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It seems that it’s harder and harder these days to find someone whose loved ones haven’t been affected by breast cancer. The unfortunate truth is that most people I know fall into this category, and I myself have had family members and close friends who’ve dealt with this struggle.
So what can one do to make a difference? Spread awareness at any cost.
That’s exactly what two Central Floridians are doing. Both received grants from the Lisa Marzullo Fly Again Foundation, a donation-based program that awards dream vacations to young adults with breast cancer, in honor of Lisa Marzullo, whose battle with the disease spurred a determination to embrace joy until the very end.
Jessenia Cisneros and Taryn Lloyd have shared their stories in a desire to bring awareness of breast cancer in young adults out into the open, to connect with other “breasties,” to uplift each other and to make talking about breast cancer as common as talking about the plans you have for the weekend.
Cisneros and Lloyd were both diagnosed with breast cancer before they turned 40. They were each told by doctors, multiple times, that they were too young to have breast cancer, and had to fight to get imaging exams that revealed the diagnosis. Their united message: you have to be your own health advocate and to never stop fighting.
There were no support groups for women with breast cancer under the age of 40 then, however now there’s an active online community thanks to their efforts. Be inspired to share your own experiences and to help destigmatize the discussion by reading Cisneros’ and Lloyd’s compelling stories on p. 16.
It’s that time again—for Orlando magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People, and a notable 2024 addition is Congressman Maxwell Frost, who’s making a difference for his constituents in gun violence awareness, hurricane preparedness, the arts and through the passport system (you read that correctly). Frost’s motto is to lead with love, but make no mistake, he’s got a firm hold on the courage of his convictions. Read about Frost and 49 other leaders who are making Orlando a better place to live, work, play and visit, starting on p. 26. Then, discover the faces behind some of the city’s most notable businesses in our Faces of ORL section on p. 63.
Fall brings with it many delights, and our favorites are the fun themed food and beverages you’ll find at the theme parks and beyond. Get the scoop beginning on p. 90; you’ll also find a frightful cocktail recipe to knock the bejesus out of ‘em while you’re entertaining!