Everyone has to face issues and battles, but some people simply get the brunt of the world’s troubles. They have struggles through childhood, struggles as an adult, and daily struggles and battles to get through. But those struggles are not what define the person. It is the strength, bravery, and resilience that makes them who they are. On July 29, 2017, there was a plethora of resilience in the air as Hannah’s Klozèt awarded and celebrated the many beautiful breast cancer survivors and their families during its inaugural Resiliency Gala. Hannah’s Klozèt is a non-profit organization, founded by Corinne M. Villavaso that “serves as a practical, nonclinical environment providing emotional support, supportive amenities, holistic coaching and educational services for those living with cancer.” The Resiliency of Corinne M. Villavaso Hannah’s Klozèt started from an idea between Corinne and her close cousin Hannah during a time when Corinne was fighting her own battle with depression after her Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy. “Not only was I depressed,” said Corinne. “I was terrified and angry; angry all of the time.” Corinne sought guidance, advice, and support from Hannah who was in remission during that time. Hannah, who later passed away from breast cancer, made it her mission to actively educate under-served low-income women on breast and ovarian cancer awareness. It was Hannah’s resilience that motivated Corinne to fulfill the goal that started as a simple conversation. Behind all of the philanthropy and confident smile, Corinne has faced many battles of her own. Born Corinne Montinique DuCre, Corinne spent her early years in Lacombe, Louisiana as the youngest of 5 children. She led a normal childhood until the age of nine. During that ninth year, Corinne’s mother, Catherine DuCre, fell ill to a rare lung condition. Corinne said,“at 9 years old, I had to mature quickly, so to speak.” Being the youngest, Corinne admits By Kimmie Tubre that she was able to bond with her mom on a different level. “I was the only one still living at home during the time when she was ill.” Right away, Corinne began to take on many of the tasks her mother could not do. “I had to learn to cook and grocery shop.” At the age of 12, Corinne’s life took a turn after her mother passed away. She began to drift down a destructive path. “I remember that I wanted better and I needed to finish high school but at the rate that I was going in Lacombe, I knew I wouldn’t have finished if I stayed,” Corinne explained. Corinne made an adult decision to alter her behavior by moving in with a cousin who lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Only 16 at the time, “I knew right away that it was a good decision,” she explained. Corinne was able to finish high school there. “Virginia was like a breath of fresh air. I acclimated very quickly” she said. Corinne married her first husband at the age of 18. “I skipped college to get married,” she said. It was then that she had her first-born, her daughter BriAna. “I felt mature during that time. I felt ready to be a wife and a mother,” she added. 6 | BREAKTHRU MEDIA | breakthrumediamagazine.com S E P T E M B E R / O C TOB E R 2 0 1 7
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