LuAnn Roberto Owner, 411 Graphics Survivor, Breast Cancer LuAnn Roberto has literally given the Women in Business Conference an extreme makeover. Since joining the Women in Business Committee in 2002, she has become more and more involved as creative director in defining the overall look and feel – the colors, graphics, collateral material and signage -- of the two largest annual WIB events: the Fall Tea and Service Awards and The WIB Conference. As a graphic designer, LuAnn makes things beautiful. From Fortune 500 corporate identities to her sister's new business logo, LuAnn weaves her magic. Her talent lies in an unerring sense of balance and harmony. This is certainly something LuAnn had to call upon for herself once it was confirmed last year that she had breast cancer. Since breast cancer is in her family, LuAnn was diligent about her own care: regular doctor visits, mammograms, self exams. But expecting the worst doesn't mean you are ever prepared for it. "I'm used to being on the go, solving other people’s design issues and problems. I felt like I had the rug pulled out from under me midstride. I wasn't afraid I was going to die, I was afraid I wouldn't have the energy to meet my deadlines or have any creative juice to design." Ironically, LuAnn’s fear of not meeting others’ deadlines or project goals was the very thing that kept her going while battling her illness. "Design is like a well prepared meal. Take it from me, I'm Italian," she laughs, " You've got to keep the pasta moving with frequent stirring and boiling water." So that's what she did. She kept the appointments and projects she already had and scheduled her own healthcare -- medical visit and treatments -- into her busy professional life. The WIB committee's unanimous vote for LuAnn as “2005 Woman of the Year” couldn't come at a better time. She's just had her final chemotherapy session, turned 50, and is cancer free. In LuAnn’s words, “You've got to sit down and eat it while it’s hot, when the curls of steam that rise from it make you happy to be alive." See more information, photos & a video.