Evelina Johnson Buendia is a breast cancer surviva, author, and inspirational speaker whose journey reflects grit, grace, and God's glory. After enduring cancer and recovering from a setback that left her in a wheelchair and walker, Evelina rose again—through prayer, physical therapy, and fierce determination. Earlier this year, Evelina began casually making fashion reels, telling herself it was time to “up” her look. What felt like fun, spirit-lifting content turned out to be a divine setup. “God always gives glimpses,” she says. “Those reels were little previews of a bigger purpose—this very moment.” She is the author of Healed: From Cancer to Surviva, a memoir birthed from blog entries on Cancer Support Community’s MyLifeLine platform. “No blog, no book,” she says. That platform helped her find her voice—now she uses it to uplift others from the Virginia House of Delegates to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer stages. Evelina believes confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. “Even with one breast, I choose to feel whole, sexy, and victorious. My scar isn’t shame—it’s survival.” Every step she takes down the runway is a reminder that God’s not done, and the comeback is always stronger.

Like so many women who have annual mammograms, I certainly didn’t think I would have to return and have a biopsy on my right breast. Waiting for the results, I figured I was 79 years old, hadn’t felt any lump in my breast, and was very active and in good health. One week later, I had to go back and talk with the radiologist. I knew right away that I had breast cancer. The patient advocate at Beach General was wonderful.  She had set up my appointment with a surgeon, and I gave her the name of the Oncologist I wanted to see. Telling my children was hard, but telling my grandchild was very emotional for me.  I realized their concerns by their questions, are you going to lose your hair, will you be sick a lot and then are you going to die. They were well aware of the effects cancer has on the body; there were tears and laughter. I chose to have chemotherapy, which, for me, was not as bad as some women’s experiences. I lost my hair and only had to have five radiation treatments. It was not doom and gloom for me, I am a very positive person and was always looking forward.  My husband shaved my head with the help of my grandson and my daughter, and my daughter-in-law went with me to try on wigs, which was a hoot. We laughed the entire time. I took home two but never wore them. I finished my treatment, and then the unexpected happened: my 48-year-old daughter learned she had breast cancer.  Her story is totally different, and that will be her story to tell.

The little purple lady was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. She is a graduate of Oscar Smith High School and has a degree in accounting and interior design. Theresa started playing golf at the age of 26, becoming a founding member of the Metro Women’s Golf Association and a member of the Princess Ann Country Club for 16 years. She is a member of the Sawyer family who built and operated Richmond International Raceway.  While in Richmond with her husband Wayne, they were instrumental in building the Dominion Club in Henrico, Virginia, and the Independent Country Club in Richmond, Virginia. Returning to Tidewater, she has been an active member of the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club for the past 26 years. Theresa has also been a Senior Women’s Amateur Flight winner in the state of Virginia and has had two holes in one! She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 79. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy and total breast reconstruction. She has now been cancer-free for three years. She continues to be very active playing golf, taking yoga classes, Shag dancing, walking, and acrylic painting.  With God’s grace, she was able to overcome the threat of cancer. 

Shaye Arluk is an oncology dietitian, national speaker, 23-year breast cancer survivor, and Nutrition & Wellness Coordinator at the Sentara Brock Cancer Center. For more than 25 years, she has helped individuals and families understand the powerful connection between nutrition, wellness, and cancer prevention and survivorship.

As both a healthcare professional and survivor, Shaye brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. She is passionate about translating nutrition science into realistic, encouraging strategies that help people feel stronger and more empowered during and after cancer treatment.

Shaye has appeared on national and local media, including The Doctors, The Hampton Roads Show, and as a nutrition expert for WVEC. Her work has also been featured in Time Magazine, Everyday Health, and USA Today.

Outside of work, Shaye’s favorite role is being a wife and mom. She and her husband, Glen, love traveling and exploring the world together, while also finding every excuse possible to visit their three adult children—Brianna, Madison, and Dylan—who now all live in different states. When she’s not speaking or working with patients, you can usually find her doing Pilates, cuddling with her labradoodle Toby, or dancing. A lifelong dancer, Shaye recently retired after directing two dance teams over the past 20 years, although she still happily jumps in to help whenever needed.Shaye earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, her Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from Old Dominion University and completed her dietetic internship at VCU Medical Center. She is honored to combine her professional expertise and personal journey to encourage others to live fully, move joyfully, and nourish themselves with compassion and hope.

Nicole Banks, M.D., is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. After graduating from Harvard University magna cum laude, Dr. Banks earned her medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She then pursued her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University, where she was the recipient of the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Resident Award.

Dr. Banks then continued her studies with a research-intensive fellowship in genetics at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During this time, Dr. Banks received the 2013 ASRM Corporate Member Council In-training Travel Award, where she ultimately contributed to four ASRM presentations on topics including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), structural abnormalities of the Y chromosome, and gene mutations. Dr. Banks then completed a second fellowship at NIH in reproductive endocrinology.

A passionate researcher, Dr. Banks has contributed to medical publications focusing on subjects such as endometriosis and fertility preservation, contraceptive technologies, and the effects of ovarian reserve and early menopause. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Dr. Banks currently sees patients at SGF Jones Institute in Norfolk, Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys tackling bucket list items like recently hiking to the Old Rag Summit in Shenandoah National Park (rock scramble and all), decorating cakes for friends and family, and spending time with family.