City Scene Magazine - Upper Arlington, OH Mar/Apr 2010

Putting on a Brave Face

UA resident chosen to appear in Fighting Faces calendar  

Alicia Kelso

May Cecutti Payne, a lifelong Upper Arlington resident, is very much looking forward to her 50th birthday in May. Not only is it a milestone to celebrate, but it also marks the one-year anniversary of her breast cancer diagnosis, serviing as a reminder she's still very much alive.

After undergoing a double mastectomy, Payne has since been declared cancer free. She is in the process of breast reconstruction surgery, which is scheduled to be completed in May, before her birthday.

The reconstruction has entailed several phases, including expansion, implants, skin graft, tattooing and touch-ups. More importantly, it has restored Payne's sense of femininity and confidence.

It's an amazing process, and it might not be for everyone, but I can't imagine not doing it," Payne says. "It has made me feel so much better about myself and has given me great comfort."

But this process isn't the only experience that has boosted Payne's post-cancer confidence. She was also chosen to appear in the Fighting Faces Today for a Future Tomorrow 2011 calendar - an initiative started two years ago by Marysville resident Lori Wycoff to help those with cancer who need immediate financial assistance.

Wycoff, a certified massage therapist who works full time in the finance department of Carefusion in Dublin, was inspired to start this project while providing chair massages to cancer survivors at Columbus' Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

"Cancer has been prevalent in my family, and just being around that population at the race made me want to do something to help them. I simply wanted to give back," Wycoff says.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the $15.00 calendars go toward financially helping men, women or children who have cancer - whether they need help with medical bills, groceries, house payments, or they are unable to work.

Women who appear in the calendar are nominated and then chosen arbitrarily. Payne was nominated by longtime friend and fellow UA resident Jan Busher.

"Mary as just gone through so much, and has kept a great attitude and is just a wonderful person," Busher says.

Payne admits staying positive has been hard, but she has tried to keep everything in perspective.

"It is very tough at times, to hear you have cancer. You can't get that out of your head, and you can't not worry about it every day. But they caught it early and I do believe I'm one of the lucky ones," she says.

Payne adds it also helps that she has a huge support system, including two children (Sarah Jane, a junior at UAHS, and Clay, a fifth grader at Tremont Elementary School) and friends who she's known since her days at St. Andrew School.

Sincer her last check-up, Payne says she feels great and has a lot of energy. She works out five days a week and is back to work at Vitale Poultry Company in Columbus. The hardest part for her currently may be waiting until the 2011 calendar is released.

"When you lose your breasts, it's very difficult because it's such a part of your womanhood and how you perceive your attractiveness. Doing this calenar - and getting my make up done and sitting in a photo shoot and wearing jewelry - it made me feel pretty again," Payne says. "And it shows women who go through this that, even with those scars, you can feel attractive. It proves that beauty comes from within."

For more information about the calendar, or to purchase the 2010 calendar, visit www.fightingfaces.com

Alicia Kelso is a contributing editor for Upper Arlington Magazine.

BONUS:

The first Fighting Faces calendar in 2010 included women from the Central Ohio area. Once word got out about the project, however, more nominations came in and the search opened up. The 2011 calendar will include women from Ohio, as well as North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Kentucky. These women have different types of cancer - from colon to lung to brain - in different stages. Calendars cost $15 apiece. One hundred percent of the proceeds go toward financial assistance for cancer patients. Calendars are available at various hospitals throughout Columbus and at www.fightingfaces.com