Ann Black

I am a daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and seamstress.

My breast cancer diagnosis has allowed me to cross paths with people I may have never met otherwise and create a special connection that comes with having breast cancer. I have learned that no matter how independent I thought I was, I need to ask for and accept help. I learned I couldn't go through this by myself. I encourage other women to take time for themselves and to get regular mammograms. Whether you're insured, underinsured or uninsured, don't let money be your obstacle; let life be your motivation. There are resources available.

Debbie Cane

I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, mother-in-law, grammy and friend. I am a breast cancer survivor.

"Yes!" is what I felt after each treatment. I was just that much closer to getting it behind me and getting back to family, friends and life. As a result of my diagnosis my faith is stronger and I have realized how fragile life can be. Each day is a gift from God.

Diane Bender

I am a mother, daughter, sister, aunt and advocate. I am a breast cancer survivor.

I had to live for my two daughters. I was 34 at the time of my diagnosis 15 years ago and my girls were ten and six. Now at 25 and 21, they are wonderful, beautiful young women. I can honestly say it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It made me assess what was most important in my life and inspired me to take on challenges I would have otherwise shied away from. I am thrilled to turn 50 this year!

Donna McDaniels

I am a mother, daughter, friend and nurse. I am a breast cancer survivor.

My radiation treatments took place during January and February. The weather was gray and dreary and I was so cold the whole time! My mother crocheted a brightly colored afghan for me to wrap myself in - like a hug. I took a nap every day with that afghan.

Gloria Feinstein

I am a photographer, mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister and the founder of a non-profit organization that helps AIDS and war orphans in Uganda. I am a little girl and an assertive woman. I am a breast cancer survivor.

Two years ago I went to Africa for the first time and my life was turned all around. This year I had breast cancer, and my life got all turned around again. Both experiences have opened my eyes to what is good and what is bad about life. Both have helped me understand what love and compassion really mean, what is important and what is not. I did not expect to be on the “other” side of the camera for this year’s calendar. But here I am, hopefully a stronger, wiser and better person. This gesture signifying triumph expresses the way I felt having gotten through my diagnosis and surgeries.

Jennifer Motzkus

I am a mother, wife, sister and good friend. I am a breast cancer survivor.

Determination helped me through my treatment. I wasn't going to let breast cancer win. Breast cancer runs in my family so I knew that someday I would be diagnosed. My diagnosis put me in touch with my emotions. I experienced sadness, fear, love, joy and anger. I have become a better, stronger person. I have learned to listen to my body and that it's okay to put myself first.

Lindsay Murillo

I am a mother, wife, sister, teacher, friend and fighter. I am a breast cancer survivor.

Over the past year I chose to continue with my plans to attend Emporia State University and obtain my elementary education degree. School kept my mind busy and served as my therapy. But I could not have gotten through this without my husband, parents and two beautiful daughters. My breast cancer diagnosis has been the best experience of my life because it has taught me to stop and smell the roses. I have learned not to wish my days away but to enjoy what I have.

Lynn Shannon

I am a friend, daughter, wife and co-worker. I am a breast cancer survivor.

I chose to have my portrait taken with a picture of my dog, Cinnamon. She was my "baby." She was the first to diagnose my cancer. She would put her nose on my lump, stare into my eyes and lay her head on my chest. She was sick herself but hung in with me until I was finished with my treatments. She passed away the day after my last chemo treatment.

Through my experience with cancer I have learned how truly wonderful and gracious people are. It has helped me put into perspective the importance of family and friends versus work. I no longer put work before them.

Pam Cansler

I am a mother, sister, wife, daughter and grandmother. I am a breast cancer survivor.

Humor helped me look at a whole different side of my breast cancer experience. I was not afraid if I could joke about what was happening. It made me feel safe.

Pam Edlin

I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and grandmother. I am a breast cancer survivor.

My family got me through my cancer experience. My husband was my best friend and support as I went through each stage. My three daughters and sisters were there for me every step of the way. My breast cancer diagnosis was a fork in the road of our life. We had to change course for a little while. Now that it's been a year, we are getting back on track.

Susan Winn

I am a wife, mother, nurse and athlete. I am a breast cancer survivor.

I ran three marathons before my diagnosis. I've run 10 since. Running has become very important to me and I even ran during chemo because it reinforced I was truly a healthy person with cancer. Life is a marathon, breast cancer was just a different sprint along the way. I appreciate being able to raise my children. I have learned to live life to the fullest and I thank God for this opportunity.

Susie Carter

I am a mother, daughter, sister, friend and girlfriend. I am a breast cancer survivor.

The day I was diagnosed I was scared and confused and wondered, "why me?" But as the days and weeks passed, I came to understand that I am blessed. I am surrounded with love and genuine concern from family, loved ones, friends, co-workers, doctors, nurses and people I've never even met. The biggest blessing of all was finding my cancer early and receiving the best treatment so I can continue to enjoy this wonderful life!