Leadership

Sara Bartosiewicz-Hamilton

Michigan

 

I am a mom & writer. I also have a day job in the pharmaceutical industry. I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation in 2006 and had a prophylactic mastectomy shortly after. I chose to be vocal about my journey in my blog as I could not find many young voices walking the same path. I originally went through the reconstruction process, deciding to have it removed in 2012.

 

I believe in empowering people. What started as a safe place for me to discuss the challenges of living breastless in a breast obsessed world has become a platform to empower others to live the best version of themselves. Healing mentally, emotionally and physically is a crucial step in our journey and I strive to help others find the path that is right for them. (Read more about Sara here)

 

FLAT & fabulous is a grass roots organization, truly a family affair. Since its inception, we have been blessed with many hands that have contributed in many ways to help us become what we are today. 

Founders

Barbie Ritzco

Virginia

 

Barbie was a Gunnery Sergeant and proudly served in the Marine Corps for 20 years including combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. She was a Wounded Warrior, a member of the Achilles Freedom Team and the All Veteran Group Athletic Team.

 

Barbie was an outspoken advocate for women’s health, breast cancer awareness, BRCA hereditary cancers and staying active. She was a fearless warrior and marathoner whose strength and passion didn’t let chemo and radiation stop her from running. (Read more about Barbie here)

 

Board of Directors

Lisa Bartosiewicz

Hawaii

 

 

 

Advisory Panel

Brenda Ritzco

Texas

 

 

 

Tammy Ritzco

Virginia

 

 

Lynda Robinson 

Canada

 

I was 30 when I married my once-in-a-lifetime love, a humdinger hubby man named Sean. I was 40 when I was pregnant with my one & only child, my little bird named Sarah. I was 50 when I celebrated a milestone birthday & overcame breast cancer. I don't know what will happen when I'm 60, but I know this will still be true... I'm breast-free and I'm still me.

 

I may not be completely flat, but I am completely fabulous - whole as is. And I will never be alone because of FLAT & fabulous.

Cambria Russell 

United Arab Erimates

 

I am an Assistant Professor of Education, studying educational inequality internationally with a focus on gender issues. I hate cold weather and would spend every moment of every sunny day on the beach if I could! If it isn't sunny, you'll find me playing games or doing science experiments with my kids.

 

Before finding the  FLAT & fabulous group, I thought I was an oddity in the breast cancer world. I did not reconstruct after my bilateral mastectomy AND I was completely satisfied with my decision. In the group, I found hundreds of like minded women who consider themselves whole without breasts. This has been a revitalizing revelation for me that I want to share with others. (Read more about Cambria here)

Kelly Shiraki

Illinois

 

 

I am a Certified Health Education Specialist at a small rural hospital. I have always been strong willed and have learned to see the positive side of life. I make it a point to laugh out loud each day and ‘fake it till I make it’!

 

I was diagnosed with a small estrogen positive tumor in my left breast at age 41. It was a difficult decision but I decided to have a double mastectomy after two biopsies and a suspected diagnosis of Paget’s disease. I live everyday as a flat woman and ironically feel more feminine than when I had breasts. Life can be truly amazing and I am so glad to be a part of FLAT & fabulous!