathe in life in the midst of the chaos that treatment and recovery can bring.  Rebecca loves to spend time with her husband and three daughters at their ranch filled with animals. 

Melissa Curiel

From the moment I received the news on October 11, 2018 that I was diagnosed with stage III triple negative breast cancer, God was already working in my favor. My family surrounded me as I broke the news and dealt with the magnitude of what this diagnosis would mean to me and my family. As I prepared for the journey ahead of me, God was placing angels in my path to help me along the way. As I began chemotherapy treatments, the oncology nurse he put in my path would become my angel here on earth who would care for me, love me, encourage me and guide me throughout my chemo journey. My physicians and surgeons provided excellent care and treatment as I progressed in my fight and eventually became cancer free. Even though this is what I fought so hard for, I felt tired and broken and scared and didn’t know how to help myself feel happy again. God again placed beautiful angels in my path to help me in this next phase of my journey. I was introduced to the Overcomers organization and attended the fall Breast cancer survivor workshops and the fall Beauty in the Brokenness retreat. What a blessing this was for me as I was surrounded by beautiful, courageous warriors and survivors and women of Christ who showered me with love and compassion. They provided a safe place where I could share my fears and my deepest thoughts where I could laugh and where I could cry. Overcomers has changed my life. Overcomers has taught me how to love the new me, how to live life one day at a time, and to trust in God’s plan. I am so honored and blessed to be serving on the Overcomers leadership team and I look forward to paying it forward by serving others through this wonderful organization.

Kristi Quadrato

Kristi is our Treasurer and MetaSisters Director.

I learned in the fall of 2018 how paralyzing the unknowns and what-ifs of a cancer diagnosis can be. We focused on putting one foot in front of the other until we heard an “all clear” and encouraging path forward from the doctors in late December. Hearing I could safely forego chemo meant the crisis was officially over and was the best Christmas present I could’ve received. Surprisingly, I found myself unable to celebrate, relax or fully re-engage in my everyday life. I was stuck, felt broken and just couldn’t pull myself together. It was during the Overcomer’s nine-week workshop where “heart” work, prayer and personal reflection made me realize I was wasn’t broken after all. Instead, I began to see a new woman emerge as the Lord lovingly restored me – scars and all – for the purpose of serving other women who have battled, or are currently battling, breast cancer.

I struggled to answer this call for fear of losing friends to this ugly disease. If I didn’t get attached, it would hurt less. But Jesus didn’t shy away from discomfort. He did the complete opposite by giving His life for us on the cross despite our ugly, unloving and self-seeking ways. Why should I remain in my “safe place” when Jesus did anything but? In May, I witnessed the deep love Overcomers’ had for a dear friend and family during her passing. Amidst unimaginable heartache, the Lord opened my eyes to see the blessing of loving others well through hardships. I have never seen an organization more on mission than Overcomers was on that single day. In response, I joined their leadership team so I could live on mission with them. This pink sisterhood I resisted from the beginning has become family and my cancer has found its purpose. It’s now my honor to serve in and through Overcomers through it all – tears, laughter, grief and celebrations. I fully trust the Lord will provide His strength, peace, comfort and joy through whatever may come, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Jennifer Nicole Smith

Since being diagnosed with stage 3 ductal carcinoma in June 2017, my journey through breast cancer has been a long, winding road. I have had a double mastectomy surgery, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and am currently in radiation therapy(30 treatments). Being a part of Overcomers has been nothing short of a true blessing. It’s a challenge to cope with cancer,- mind , body , and spirit. This organization has provided the support and tools I so desperately needed to ease my pain and to move forward in a positive direction with my life. I have been so inspired, I’ve chosen to go into Overcomers leadership to help others through their struggles! I would recommend Overcomers to anyone on their journey through cancer. My life will never be the same.

