Special Edition: "I'm Thinking We're Back" Pillow

Lisa Latempa is mother to an 8 year-old son, wife, special education teacher in Buffalo Public Schools, professional DJ, and co-founder of B.flo-Girls, a nonprofit supporting and uplifting young girls through the hip-hop culture, music, and dance that helped shape who Lisa is today. 

In 2019, at just 38, her world shifted with a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. She moved through a blur of chemo, surgeries, and radiation with determination, only to face the cancer’s return a year and a half later. More treatment followed, including a double mastectomy. Then, in October 2023, she learned cancer had spread to her bones, becoming stage 4 metastatic. After two clinical trials proved unsuccessful, and recent scans not yielding the results she had hoped for, she continues regular chemotherapy infusions at Roswell.

Faced with the reality that there is no conventional cure for stage 4 breast cancer, Lisa has embraced an integrative approach, adding alternative therapies that support her wellness and mindset. She maintains remarkable positivity while caring for her son as he explores his love for martial arts, swimming, and academics, providing for her students and school, and still finds time to DJ and offer creative events for the Buffalo community. The therapies she relies on help her stay grounded, hopeful, and present.

Lisa doesn’t see her journey as a battle. She sees it as creating the best possible space for her body to heal, honoring her own internal power, embracing community support, and exploring evidence-based treatment options. Support from this campaign will help her continue the therapies that allow her to sustain her well-being and keep moving forward with strength and grace.

Please consider a purchase or donation to Lisa's online fundraiser.