Those who know Ileana would most definitely agree that she is the picture of strength. As long as I have known her, I have known that she is a woman who is not afraid to live life and stand up for what she believes in. She is a natural leader in every aspect of her life and motherhood is no different. Just one meeting with Ileana’s kids will demonstrate just who she is. In one of my first encounters with her son, I immediately took notice of his strong character and warm, sweet personality. Her daughter is a replica of her, with an outgoing, brilliant, take charge persona that is astounding for her young age.

Last August, Ileana and her family attended my children’s birthday party. We chatted and enjoyed good laughs together. She looked healthier and happier than ever. Just a few weeks later, I was winded by the news that Ileana had been diagnosed with cancer.

For the last few months Ileana has been mustering up all her strength to fight this beast of a disease, all while continuing to be a great mom for her two children. Today on her last day of chemo-therapy before undergoing a double mastectomy, I am honored to be able to feature Amazing Mom, Ileana Cohn.

On receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer

The call came in early in the day on August 30th. The kids were off from school and I had taken the day off from work, to take my mom for eye surgery. The kids were with me in the packed waiting room when I saw my OB calling me. A week prior, she felt a lump during my checkup and sent me for a precautionary ultrasound. I figured she was only calling me to check in and make sure I got the ultrasound. But that was not the case. I can’t even really remember her exact words. She didn’t use many, but just said that the biopsies came back positive for breast cancer. I turned my head to the wall as tears streamed down my face. It was pure disbelief. I felt the weight of the word cancer sit on my shoulders. It’s such a heavy word with a dire connotation. I said "okay" and promised to come see her in the office within the next few hours. The kids saw the tears as I quickly wiped them from my face and I smiled and told them everything was okay. I knew saying the word cancer would only make me cry, so I texted my husband Andy the news immediately. It took weeks for me to talk about the cancer without crying.

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