Wendy Ann Mitchell, Community Contributor

I'm a married mother of three awesome kids and a rescue dog named Sadie, a black lab mix. I grew up in Sandy Hook and currently live in Ridgefield. I studied English Literature at Ellis College and Child Development at Post University and received my Head Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education through the State of Connecticut in 2008.

From 2010-2012 I enjoyed working for Patch in various roles as a reporter, columnist, food critic and guest editor. I also helped launch 12 Patch sites in Fairfield County in early 2010. During 2012-2013, I stopped working in order to serve as a volunteer to help my hometown of Sandy Hook heal after the tragic Sandy Hook School shootings on Dec. 14, 2012. I founded the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids (The SHACK) in Sandy Hook Center as a creative way for kids and families to heal through the power of the arts through free music and art programs. We were happy to have the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs as regular visitors as well.

In January of 2014, Hearst Media Services honored me with the "Top 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013" award in the Greater Danbury Area for volunteer work I performed with Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids. In June 2014, I went back to work and became a Regional Editor for eleven towns in Southwest Connecticut.

On February 4, 2015, World Cancer Day, life threw a huge curveball and I was diagnosed with "The Evil 'C' Word." During 2015 and most of 2016, I battled a "very rare, very aggressive" type of breast cancer with wit, sass, faith and lots of support from family and friends. After 4 surgeries, 16 weeks of dose dense "red devil" chemo, 30 rounds of radiation and tons of complications, I'm proud to say I'm now a survivor of Triple Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma and an advocate of self breast exams for early detection. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 45 with no cancer in my family prompted me to start a #MyLeftBoob selfie campaign to raise awareness for early detection.

Read my story here:

http://patch.com/connecticut/bethel/breast-cancer-awareness-behind-pink-ribbons-personal-survival-story-0

In December of 2016 I left Patch to pursue a career in music, one of my passions. I am the Marketing, Communications & Community Outreach Director of a community arts center that offers classes in dance, musical theater, music and preschool programs. I am also a proud member of the Danbury Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, a member of the Ridgefield Arts Council and the Ridgefield Youth Commission. In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, singing and playing bass in a cover band.

To contact me please email wendyannmitchell@live.com.