Spotlight On: Breast Cancer Thrivers & Previvors

Meet one remarkable woman who has turned her pain into purpose and now serves as a beacon of hope and change. Meet Virginia Carnesale, the founder of Stage, read onto learn more:

Tell us who you are!

I’m Virginia, breast cancer survivor, best friend, dog mom, sister, daughter, auntie, fashion industry veteran and the founder of Stage – a style and support website site for women with cancer. 

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Can you share a glimpse into your breast cancer journey—​what you’ve been through and what it’s taught you?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago on my first mammogram. Since then, I’ve had multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation, 5 years of endocrine therapy and physical therapy for some complications.

Cancer has taught me: 1) to be a more empathetic and compassionate person, 2) to focus on the things that really matter in life and 3) to live in the now, 4) to give back generously with the knowledge I gained from this experience.​



What does this partnership with The Pink Agenda & Lilly mean to you?

To me, this partnership is about spreading Joy, Hope and Inspiration to patients and supporters everywhere.

As a patient, finding little moments of joy in your everyday life can really help with your mental health. A brand like Lilly with its whimsical prints, bright colors and flattering fits can be a boost on tough days. It’s the little things. And The Pink Agenda is about progress and hope. 

Supporters can feel good knowing that sales from this collection will help to fund research to improve patient outcomes, longevity, prevent recurrence and improve the quality of life of survivors, thrivers and previvors. Now that’s something to celebrate.​

What does a supportive squad mean to you?  

Having a supportive squad is everything when fighting cancer.

When I was going through treatment, I was fortunate to have support from close friends, family and others and I’m so grateful for that. I let them in and the love they gave back to me was more than I could’ve ever imagined. I connected with friends of friends who had gone through breast cancer to learn what to expect and coping strategies. The pure generosity of complete strangers who were willing to open up to me about their experience was a beautiful thing. And today, I pay it forward by sharing knowledge, resources, treatment tips, hacks and style advice for women who are in the fight.

In the years after cancer, I’ve found it equally important to build a community of survivors and thrivers. There’s power in a common experience and understanding without having to explain. We share knowledge, hope and levity - that’s something very special.

​What does research mean to you?

Research gives me hope for a future where less people have to battle this disease, quality of life for patients and survivors improves and longer lives for all of us. 

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What message do you want others to hear?

Survivorship is a lifelong journey. You are going to face challenges along the way and it can be isolating at times. Don’t suffer in silence, voice your concerns with your care team. Get that second opinion – you have to advocate for yourself. 

There’s a world of support out there waiting for you if you just reach out and grab it. Confide in a friend. Step out of your comfort zone, attend a support group, download a community app, join that Facebook group, go on a retreat with other thrivers, take advantage of the free social services at your hospital, look into non-profits that offer patient services in your community. 

Surround yourself with positivity. Learn about your disease. There’s so much progress being in research – there are many reasons to have hope.

About Stage: 

Welcome to a safe space where women with breast cancer can ask the questions, feel the feelings and find exactly what they need for the most important fight of their lives. No judgment. No fear mongering. Just support, understanding, and love.

About The Pink Agenda:

A nonprofit organization committed to raising money for breast cancer research and care, as well as awareness of disease among young professionals. Born of the belief that engaging today’s generation can go a long way toward finding tomorrow’s cure, The Pink Agenda finds, funds, and partners with people and programs that are improving the lives of those impacted by breast cancer and conducting the groundbreaking research necessary to improve their outcomes. The Pink Agenda shares strategic partnerships with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), to fund breast cancer research projects led by the brightest minds in science.



Let's embrace your supportive squad! xx Lilly