Co-author of Nordie's at Noon, Jana Larsen Peters, passed away on December 9th at the age of 35. She battled breast cancer for eight years.
Jana was a registered nurse who learned about the importance of performing monthly breast self-exams (BSE) during college, where she attended the University of Kansas and was active in the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She later transferred to Washburn University, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
Jana's breast cancer diagnosis came shortly after she became engaged to be married. At 27 yours old, while in the midst of planning her wedding, she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Her cancer spread to her bones 18 months later. In October of 1999 Jana founded the Ribbons of Pink Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting breast health and supporting young breast cancer survivors.
Nordie's at Noon shares the personal stories of four young professional women diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 30 or younger. Once a month, Patti, Jana, Jennifer, and Kim met at Nordstrom's Cafe for lunch. It was their special place to laugh, cry, support, and educate each other -- and celebrate the journey of life after a cancer diagnosis.
Nordie's at Noon encourages women to be proactive with their health, and to realize that no one is too young for breast cancer.