Amy Tilburg

The women of Overcomers have welcomed me with open arms to their family. I feel so
blessed. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (HER2 neg/ HR pos) in my left
breast with lymph node involvement. There is no history of breast cancer in my family,
so we were all shocked by this news. With the Lord and my family by my side, I endured
Chemo (Red Devil, Taxol); a mastectomy of the left breast with all lymph nodes
removed, twenty-five rounds of radiation, and reconstruction DIEP surgery of my left
breast. With Overcomers support, I have begun the emotional healing that most, if not
all of us need after we have endured our clinical health system. I have found wonderful
women in Overcomers that have made me feel so at home and part of their family. I
look forward to helping other women going through this journey with these same tools
used in this Christian based group.

Jan Johnson

Valorie Hulme

I met Genny in 2014 when she was going through her breast cancer journey. I had shared with her my story of hope and healing, as I was a survivor of a malformation in my brain that was expected to take my life. I live on this side of a miracle. I had a strong testimony of what it is to cast out fear and trust fully in the Lord. I knew then that I was called to be an encourager. 
I was diagnosed in November 2017 with Stage 1 Her2 positive breast cancer. I attended the Overcomers workshop following my surgeries and during radiation. The program was a great blessing. It helped me work through my own grief when I didn’t think I had any, while opening my eyes with compassion for my pink sisters. I am so thankful to be able to be part of this community of women who naturally display the hope, promise and joy that we all needed. It is my desire to encourage women as they travel through their journey’s.”

Sophia James

Overcomers could not have come at a better time for me, though I truly wish I would have reached out sooner.  Jessica Meyers was the first “Pink Sisters” I connected with once I received the breast cancer diagnosis in 2015.  Initially, I believed that opting to have a double mastectomy would eliminate further risk.  One morning I heard the Lord clearly, “Sophia, I allowed the enemy to mess with you because you are my daughter and you are going to get through this. I have got you.”  A few weeks later I found out that the cancer had spread to my lymph nodes.  I decided to make the tough decision to go through eight rounds of aggressive chemotherapy.  It changed my life.  I was in remission and began to recover from the brokenness, however my life never seemed to return to “normal.”

In late 2019 I was again diagnosed with breast cancer resulting in surgery and radiation treatments.  During the treatment my family and friends were surprised by my resilience. However, what they didn’t know was internally, I was in a fight for my life!  The “Old” me began to fade and my “New” life in Christ was beginning!  I found myself crying in a parking lot on the phone with Jessica Meyers from Overcomers asking her if I was normal.  She invited me to attend an Overcomers workshop and that was exactly where I needed to be.  I can take comfort knowing that I am surrounded by women that have shared similar experiences.  

I am blessed to be a part of the Overcomers ministry. Through this ministry I have gained greater hope for the future and I am honored to be a part of Overcomers leadership to encourage others that are battling.  There is much hope in the Lord.  I have learned that sometimes the Lord has to break us in order for us to be fully His.  I thank God for the process…

Whatever Lord, whatever You need to use me for. 

Janet Womack

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 9, of 2018. Originally thought to be a 1.5 cm stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, the final pathology report bumped me to Stage 2B.

My Doctor sat patiently and explained my type of breast cancer and my treatment options.  Honestly, it was the most fear rattling time of my life, and I had a huge decision to make. 

I prayed, and I prayed hard for guidance, and I was terrified.  I wished I could have had some peace of mind having a lumpectomy and radiation, but something Greater was telling me that it wasn’t the right decision for me.

On June 21, 2018 I had a 10 hour surgery, a bilateral mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction.  A week later, I was home from the hospital, my breast surgeon called me to tell me they discovered a larger 4cm DCIS cancer hiding in the same breast, and that I had indeed made a good decision, in having the mastectomy.  He also let me know that I had to go back into surgery within the month, because there was a margin that wasn’t clear. 

After finishing 6 months of chemotherapy, and a the final phase  of my reconstruction in February of 2019, I attended the Spring 2019 session of Overcomers. It was perfect timing.

The 9 weeks of classes touched on every topic I had been going over in my mind, and provided a safe place with other survivors who understood what I was going through, what I had been through, and still finding my way around my new body, my new life beyond breast cancer.

From the moment I discovered my lump I was filled with fear.   Through the process of diagnostic mammogram, to the ultrasound, to ultrasound guided biopsy, through a very long surgery, recovery, and chemotherapy, the fear didn’t subside.  

