Jo DeMars was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in the summer of 2005, a year of dramatic upheavals, including a catastrophic loss of revenue in her business and some serious personal challenges. During treatment, Jo leaned on a long-term friend, Roberta, a two year survivor whose good humor, knowledge and support helped keep the little things in perspective. Jo learned the importance of family, dear friends and gratitude. A few years later Roberta lost her battle with breast cancer, which motivates Jo to continue advocating for better diagnostics, quality care and research to end breast cancer.
The inspiration for Jo's chair came from a golfing friend who reports her perpetually confident thinking: "I can make that shot!" Using the metaphor of the 7th hole at Pebble Beach, where the tee on top the hill looks out over the green and the Pacific Ocean, this chair symbolizes the confidence of cancer survivors and Deadline advocates.