Mary - Breast Cancer Survivor

As owner of her own catering company, breast cancer survivor Mary Stodola, or "Chef Mary" as she is fondly referred to by customers, family and friends, lives each day as testament to the healing powers of a positive attitude and the culinary wisdom instilled in her by her mother of "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Mary was just 20 when her own mother died, at the age of 50, from breast cancer. "Before she became ill, my mother had gotten me a position as a governess with a family in Chicago," says Mary, adding that she believes her mother was trying to ensure that she would have opportunities beyond their tiny hometown in northern Wisconsin. Mary seized the opportunity and earned her degree, advancing to business school and a prestigious job with a Fortune 200 company. When she lost her job at the age of 45 to a "downsizing" in the industry, Mary responded with an extra large helping of her mother's lemons/lemonade recipe and attended culinary school to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a chef. But just six months after relocating to Nashville with her then 11-year-old daughter to take on a lead role with Viking Range Corporation, Mary received what would be the equivalent to a truckload of proverbial lemons and one of the greatest challenges of her life. A routine mammogram revealed an advanced stage of breast cancer and her doctor referred her to a surgeon. But Mary is a firm believer in being an active participant in her healthcare. She was concerned that the referred physician's practice was too general breast cancer comprised only about 35 percent of his practice. So, Mary started asking questions. She called friends and went online to find a surgeon who specialized in breast cancer. "I was so fortunate," says Mary. "My search led me to nationally renowned breast surgeon and director of the Nashville Breast Center, Dr. Pat Whitworth. Not only is he a leading breast surgeon here in Nashville, but he is on the board for the American Society of Breast Surgeons and takes an active role in breast cancer research and support programs both here and nationally." After further testing and consultation, Dr. Whitworth and Mary decided that a double mastectomy and tram, along with chemotherapy, would offer the greatest chance for success. The surgery was performed at Baptist Hospital. "I got excellent care and tremendous support from the many programs at Baptist," says Mary, adding that the Seton Support Services programs were instrumental in her survival. She also credits the support of family and friends, including seven friends who came in from across the country and alternated week-long shifts to help care for this feisty single mom and her daughter. "That love and support emotional as well as physical is really what got me through," says Mary, adding that she looks at life differently now. "I love to be doing things. I'm active. I care a lot more and I think it's because, you know, death knocked on my door; I have a new lease on life." Chef Mary's new lease on life includes charging full steam ahead into her business. Besides traditional catering, Chef Mary offers home delivery of prepared soups and entrees through a service known as Chef Mary's Soup Kitchen. She is a culinary columnist with Williamson County's Society Life magazine and offers party planning as well as cooking classes. She also remains a passionate advocate for early detection and prevention of breast cancer and will frequently teach cooking classes at Seton Support Services, located adjacent to Saint Thomas Hospital. And she is always willing to share her story as a breast cancer survivor in the hopes of helping others going through a similar experience. On her office wall, a framed poster serves as a reminder: "To enjoy the flavor of life, take big bites." And Chef Mary, celebrating 10 years cancer free, makes it a point to do just that, every single day.