Breast cancer survivor and Estee Lauder business manager Shari Holt was grateful to find herself standing on the iconic podium of the New York Stock Exchange for the ringing of the bell this morning, on the first day of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Part of Estee Lauder’s new “Let’s Defeat Breast Cancer. We’re Stronger Together” campaign theme involves inviting people to create their own “Circles of Strength,” where women can join together to help educate, empower and support women with breast cancer. Holt, who’s been with the company for 15 years, knows all about the importance of a support network.
Three years ago, she almost skipped a follow-up visit because she was busy with work, but her coworker pushed her to go and doctors soon discovered that she had stage one cancer. “[My colleague] saved my life in so many ways,” Holt said. She’s since undergone multiple surgeries as well as radiation therapy and is now cancer free.
Throughout her experience, Holt has always been able to lean on her team members. “Everyone was wonderful,” she said. “I felt like I was being hugged. It’s a blessing.”
Holt’s encouraging women to speak out and share their stories. Friends, family and colleagues can support women battling cancer by simply listening and staying positive. “Just be positive. Make sure if they don’t know what to do, you help educate them and find the knowledge.” Advocating education around breast cancer is key to helping women in her circle.