This is a "Best of" Freightdawg.com Article!First, This has nothing to do with my normal fare of Logistics related blog posts. It is an article I write to illustrate personal excellence, humility, class and courage in action. I am honored and humbled to also be related to the subject of the story.
Leslie Mouton - KSAT News Anchor.
My cousin is a TV news anchor in San Antonio, Texas. Television station KSAT, San Antonio's channel 12, news anchor Leslie Mouton is my mothers niece. Leslie is beautiful, intelligent, funny and talented. The person I see on television doesn't seem like the down-to-earth kid I knew in my own youth. The first time I saw her on TV, I didn't recognize her. That was years ago now. Leslie's mom (my Aunt Lyn!) showed me a tape and I had no idea who I was looking at. This person was clearly a professional. I had to be told that was MY COUSIN. Man!! She was GOOD. Took a 5 second epiphany, then I recognized Leslie Mouton for whom she would become.
A Health Crisis and a Rise to Meet it.
Leslie contracted breast cancer a few years ago. Rather than hide it, Leslie took it and made it a public thing. She talked about her illness on-line, in the news, and even did the News Bald...to show that a woman (anyone!) can be in recovery from cancer and still perform in that most plastic of worlds, Television media.
Cool as that is, I also think it was Leslie's way of "calling bull shit!" on her disease and situation. This disease would be fought on her terms. That is the definition of a champions reaction to adversity.
Leslie pretty much proved that "Bald is Sexy". It ain't about the hair.
Leslie, maybe without meaning to, became a guiding light. A Guidion. A flag to which others may march in step. I am sure none of this was in Leslie's head about where her career might take her.
Leslie's effort, and her other local work with cancer charities etc., landed Leslie on the Oprah Winfrey show. She was highlighted as a hero by Oprah for being so brave and helping get the message out to women everywhere about the importance of breast health and breast examinations. She has her own web site and has been a motivational speaker on her own personal health journey. Leslie has subsequently told her story on Inside Edition, Good Morning America, Primetime 20/20 and other national news shows.
"That sounds like Lemons to Lemonade..."
However, As I write this Leslie is back in the hospital. This time for a double mastectomy. She underwent a preventive surgery and breast reconstruction yesterday. 9 hours in surgery.
Check this link out to see Leslie herself explain the procedure she underwent.
I admire Leslie Mouton because she has chosen to make her personal health crisis a lesson in bravery and in shear style and class. San Antonio, Texas is damn lucky to have her. So is our family.
To the girl from Lafayette, La... You geaux girl.Eric
The article below from the ksat.com web site is linked to Leslie's personal web journal. I encourage you to read it.
clipped from www.ksat.comLeslie Mouton Undergoes Mastectomy
SAN ANTONIO -- KSAT 12 anchorwoman Leslie Mouton is doing well after she underwent a mastectomy Monday.
Leslie underwent the procedure in an effort to prevent the recurrance of breast cancer.
The procedure, called DIEP Flap, allows surgeons to remove and reconstruct breasts using abdominal tissue and without cutting through abdominal muscles.
Leslie will be off the air for several weeks while she recovers, but she will be keeping viewers updated on her progress through her diary on KSAT.com.
I've been trying to decide if I should pursue a driving career with FedEx National LTL Team Operation or UPS Team Operation. Later, down the road, I would hope to get a local driving job with either FedEx or UPS. It seems to me that in the future,when times get "really" tough, that UPS will be the first to layoff or permanently cut jobs due to how much they pay their drivers. I'm tempted to pursue a career with UPS, but I dont want to regret it later.
Posted by: John Doe | May 19, 2008 at 11:26 AM
My "mantra" lately has been that in humility there is coachability. More or less meaning that it takes a beat down to teach a person whats real. This means to strip away the surface plastique...that which is fake that we present to the world...and get to the real "you".
The think I love most about you Leslie is that the more real you are, the more beautiful you become. And so do we all.
God has made an example of you. Im delighted and honored to be your witness.
Eric
Posted by: Eric | April 02, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Hey cousin!
I am sitting here - at 7a-m CST - on Saturday morning - reading your blog about me. I just returned from the hospital yesterday - and while I am really sore - I am getting stronger every day.
I am touched beyond words by your kindness - love - and support! As I write this - tears are streaming down my face. I love you cuz -and thanks for loving me back!!! Leslie:)
Posted by: Leslie Mouton | March 10, 2007 at 09:12 AM
Eric- thanks for such a wonderful commentary on Leslie. She is definitely my hero and someone to admire. Many people question the existence of God and wonder how God could exist if such terrible things happen to such good people. To me, Leslie's experience is proof of a loving and caring God who uses all of us in ways we don't understand.
Leslie's story on KSAT was an instrument of God to bring attention to breast cancer and the importance of self-breast exams; the importance of detecting this disease as early as possible in order to beat it and survive. Leslie received many calls, letters and emails from women she did not know; women letting her know that because of HER story, they conducted self-breast exams and FOUND something! Early detection saved their lives – LESLIE’S STORY saved their lives.
Second, the experience has made Leslie a strong voice of encouragement to many, an even keel for those riding the rough waters of the deadly cancer battle (or any adversity, for that matter). Leslie’s words are a reminder that no matter what we face ahead, we must remember to live first; to thank God daily for the life we have and remember we could die from anything at any time; car wrecks; heart attacks; crime; that if we begin to live life in fear of what could be, we forget to enjoy what we do have. Cancer is beatable - it starts with the attitude!
Leslie and her story are constant reminders of this; that life remains a wonderful gift we must enjoy every day, and that our attitude is the key to success in the face of adversity! It puts everything else in perspective. Leslie is truly amazing; for her bravery; her composure; her strength; her conviction to enjoy life; her faith; her hope; her love. For all of this, Leslie is my hero.
Posted by: Jimmy Mouton | March 08, 2007 at 09:47 AM