New York Fashion Week
by Lisa Rigoni
Photos by Maria Ansley
Susan Sullivan Danenberger traveled with her SIU Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Nicole Sommer, SIU Plastics Photographer, Maria Ansley and her Memorial Medical primary physician, Dr. Nicole Florence to Manhattan in February. The three women went to witness Danenberger’s transformation from victim to overcomer, a survivor.
In a quick follow-up with Danenberger and Dr. Sommer after their return from Manhattan, emotion-filled Dr. Sommer’s office. “It was soul-filling,” Danenberger said, with tears streaming down her face. “It was a mental change. A shift. Walking that runway with other survivors was empowering. Everyone has a story.” She looked up. “We wrote words of empowerment on our bodies and cheered each other on!” Susan’s body declared: Badass. Determined. Visionary. Trailblazer. Warrior. Brave. Resilient. “I have her to thank!” she said, pointing at Sommer.
An emotional Dr. Sommer reacted, “Susan was under the impression she was stuck. She didn’t know she had options for additional reconstruction. She is a great spokesperson. She has a platform to help others. She did this!”
It was a team effort. It was women supporting women. It was second chances … living life out loud.
