Your Chicago: Second Act Boutique For Cancer Survivors
CHICAGO (CBS) -- There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., and each person has their own story of diagnosis, treatment and survival.
One woman in the Chicago area is on her second career touching lives in the most unique way.
Patti Cagney Sheehan gave up a job in advertising to follow her passion. It's called Second Act and helps women through one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Sheehan calls it a "cancer-recovery boutique."
Frances Canonizado remembers the very moment she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"My whole world – I know it sounds like a cliché – but my whole world collapsed around me," she tells CBS 2's Kate Sullivan.
But Canonizado also remembers the day she went to Patti and Second Act.
"From the moment I walked through her doors, her place was the one place where I didn't feel like I was being herded from station to station," she says. "Patti's place was where I felt like someone was talking to me like a human being."
Frances was looking for a wig. Patti had that and much more.
Scarves and wigs are just the beginning. The store also offers great comfort to those who come here.
Patti is a certified mastectomy fitter and tailor-makes forms for women who have lost one or both their breasts.
She's also part counselor.
"We always have tissues in the fitting room. They don't know what questions to ask," she says.
She understands because she's been there. Her mother died from cancer in 2007, and it was that experience that inspired Second Act -- a decision she doesn't regret.
"I think she's real happy with what I'm doing," Patti says.
Second Act is located at 3020 North Lincoln Ave. Click here for more information.
