by Annette Pinder

Kimberly LaRussa moved to Buffalo from Florida when she was 19. She attended Buffalo State University, earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism, and spent several years in jobs utilizing her journalism skills. However, frustrated by the constant stream of negative news and motivated by a desire to share uplifting stories, Kimberly founded Sweet Buffalo.

Sweet Buffalo is a digital news media outlet and social platform that highlights and shares stories about people and organizations that focus on hope, resilience, and generosity. From children running lemonade stands for charity to animal shelters that find homes for pets, Sweet Buffalo highlights everyday acts of kindness that strengthen communities.

At 37, enjoying life with her husband and 9-year-old son, Kimberly never expected to become a central part of one of her stories. But last November, during a routine OB/GYN appointment, she discovered that she had a large lump in her breast. She was ultimately diagnosed with stage 2A grade 3 HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma and treated at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center by Dr. Jessica Suk-Wah Young, a surgeon, and Dr. Ellis G. Levine, an oncologist.

When Dr. Levine told Kimberly about the I-SPY 2 clinical drug trial—designed to improve outcomes for high-risk breast cancer patients by testing new drugs before surgery or other treatments—she chose to participate. However, before surgery, her tumor needed to shrink, requiring her to undergo weekly chemotherapy for 12 weeks and HER2-targeted therapy every three weeks. Although she lost her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes, she was cancer-free by the time of surgery, which aimed to remove any remaining cancer cells. She then underwent three weeks of radiation. “The chemo caused a terrible rash on my face, digestive issues, eye problems, urinary tract problems, and left me tired and weak. It was rough, but when they switched my chemo to a different brand, the symptoms went away.”

Kimberly’s husband and son supported her throughout her treatment, along with her service dog Chloe, a golden retriever. “Chloe accompanied me to every appointment. I’d close my eyes and pretend I was at home, as Chloe jumped into bed with me.” Kimberly is now cancer-free and celebrated by ringing the bell at Roswell Park on August 27. In addition to all those who stayed by her side, she will be forever grateful to all the doctors who helped her, and for the opportunity to participate in the clinical trial, noting that, “Years ago, people with my type of cancer had little chance for survival.”

“Looking back, I wonder how I did it. Even after I rang the bell, happy in the moment, I suddenly felt uneasy realizing I would no longer go to Roswell as often,” Kimberly said. She is now acutely aware of the challenges that come with survivorship.

After her diagnosis, Kimberly founded “Sweet Buffalo Breasties,” a Facebook group connecting over 400 women who are facing or surviving breast cancer. The group sometimes meets in person, holding recent events at Paula’s Donuts and Resurgence Brewing. They even got tattoos together!

Kimberly continued her charitable efforts, appeared on TV interviews, and participated in various events throughout her treatment—even when she didn’t look or feel her best. Coverage of Sweet Buffalo’s work has appeared on WIVB News 4, WGRZ, and other media outlets. The organization also hosts initiatives, such as the Sweet Buffalo Rocks Halloween Party, and relies on community support to help children, especially those battling serious illnesses.

Regarding her ability to sustain her efforts with passion and determination, she says, “I’m stubborn. I compete with myself. I push myself to do things.” What advice would she offer to others who are pursuing their own dreams? “Keep working and doing what you love. Throughout my cancer journey, I tried to keep my life as normal as possible. I didn’t want cancer to take that from me. I was also determined to stay positive and avoid negative thoughts. I didn’t even hate my tumor. I gave it a name and told it to leave on a permanent vacation politely.”

Kimberly is deeply grateful to everyone who supported her in many ways, including those who held fundraisers to help her family pay bills when she was unable to work. She is also thankful for the celebration they had to mark her recovery. As for what’s next, Kimberly says she’s taking a break to find a new normal beyond survivorship and hopes that sharing her story will help others facing tough challenges feel a little less scared.

Follow Sweet Buffalo on Facebook, Instagram (@sweetbuffalo716), and TikTok (@sweetbuffalototherescue).