Stories of Inspiration

PROFILES IN COURAGE - Celebrating Breast Cancer Survivors

Being a breast cancer survivor can vary greatly from one person to the next. Share your stories and serve as a source of inspiration and support to others whose lives have been affected by the disease.

Share your story

Marie Boily
During the summer of 2003, the nodes under my arm swelled up. After a mammogram and sonogram I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. Marie’s story

Pat Miller
At 46 years old, I was doing something as mundane as cleaning my sons' closet when the phone rang. It was my ob/gyn with what I assumed was a routine question. Unfortunately it was something much more important! Pat’s story

Krystal Guthrie
In September 2002, while doing a breast self exam, I found what thousands of women find each year: a lump in my breast. At the time it didn't mean a lot to me. I was 26. What were the odds? Krystal’s story

Wilma Watson
On October 29th, 2007 I was doing my BSE and found a lump the size of a golf ball on my left breast. Scared to death, I called a friend. Wilma’s story

Laura Revels
I am a 47 year old Alaskan Native Women who is going through my second round of breast cancer within 3 years. However, during this second round, I am having the whole "Cadillac" of cancer treatment. Laura’s story

Jean Curry
In 1951 I was 31 years old with a 3 year old son, 2 year old daughter, 15 year old step-daughter and a loving, understanding husband. I found a lump in my right breast the size of a walnut and went to our family doctor. Jean’s story

Robin Dittberner
My mom, my best friend, was diagnosed with IDC when she was 47 years old. She fought so hard and lost her battle on October 7, 1993. I was diagnosed with IDC at the age of 45 in May 2005. Robin’s story

Anne Slowik
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, at 37 years old. It is never good timing to get news like this. But, my husband, kids, family, friends, Bon Jovi music and Harry Potter books helped me get through it all. Anne’s story

Tami Ausland
I'm 35 years old. In 2005, I decided to sign up for the Breast Cancer 3-Day® walk in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. My mother's sister is an 11-year survivor; however, she isn't not the only reason I decided to walk. Tami’s story

Diane Keane
In 2005 we returned to the race. As we looked over at the survivors having their picture taken I looked at my daughter and said, "That's a club that I never want to be part of." Diane’s story

Sweet Hopkins
I began running in the Komen Race for the Cure in 1996 with a note safety-pinned to my back that stated, "I run in memory of my grandmother, Mary Hall Ware, and in honor of my mother, Jay Ware Deese." Sweet’s story

Julie Safely
Every year as the New Year’s holiday approaches, each female in my family selects a word that represents something they wish to achieve or emulate during the upcoming 365 days. This past year I chose “courage,” and at the time didn’t realize just how much courage I would need in the months ahead. Julie’s story

Patty Lutsch
In January of 2006, my twin sister, Deb Baresic, called to tell me she had had an abnormal mammogram and would need a biopsy. She strongly suggested that I have a mammogram, too. I was very concerned for my sister and scared enough that I made my appointment. Patty’s story

Kelly Adams
I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 42. I never thought something like this would happen to me. I am divorced and work full-time to support myself and Teryn, my daughter. Teryn and I were pretty much on our own, until I got cancer. Kelly’s story

Yvette Gross
Living in post-Katrina New Orleans, I've discovered an interesting similarity between how I'm feeling and the Gulf Coast. We're both going through the motions of our day-to-day lives, trying to get back to normal (whatever that is), while waiting for the next big hurricane to hit. Yvette’s story

Vincent Moltisanti
Two days after my 57th birthday, my wife noticed that the nipple on my left breast was dimpled. I contacted the surgeon who had just removed a cyst from my back, and he insisted that I have a biopsy as soon as possible. Vincent’s story

Nicola Pytell
Nicola Pytell recently delivered a speech at the 2006 Susan G. Komen for the Cure Twin Tiers Race for the Cure®. Nicola spoke about her experiences as first a patient and now a survivor of breast cancer. Nicola’s story

Lisa Adams
Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, going to the doctor was an inconvenience to me. Almost every time I went, it turned out to be nothing and I ended up feeling foolish. Lisa’s story

Elizabeth Cipolla
I am 33 years old, a new mom and a full-time school guidance counselor. When I found my lump, my initial reaction was that I didn’t have time for all the doctor's appointments that would be necessary. Elizabeth’s story

Susana Rosiles
I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago at the age of 38. I’m the third of eight sisters to be diagnosed with this disease. Susana’s story

Ana Castillo
I was eight months pregnant when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was immediately scheduled for a c-section so I could begin treating the fast-growing tumor. Ana’s story

Connie Pombo
Speaker and author Connie Pombo shares how through her greatest pain, she discovered her greatest passion. Connie’s story

Linda Tucker
Linda Tucker discovered a lump in her breast while recovering from illness caused by a tick bite. “I strongly believe that God sent me the Angel Tick to draw attention to the lump.” Linda’s story

Carol McBride
At twenty-four years old, it was a time to be celebrating life, hanging out with friends, working at a "real" job. It was certainly not a time to be diagnosed with breast cancer and have a mastectomy! But that is exactly what happened to me. Carol’s story

Beatrice Robertson
I had already made some decisions based on the thought that I had breast cancer, and one was to give myself a fiftieth birthday party. I invited all the women in my life who were important to me, including my daughters, my mother and friends. I shared with each of them why they are important in my life. Beatrice’s story

Sabrina Conley
Share your storm with someone else, and your rainbow may help them get through their storm. Sabrina’s story

Wendy Anderson
The trip from invincibility to vulnerability is short and scary. Wendy Anderson knows this very well. She is on the road between the two, gripping the wheel of life tightly and hoping for the best. Like most athletes, she's been flying down life's four-lane highway without fear. Then, suddenly, she hit the brakes. Reprinted with permission from The Citadel Post and Courier. Wendy’s story

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