After spending the past five years helping breast cancer patients navigate their diagnosis and treatment, Jess Donelon suddenly found herself in their shoes. Diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Jess underwent bilateral mastectomies with DIEP free flap breast reconstruction using her own tissue with Dr. Mark Stalder, all while serving as the manager at Stalder Plastic Surgery. This personal experience with the reconstructive process has led to a deeper connection with patients.
“I feel honored to share my experience with them and to help ease what is typically an overwhelming and frightening time in their lives,” she says. “My own diagnosis and experience with breast cancer has solidified my purpose in both educating and compassionately supporting our patients.”
