Help me celebrate my 40th Anniversary of surviving breast cancer by supporting my plunge.  When I was diagnosed in 1984 there was no Victory Center and treatment was a very lonely experience. I was 29 years old and pregnant with my second child. Mastectomy and C-Section in the same operation, chemo and radiation... This was before people openly spoke about "breasts," before Betty Ford, pink ribbons, etc. 

Twelve years later my younger sister Laura (39) died of ovarian cancer.  We discovered that our family carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. Laura and I both have two daughters and, sadly, both younger girls have the mutation. Each has bravely endured preventative mastectomies and hysterectomies --- designed to make them PREvivors. I take this opportunity to promote the benefit of genetic testing, which continues to hold greater and greater promise.  (Pictured From Left are PREvivors daughter Amy Schmitt, niece Allison Pories and me.) 

The advent of The Victory Center has brought the fellowship, support, education, therapeutic services and "pampering" that brings hope, gratitude and joy to local cancer patients and their families -- all free of charge. What a difference 40 years make! 

P.S. Happy 40th Birthday, dear Amy!!!