Small Business Tips & Strategies

We’re only a few weeks out from October, which is breast cancer awareness month.One local woman is sharing her story, in an effort to help save others lives and encourage women to take control of their health.If you’re from the Piedmont Triad, you likely know the “Hanes” name. After all, Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies are a local delicacy.”We still roll and cut the cookies by hand,” said Caroline Hanes. “And it’s still the same recipes we’ve used for generations.”But, while you’ve likely tried the tasty treats, you probably don’t know as much about the family behind them.”I spent years watching my mom and dad grow this from the ground up,” Hanes said.When Caroline Hanes was just four-years-old, her parents started a bakery in the basement of her home, using her grandmother’s recipe.It turned into a business that remains successful to this day.But, behind the famous Hanes name, is a fierce battle both Caroline and her mother have had to fight– breast cancer.”I knew when she was going through this, I needed to take responsibility and accountability for my health,” said Hanes. “Because I want to live– not just exist.”Caroline’s mother was first diagnosed at the age of 83. Caroline, who is only in her fifties, was diagnosed this past August.”I’m googling and searching and trying to find things out,” said Hanes. “I was overwhelmed and thought– how are we gonna do this? What does this mean? How am I going to tell my kids?”Because of her family history, Caroline’s breast cancer was caught early.”I am very grateful for early detection,” Hanes said. “I’m very blessed beyond measure.””Certainly, by age 50, all women should be getting regular mammograms,” said Novant Health Oncologist, Dr. Tim Collins. “And those can change depending on how much risk there is.”Caroline still works at the family business every single Saturday, and has been a school counselor for nearly thirty years. She wants to share her story in hopes of saving others lives.”If what I’m going through can help somebody– then that’s what it’s supposed to be,” Hanes said. “And what I’m supposed to do.”Caroline will be undergoing surgery Tuesday.Dr. Collins says once you reach age 40 is when you should have a conversation with your doctor about whether you should start screening early for breast cancer.