Nanette Giannola Russell

Selfless, loving, caring, big hearted and nurturing are a few of many words that describe Nanette.   Upon meeting her you feel the genuine care, respect and concern that she has for all people.

 Just a week after her 47th birthday, in January 2014, she was diagnosed with Stage Four Metastatic Breast Cancer  After enduring five months of intense chemotherapy, she was told that she was cancer free and was able to continue to the next stage – surgery.

Her first surgery was in August 2014, a double mastectomy.  Surprising to all, shortly after her surgery she came to her nephew’s 25th surprise birthday party.  As always, putting others feelings and needs ahead of her own, she felt it was important to be there to celebrate this milestone.  Due to her maternal family history with cancer, she had two follow up risk reduction surgeries, a hysterectomy and an oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery) in October 2014.

Surgery is nothing new to Nanette.  Five months after marrying the love of her life, she was in a car accident.  The injuries from the accident lead to four spinal surgeries with the first surgery nearly ending her life when her femoral artery was cut.  After that, she felt like she was given a second chance at life and now, overcoming her latest illness, she is grateful to be given a third chance. 

She feels blessed with all of the love and support from her family, friends and pets.  She is honored that she was chosen this year as one of the recipients for the BTB Foundation.  Thank you in advance for all of your thoughts, prayers and donations.

Update: 2021

Nanette is enjoying time with family and friends!