This online representation of our statewide photo exhibit celebrates our personal struggles and triumphs with breast cancer. Join us in celebrating life with women from every corner of Pennsylvania who courageously face life's challenges with love and strength.  Share in their hopes, their fears and their dreams for the future.

When you look at the photos of these women, you see the emotions reflected in the faces of their husbands, children, relatives and friends.  When you read the accompanying quotes, you learn how they have found the courage to deal with breast cancer and the hope to live beyond the limits of their illness.

Please take from this exhibit the resolve to join the campaign to find a cure for breast cancer now...so our daughters won't have to©.

Adams	Melinda S. Aldinger 33 at diagnosis	Facing reality opens doors to freedom.  I realized that life here on earth will be much shorter than I had hoped for because of breast cancer.  I will cherish these days.  (Deceased, 1995)
	Eurith “Chucki” Long-Emerson 34 at diagnosis	I am so grateful to be a part of LIFE!
Allegheny	Bernice H. Austin (center) 57 at diagnosis, 73 at recurrence	I considered breast cancer to be a bend in the road of life from which I've recovered.  I'm now on the straightaway.
	Joyce Felton (left) 40 at diagnosis	The finger of God never points where the hand of God doesn't somehow make a way.  For we know the spirit works on a full time basis.
	Anet Moran  Clinical Trials Panel 43 at diagnosis	"With adversity comes opportunity". This journey gave me an opportunity to help other cancer patients with the non-profit, faith-based support group, H.O.P.E., that I started in January 2006.
	Laurie Moser 40 at diagnosis	My thirteen-year-old asked me, "Are you going to die?"  I replied, "Yes, but not from breast cancer, and not for a very long time."
	Gloria Mungin 64 at diagnosis	Early detection is the key to an excellent prognosis.  God has been so good to me.
Armstrong	Charlotte M. Tarasi 22 at diagnosis	I am very thankful to be a cancer survivor and enjoy sharing the message of hope with other women who have breast cancer.
Beaver	Tracey Antonline-Patton 36 at diagnosis	This obstacle in my life has given me a very different outlook on life and family. With the support of loved ones and God we get through these battles. I am now a much stronger person.
Bedford	Vera M. Beegle 36 at diagnosis	I have been a breast cancer survivor since 1967.  I had 3 daughters at home, aged 4, 11 & 15 at the time.  But with a lot of faith in God, my doctors, family and determination I made it.  Praise God!
Berks	Pat Langiotti 53 at diagnosis	You cry...then you circle the wagons and muster the courage and support to fight the good fight. When you win...you treasure every single life experience because you've learned how fragile and precious this life really is. Breast cancer may have maimed me but - but it gave new depth and dimension to my soul.
Blair	Kay S. Kneezle 54 at diagnosis	I give God full credit for my healing.  Many people supported me with prayer and physical concern.  May I pass it on to others!
Bradford	Heather Vail 64 at diagnosis	As a nurse, I actively advocated patients and friends to do a monthly BSE and get their annual mammograms. Late December 2005 I almost postponed my mammogram due to an upcoming trip. Thankfully, I didn't procrastinate...kept my appointment...and in January 2006 I had surgery for early breast cancer.
Bucks	Christine Shur 45 at diagnosis	My attitude has been humor, humor and more humor, laughter has been a big part of my own home remedy-- To NOT dwell on anything outside my control, to be mentally fit and control my mind to stay ahead of this disease.
Butler	Susan Barbe 31 at diagnosis	I have "down days", everyone does, but I'm trying not to let cancer define who I am.  It's not like I walk up to someone and say, "Hi, I'm Susan and I have cancer."  Have faith in God and yourself - you can beat this - I plan to!  (Deceased, 2004)
Cambria	Donna Benko (right) 48 at diagnosis	Her courage, determination and desire for living is an outstanding example for all of us.  (Deceased, 1995) - Harriet Pinna, friend
