News Summary
Jeannette Reding and her daughter Kristina Walters have both emerged as breast cancer survivors after facing diagnoses just days apart. Their shared journey underscores the importance of family support, early detection, and regular mammograms. The duo celebrated the end of their treatments in a meaningful bell-ringing ceremony, illustrating their resilience and the power of togetherness during challenging times. Their story serves as a powerful reminder for women to prioritize their health and screenings.
Orange, California – In a remarkable turn of events, Jeannette Reding and her daughter Kristina Walters have emerged as breast cancer survivors, sharing a journey that began with both receiving diagnoses just days apart in February 2023. Jeannette, 66, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer on Valentine’s Day, and five days later, her daughter Kristina, 43, was given the same diagnosis.
Both women reside in the same neighborhood and share a deep bond, which has only been reinforced through their collaborative fight against cancer. Their experiences have highlighted the importance of family support during challenging times, as both survivors underwent similar treatments concurrently.
Kristina explained that they perceived their diagnoses as a “blessing in disguise” due to the mutual support they were able to provide each other. Notably, Kristina completed her cancer treatments just weeks prior to the duo’s bell-ringing ceremony, a significant event marking the end of their treatments.
The bell-ringing ceremony took place at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute in Newport Beach, where Jeannette triumphantly rang a bell to celebrate her conclusion of treatment. The family was present to witness this meaningful moment, including Kristina’s children, Tyler, 14, and Ava, 12. Jeannette characterized the moment as “surreal,” emphasizing the unusual nature of both a mother and daughter battling breast cancer simultaneously.
Both women underwent annual mammograms that were pivotal in the early detection of their respective cancers. Kristina was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in her right breast, while Jeannette had both ductal and lobular carcinoma. Each woman had small tumors and, after thorough evaluations, qualified for oncoplastic surgery, which is known for preserving the cosmetic appearance of the breast following tumor removal.
Kristina’s oncoplastic surgery was performed two weeks before Jeannette underwent a double lumpectomy and breast reconstruction. Both females received radiation therapy but did not require chemotherapy, which is often a more rigorous treatment path for cancer patients. A prominent breast and oncoplastic surgeon at Hoag noted that she had never encountered two generations diagnosed with breast cancer at the same time, an experience that underscores the extraordinary nature of their situation.
The family’s connection to breast cancer awareness doesn’t stop with Jeannette and Kristina; Jeannette’s older sister, Pat, is also a survivor and previously had a mastectomy. Pat’s experience and encouragement for early screening played a significant role in Jeannette and Kristina’s proactive health measures, illustrating how health awareness can permeate through generations.
In reflecting on their experiences, Kristina urged other women not to delay their mammograms, stressing how advancements in medical technology have greatly improved the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Jeannette’s sense of humor during recovery expressed her gratitude, as she jokingly noted that the effects of COVID-19 had made her recovery somewhat manageable by impacting her sense of smell.
The shared journey of Jeannette and Kristina highlights the critical importance of regular health screenings and early detection of breast cancer. Their resilience and support for one another throughout their treatments have not only strengthened their family bonds but also reinforced the message that individuals facing health challenges do not have to navigate them alone. As both mother and daughter celebrate their victories over cancer, they serve as an inspiring reminder of hope, courage, and the vital need for routine health screenings.
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- ABC7: Join ABC7 Susan Komen More Pink Walks
- WFTV: Orange County Offer Free Low-Cost Mobile Mammograms
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
