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Tell us what's
happened to you since high school
(Feel free to tell us THE WHOLE STORY):
A Smidgen of Suzanne's
Story
(Taken from her website
www.susannesfoods.com)
Cancer affects millions of
people each day. However, Suzanne Locklear didn't let two rounds of breast
cancer in her early thirties defeat her; instead she began looking at things in
her life that needed to change to increase her chances of survival. Research
told her eating more fruits and vegetables could bolster her immune system, but
Suzanne quickly recognized that something was missing. Something that would add
a flavorful "zing" but not overpower food. Experimenting in her Boise, Idaho,
kitchen she developed her first dressing, Red Wine Vinaigrette. She decided to
follow her dream and take her tasty concoction to market, and thus in 1993
Suzanne's Sensational Foods was born. Suzanne visualized her goals and was
undaunted by the billion-dollar companies whose dressings were sitting next to
her bottles on the grocery shelves. Starting with a single gourmet store
carrying her solo product, she discovered an overwhelming passion to see her
business grow until her products are found nationwide. On many occasions the
odds of success have seemed insurmountable. However, persistence and have faith
paid off. Suzanne's dressing / marinades are now found in over 1300 locations in
the western United States. "Building this business has many twists and turns,"
says Suzanne.
As a fundraiser for breast cancer research, Suzanne gathered over 150 top
Celebrity autographs on her salad dressing labels. They were auctioned on
eBay.com during October Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2000. October 2001 will
mark the Second Annual eBay Celebrity Autograph Auction from Oct 1st through
Oct. 31st. The highest bidder wins the autograph and all proceeds are donated to
research through various non-profit breast cancer organizations.
Suzanne faced adversity in many areas throughout her life, however it was the
words, "You have cancer again," that gave her the strength and motivation to do
something meaningful for herself and others. In addition to becoming a
motivational speaker, Suzanne sponsors a website with links to cancer
information and donates a portion of all sales to breast cancer causes and
research. "The message," Suzanne states, "is that it’s important for all women
to take care of their loved ones by first taking care of themselves." This is a
difficult concept for many women to embrace.
Other Outstanding Achievements:
Suzanne was one of fifty-two breast cancer survivors profiled in the book
"Portraits of Hope" which was released in October 1998. Featuring fifty women
and two men, the book profiled such notables as Betty Ford with her daughter
Susan, Nancy Reagan, Linda Ellerbe, Julia Child and Jill Eikenberry.
Suzanne's story was also featured in "Women Who Mean Business", Alder Books
Publishing, which hit the shelves in August 1999.
Suzanne has been asked to include her personal journey in a book "Unstoppable
Women" by author Cynthia Kersey. Book slated for publication late 2001.
Suzanne is currently writing a memoir / cookbook which is filled with humorous
escapades of her life and the extraordinary souls who have crossed her path. Her
message includes how to keep balance in your life using laughter. She believes
living out loud is the only way to travel through life!
Suzanne would love to hear
from you by email, US mail or by phone.
Please submit your recipes or comments to
suzanne@suzannesfoods.com
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