Survivor Stories

By PBCC Vice President for Development, Bonnie Squires

Leslie Anne Miller enjoys a challenge. In addition to being elected the first woman president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, she was recently named General Counsel for newlyelected Governor Ed Rendell. In October of 2001 she was diagnosed with Stage I Invasive breast cancer. Here is her story of surviving a breast cancer diagnosis amidst a life filled with commitments and obligations.

          Leslie Anne Miller, Esq., served as Interim President of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia at a critical period of time when it seemed doubtful that either the center, or the contracts with the performing arts groups, would ever be completed. But she did it, and she accomplished these feats with grace and good nature.
          One challenge which she did NOT volunteer for, however, was to become a breast cancer patient, especially as her surprise diagnosis and surgery came only weeks before the opening of the Kimmel Center. Yet there she was at the grand opening, looking stunning, as usual, and probably only her husband, Richard Worley, knew that she had just had surgery. International media attention was focused on the Kimmel Center at its spectacular opening and debut concert by The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Leslie presided over everything in her usual gracious and efficient manner. "I was so very lucky," says Leslie. "I found it in a very early stage by a selfexam. My now-former doctor pooh-poohed me," she continues, "but I was fortunate enough to get to Dr. John Glick. I was blessed there."
          Leslie says she got the best medical care at the University of Pennsylvania, under Dr. Glick. When people say they are "sorry" that she had breast cancer and ask if she has changed her priorities since then, she tells them, "No, I had a disease, but I feel that I have been cured." She remains, however, a "rabid maniac for self-exam" and for pushing your doctor to pay attention to your own instincts.

I WAS SO VERY LUCKY, I FOUND IT IN A VERY EARLY STAGE BY A SELF-EXAM.

          "A woman has to be responsible for her own body, as well as for her emotions," she concludes.
          This matter-of-fact approach to breast cancer has been a trademark of Leslie's throughout her professional career as well. When she was in private practice as a shareholder in the law firm of McKissock and Hoffman, P.C., she specialized in civil litigation and mediation.
          Along the way, she also was elected as the first woman president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, a statewide organization of 27,000 lawyers. Leslie knows a lot about breaking into the "Old Boy Network." She previously held several other Pennsylvania Bar offices as well, including chair of the Commission on Women in the Profession.
          She also is a member of the boards of trustees of Mount Holyoke College, her alma mater, and of The Dickinson School of Law, where she attended law school.
          She knows her way around Central Pennsylvania, by the way, as she is a Harrisburg native. But she loves her long-time home in suburban Philadelphia as well.
          Leslie says, "I will do anything I can to help the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition continue their vital work in education, outreach and advocacy." The PBCC is delighted to have "a friend in Pennsylvania," particularly in the Governor's office.

Leslie was 49 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her treatment included a lumpectomy with sentinel node dissection, followed by two months of radiation therapy. The most surprising thing she has found is how much 'company' she has, i.e. how many women have been through the diagnosis and treatment and gone on to live long, productive lives. We wish Leslie all the best with her continued recovery, and in her new position with Governor Rendell.

To profile someone in "Survivor Spotlight", email Heather Hibshman at heather@pabreastcancer.org.