This is the story of someone whose life was deeply touched by the compassionate care she received at the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Cancer Center — one of First Commerce Credit Union’s proud #FlamingoChallenge partners.

The #FlamingoChallenge is an annual fundraiser held each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support local breast cancer patients. Through this initiative, First Commerce partners with hospital systems across North Florida and South Georgia, ensuring every dollar raised stays right here in our community to help those who need it most.

Chelisa Huse was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks after her 45^th birthday in the summer of 2024.

“I’m a good example of, if something feels off, go get checked,” Huse said in a recent interview with First Commerce, sponsors of the #FlamingoChallenge breast cancer fundraiser.

Huse has a family history of cancer and thought she felt a lump. But it was her persistence and keen sense that something wasn’t right that ultimately led her to treatment.

“My first doctor told me I was too young to get a mammogram,” Huse recounted.

However, Huse persevered and underwent a mammogram, which led to a biopsy revealing stage 3B breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.

“Honestly, shock,” Huse said of her first thoughts after hearing her diagnosis. “I was really lucky to have some really good friends who didn’t let me suffer in silence.”

In August of 2024, she began undergoing chemotherapy treatment at the Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Cancer Center. That was followed by double mastectomy surgery on December 16, 2024.

Through the arduous journey, Huse leaned on her support system — her loving husband, kids, and friends.

“My husband willed me through it. The days I felt so sick I didn’t think I could do anymore, he’s like, ‘I got you.’ He’s been my rock — him and my kids, and some friends who are like family,” Huse said.

There were many days when Huse had to pick herself up mentally and spiritually.

To keep her mind occupied and stay positive, a new creative pursuit emerged. Throughout her treatment, Huse taught herself how to make beanie hats. First, she made some for herself. Then Huse began making hats for some of the nurses at the Cancer Center.

“It was my way of coping,” Huse said. “Find something to keep you motivated, so that it’s not dark. You can find a light in the story.”

Huse also credits encouragement and support from the TMH Cancer Center with helping her through the treatments and surgery.

“The support at the (TMH Cancer) center was amazing,” Huse said. “Even the social workers who work there are just amazing, how they helped out.”

Nearly a year after her surgery, Huse’s story is an inspiration to anyone navigating the challenges of breast cancer treatment.

Putting Some Color in Our World

As part of the #FlamingoChallenge fundraiser, Huse participated in the inaugural Decorate a Flamingo contest.

Participants decorated 5-foot-tall cutouts of Franny, the new mascot of the #FlamingoChallenge, printed by in-kind sponsor Altrua Global Solutions. These beautifully decorated Frannies are now proudly displayed at TMH’s Cancer Center, spreading love, encouragement, and a splash of color to patients and visitors alike.

With help from her son’s ESE class at his school, Huse created an amazing custom Franny that was inspired by the Disney animated film Coco.

“I love going in and hanging out with them, because they give their outlook on things, and they’re so honest,” Huse said of her son’s class. “It was just so neat how, a lot of them didn’t know what I was going through, but they saw me lose hair, get hair back, go through surgeries.”

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