Pink Woman

"Cancer makes you feel like your entire life has been out of control." Name: Michelle AndersonAge: 42Job: Registered Nurse at The Brook Hospital - DupontDiagnosis: Stage 2 breast cancer due to four lymph nodes removedHow She Found Out: First mammogram, February 22, 2017Treatments: Chemo since May 1, 2017How She Deals With Negative Thoughts: I have a coloring book with swear words in it that calms me down.How She Copes With Stress/Fear: Stress and fear come together: Fear of what I would look like after the surgery. Fear of my identity based on the standards placed on women in [...]

"People gripe about their birthdays, but each one is a gift from God, and I am so happy to be here to celebrate another year." Name: Deena KleehamerAge: 68Job: Takes care of granddaughters and granddogsDiagnosis: Stage 1 mastectomy at age 38. “Got a trick instead of a treat on Halloween” October 31, 1987.Advice To Newly Diagnosed Women: You have the love of your family and friends but you don’t have to face breast cancer alone. There are so many support groups out there.Support Group: Deena started a breast cancer support group in 1991 at Floyd Memorial Hospital and [...]

"A verse of scripture that helped me: 'Whatever state I am in I have learned to be content.'" Name: Sarah LefflerAge: 80Job: RetiredDiagnosis: Stage one cancer deep within the breast, June 2004Advice You Would Give To Newly Diagnosed Women: I advise they rely on their on their faith, and my surgeon told me that I got a long so well because of a good attitude.How She Dealt With Negative Thoughts: I simply prayed about it, and I had a good friend that had already gone through prostate cancer surgery and he was able to walk me down the road [...]

"Cancer isn’t a death sentence."Name: Vicki FleitzAge: 54Job: Certified Pharmacy Technician at La Grange KrogerDiagnosis: Stage 2 / Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma, March 2013How She Found Out: I did a self-exam, felt the lump where I was then sent for a mammogram that led to me getting a biopsy.How Did This Change You: I used to be just fine sitting in the back and not being the center of attention, but after my experience in fighting cancer, I began to find my voice and my courage. I have been able to help five friends with their battle [...]

"Before I would get stressed over the smallest things and now realize it is not worth it. Just take it for what it is and move on."Name: Kimberly ZinkAge: 44Job: UPS Administrative where I move aircraft parts logistically and coach middle school girls basketball at Hazelwood (New Albany, Indiana)Diagnosis: Stage 3 breast cancer, and positive for BRCA 2 gene, January 2005 (32 years old)Treatments: Chemo and mastectomy, then bilateral mastectomy, complete hysterectomy and reconstructionHow Did you Cope With Stress/Fear: When I would stress over this situation or any other situation I just breathe and exercise if I can. [...]

Judie G. Sherman, 83, gained a new appreciation for life after her stage three breast cancer diagnosis in 1975. After having 25 radiation treatments, a radical mastectomy, and prophylactic surgery, Judie didn’t lose her vivacious spirit. “I learned to be grateful daily for all the gifts bestowed upon me, especially little things I could have easily overlooked: the sun shining, raindrops lingering on flower petals, the leaves beginning to turn colors. All that surrounded me became brighter and more beautiful.” Judie says she prayed regularly, exercised, and turned to friends and family for comfort. “Call on [...]