Having breast cancer led me to this amazing group of strong, inspiring women.  A Sisterhood I didn’t plan on being part of, but now feel like we are a part of each other.  God brought us together in His own timing.  Going through the Spring session was a gift to me in so many ways, I wanted to be able to help other women coming behind me on this journey.  I was inspired to join as a co-facilitator for the Fall session, and participated in the annual retreat.

Battling cancer and the life after it isn’t easy.  I am grateful to be part of this community of women, full of Hope for the future, having faith in His words “FEAR NOT”. 

Shoni Power

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32 in 2013. I underwent a bilateral
mastectomy with reconstruction and was placed on hormone blockers for 5 years.
Unfortunately, in 2018 I was diagnosed with a local recurrence. I underwent another surgery, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 38 rounds of radiation. Through both diagnoses I have always tried to turn my pain into purpose by sharing my story and mentoring other women as they walk through their journey. After completing treatment, the second time, I knew the healing wasn’t over. I was healed physically, but it was time to heal emotionally and mentally. That is how I became an Overcomer and it was life changing!!! During the 9-week workshop Idiscovered I there is beauty in the brokenness that I was feeling and my heart began to heal. The women I was surrounded by became family and even though I moved to the Atlanta, GA area shortly after completing the course they stayed close. I knew during that transition that God was moving our family not just because of my husband’s job, but a much bigger purpose. I feel truly blessed to see His hand at work as I am able to help grow the Overcomer family here in Georgia continuing to turn my pain into PURPOSE!

Nohemi Mendez

……For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.  Luke 12:48 (NKJV)

Oftentimes, we read these words in scripture and literally volunteer ourselves up to the lord begging Him to trust us with whatever He has for us, without ever stopping to ponder what or how this request might actually look like or play out.  In fact, we implore Him to give us an opportunity to prove our faithfulness to Him. So while I’m certainly not saying or suggesting that the “C” comes from God, because it doesn’t; He certainly uses it in a manner that will bring glory to Himself first, and then refinement for us! And so after having been diagnosed and having received major treatments for stage 2 Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), I discovered OVERCOMERS. Why would I need such said support?  After all, “I was over major obstacles.”  Soon after, long-term hormone therapy became the treatment regimen that was aimed at lowering the reoccurrence rate.  This is where I learned just how much I would need to connect with others going through similar life altering (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) changes.  I heard about this faith-based organization through a mutual pink sister who possessed the grace to recognize I might benefit from the 9 week course this saving grace offered.  Naturally, I found myself navigating in uncharted waters. 

Nevertheless, my determination to reclaim the beauty for ashes the Lord promises, became my mission. In so doing, He would receive All the glory and I would play a role in someone else’s healing. And while healing is an ongoing process, especially when uninvited challenges arise like clockwork, OVERCOMERS comes alongside us and lifts up our arms when we are too weak to do so ourselves. OVERCOMERS pours out when we are too empty that even attempting to squeeze a single drop out of us is virtually impossible. OVERCOMERS helps to rebuild and reconstruct the broken fragments left over from the devastating effects of cancer. OVERCOMERS builds up the shattered self esteems that survivors work tirelessly to hide. 

And so this organization, OVERCOMERS, is not the cure all, answer to all things cancer.  But what they are is exactly what each of us has need of at the appointed time. They are the  embodiment of the physical hands and feet of Jesus Christ. 

