Meet Silvia, local mom of 2 boys who’s life turned around pretty much the same day as her mammogram. Some fun facts she’s originally from NY and one of five, she speaks Spanish and Albanian, loves the Fairfield community eating and shopping in Fairfield. As the last Meet a Mom during Breast Cancer Awareness month, thank you Silvia and ladies schedule those mammograms, it could save your life, like it did Silvia’s!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Fairfield?
I was born in NYC and lived there until I was 12. Then I moved to Westchester County (Briarcliff Manor, NY). From there, I moved to CT (Stamford) in 2008 but moved to Fairfield in March of 2014!!
Tell us about your Family!
I have been married to my husband Nick since June 2013, and we have 2 wonderful boys! Ryan (10) and Luke (8). My husband went to Prep for high school, and we knew Fairfield would be a great place to raise a family.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a master’s in education, but unfortunately never used it.
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
That it sometimes takes time to find your mom-village. I thought it would be easy to just clique with anyone and everyone who had a child the same age, but for me, it took some time. Now I feel blessed to have the mom friends/support system that grew organically 😊
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
I love all of it! It truly is a magical place that blends so many wonderful things (the beaches, restaurants, universities, shopping, the many schools and sports offerings). We are lucky to have so many choices, all while still feeling quant and small.
Best mom hack that makes your life easier?
No real hack, I just like to organize and plan! It makes my life so much easier if I have meals, school and sports items prepped on a head of time!!
As it is Breast Cancer Awareness month we heard you are a survivor! If you feel comfortable tell us your story? It could help some women in the community!
Like many women, I have dense breast tissue and need to get bi-annual mammos and ultrasounds. I had a scheduled visit for (ironically) Good Friday, 3/29/2024. I could sense something was off because I was asked to return to the machine multiple times for more pictures. Before I left, the radiologist asked me to schedule a biopsy asap. I left feeling worried, but more out of an abundance of caution, not truly scared yet.
Once I got home, I received an email with my results, and it went to all my doctors. I was called immediately by my gynecologist; she told me it was time to build my team, and that is when I started to get very emotionally. I had a BIRAD rating of 5, so I knew it was a higher likelihood my biopsy would show cancer.
I spent the next 2 months meeting with doctors in NY and CT, deciding which was best for me. On 5/22/24 I had my double mastectomy with Dr. Sarah Cate in Stamford, and one week later, my youngest son graduated from kindergarten.
It was a truly overwhelming time where multiple streams of life were converging. My cancer life and regular life, I felt I was two different people. I am still processing parts of it, but I am here, and I am beyond grateful it was caught early.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
Of course, my mother is one of my biggest influences. She has had an extraordinarily hard life, losing her mother at age 3, but she is genuinely a devoted, kind mom to my siblings and me.
I also feel strongly influenced by all moms I am friends with. I see so much goodness and devotion from them daily, and that drives me to be better.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
It is so true that the days a long, but the years fly. I am trying to soak in as much time with my boys especially after cancer.
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Fairfield to…
Have Dinner with Family: Sophies is a favorite of ours!
Grab a Drink with Friends: Love going to Grey Goose with my mom friends for a Friday Lunch
Have a Date Night: Brick Walk Tavern
Spend time together as a Family: Sasco Beach
Outside Activities: My boys love going to Ludlowe to practice soccer under the lights
Grab coffee: Joe & Joe