My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 71. She did not let this deter her from any plans she had made. She never changed her attitude nor personality. It's weird, because to our knowledge, there was no precedence of breast cancer in our family. We later found out that one of my cousins was previously diagnosed with breast cancer. My sister Cynthia and I immediately put our lives on hold to attend mom's appointments and assist her in any way possible. We also had the help of some of mom's dear friends and club and sorority sisters. Mom's positive attitude snapped us out of our fear and trepidation. She said our faith will get us through this, and you know what, it did! It has been almost a year since her mastectomy and you would never know that she is a cancer survivor. She still goes to work (yes, she refuses to quit!) and participates in all of her normal activities. To say that she is a dynamo does not begin to give her justice. I only wish that when I grow up, I can be just like her!

Debra Jackson-Bethune
Atlanta, GA