Lori McIntyre

Hello, my name is Lori McIntyre, and I am an Overcomer! I am from San Antonio Texas. I recently retired after 30 years in the Navy back in my hometown  of San Antonio.  In 2018, I had lost both my mother and older sister to breast cancer within four months of each other.   I also had some questionable mammograms and as it turned out, my sister and I had the same genetic gene that put us at a higher risk category for Breast Cancer both she and my surgeon encouraged me to have a prophylactic bi- lateral mastectomy. Having already had NH Lymphoma in 2010 with both chemotherapy and  radiation treatments. I decided to have the surgery. I am so glad I did because after the surgery I found out from the pathology report that I had a rare form of Breast Cancer called Paget’s Disease. that normally won’t appear until the later stages of cancer.  but by being proactive my was caught early, requiring no chemotherapy ! In 2019, I found Overcomer’s through the internet and by September I was able to  attend the weekend retreat where iI was able to meet so many lovely ladies, learned so many life lessons, and restore my faith in my Heavenly Father. This past spring I attended my first workshop and have learned so much about both the physical and emotional aspects  breast cancer does to  you but it also explains how it can affect you on a spiritual level as well. I know God has work  left for me here to do, Psalms 138: 8 says ” The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me: ( Lori) “. Having a group of sweet sisters in Overcomer’s is definitely a big blessing that I hope other survivors  can experience.

Christine Lopez-Martinez

Hi, I am Christine Ann Lopez-Martinez, and I am a Breast Cancer Survivor! I was born and
raised in San Antonio, Texas. I am married and I have two children; Julian Alejandro Lopez born
in July of 1995 and Alyna Kaitlyn Howell born in February of 2000; my two angels sent to me
from Our heavenly father above!

At the age of 44 on June 17, 2020 I was diagnosed with stage III Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
I will never forget that day, I was all alone due to Covid. I felt in my heart that I had breast
cancer; but I tried to stay very positive that day. Even though I had such a strong feeling of what
the results would be I was in shocked when I received my diagnosis. I had no idea what to say or
do in that moment. Dr Alfredo Santillan and Dr Suneetha Challagundla of Texas Oncology-San
Antonio Medical center both made me feel so comfortable and that I was in good hands.

I started infusion chemotherapy treatment on August 12, 2020; started with what is known as the
“Red Devil” once every 2 weeks for 4 treatments followed by Taxol once a week for 12 weeks.
On February 26, 2021 I had a bilateral mastectomy along with 9 lymph nodes removed on right
axillary. On March 28, 2021 I then started Xeloda (oral chemo); which would be an 8 month
course of treatment. On May 3, 2021 I needed to pause my Xeloda treatment to start my 36
rounds of radiation treatment. August 15, 2021 I was able to restart my Xeloda treatment and
was done with all of my cancer treatment on October 31, 2021. On May 16, 2022 I underwent an
8 hour DIEP flap surgery. I put all my faith in God and prayed for steady hands and watchful
eyes on all the medical staff that was going to be in the surgery room with me. I had a successful
surgery and been recovering well.

Surviving cancer and life after cancer has been the most emotional journey I have ever been on. I
am so thankful for this breast cancer journey of mine; the “Old” me started to fade away and the
“New” me started relationship with God, I joined a women’s bible study group with women who
are strong in their faith with the lord, and became a part of the Overcomers; Daughters of the
King of Kings a group of wonderful, strong, beautiful, inspiring Overcomers. I attended the 9
week workshop and volunteered to help with some of the Overcomers fundraising functions. I
was so touched hearing other Survivors testimonies knowing that I was not alone in the way that
I was feeling and what I was going through within myself and with my family. I immediately felt
in my heart that God brought me to them for a reason; I was so inspired to forever be a part of
the Overcomers; that maybe my own testimony can help other women coming behind me on this
journey. I took a leap of faith, and I feel so blessed to be part of the Overcomers leadership.

Rebecca Parsons

Hello, my name is Rebecca and I am a breast cancer survivor! I was diagnosed with stage 2 ductal carcinoma in November 2021. My life turned upside down and my future became very uncertain. The next two years were filled with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, radiation, reconstruction surgery and more. I was blessed to meet Overcomers as I was finishing up my radiation during the fall 2022, 9-week workshop. The workshop gave me hope and encouragement to face life after cancer. It was evident there was an abundance of love and compassion poured into each weeks topics. I found my tribe of pink sisters who helped me in more ways than I could imagine. Overcomers is making a difference in the breast cancer community! No one is meant to fight this disease alone and once you become an Overcomer, you have found your sisterhood for life! If you’ve made it this far, I encourage you to join us! We can’t wait to meet you!