	Zora M. Kaltenbaugh 51 at diagnosis	I was stunned when I found out that I had breast cancer. I was angry and questioned 'why me'. Then I thought about the fact that it was me, not my children or my husband and felt some peace in that. In May 2005 when I was diagnosed with metastic liver cancer I was ready for the battle. I was more aware of the disease and took a very active part in my treatment and continue to do so.
Cameron	Twila M. Alden 55 at diagnosis, 79 at recurrence	I was amazed at my fast recovery.  I had no treatments.  I got positive support from doctors, nurses, family and friends.  I am just as happy as I was in 1949.
Carbon	Gloria Ferri (right) 60 at diagnosis	My sense of humor got e through part of it.  God, my friends and my doctors got me through the rest.
Centre	Barbara Palmer (right) 68 at diagnosis Mimi U. Barash Coppersmith 56 at diagnosis	Learning to live a full life is the true challenge.  Breast cancer made me deal with my own mortality - perhaps the most sobering part of the experience.  - Mimi U. Coppersmith-Fredman Early detection by a mammogram and quick response by my physician saved my breast and possibly my life.  - Barbara Palmer
	Audrey Maretzki (center) 48 at diagnosis	Life goes on as before, but nothing is ever quite the same.
Chester	Bernice Gibbs 46 at diagnosis	The nurse in my doctor's office encouraged me to have my first mammogram.  BREAST CANCER!!  I was a wife and mother of ten, what a shock!
	Gretchen Van Scoter 28 at diagnosis	Gretchen was engaged to be married.  She was an artist and photographer.  She wanted to get married and lead a normal life.  These dreams all went away with the illness.  (Deceased, 1991) - Mary Lou Van Scoter, mother
Clarion	Mary R. Weyer 44 at diagnosis	Every day is a blessing; to hug a friend, to see things grow, to be aware of myself and my surroundings.  Cancer really changed my life for the best.
Clearfield	Mary Murphy 48 at diagnosis, 56 at recurrence	Breast cancer changed my life in that now I value life much more.  I take responsibility for my own health.  The grace of God has allowed me to use my experience to help others and to glorify His name.  Give thanks to God and live every day to the fullest!
Clinton	Willeen Matter 56 at diagnosis	You can't sit and dwell on it.  Keep your sense of humor.
Columbia	Joan A. Hinderliter 51 at diagnosis	I am extremely lucky to have a husband and family who give me encouragement, hugs, lectures and a Kleenex when needed. (Deceased)
Crawford	Merrilynn Cushman 40 at diagnosis	My resolve that my children would not lose their mother gave me the strength to treat my cancer aggressively. The extraordinary generosity of my family and friends allowed me to do that. Now I am blessed with the opportunity to use my life well.
Cumberland	Karen F. Byers (center) 44 at diagnosis	My work for breast cancer is a way of offering support to others and to thank my wonderful family and friends for their support.
Dauphin	Lisa Anne Bell-Harrison (right) 33 at diagnosis	I am blessed by God because I am a survivor.  It is my duty as a survivor to reach out to other women and to share my experience regardless of race, creed or color.  Breast cancer does not discriminate and neither should we.  (Deceased, 2002)
	Rene Brenner 39 at diagnosis	After having breast cancer, you find that you take more joy in everything in life.  And the sweetest word that I hear is Mommy.
	Cindi Frysinger (right) Clinical Trials Panel	When breast cancer touches the lives of our loved ones, we tend to feel numb with helplessness.  Participating in this study has allowed me to provide hope for a growing number of women, such as my niece, who may face the threat of this disease.  I like to think of my contribution as merely one way of making a small difference in this world.  My hope is that someday the "C" word simply stands for: "Caring enough to help find a Cure."
	Elaine Washington 42 at diagnosis	Women of color need to know that this disease can affect their lives, too.  I hope sharing my experience positively impacts someone's life.  My breast cancer crisis gave me the strength and courage to grow and change.
Delaware	Marilyn B. Aitala  (second from left) 53 at diagnosis	With three children all in college, a daughter with a wedding to plan, bridesmaids' dresses to make, I didn't have time to think about what was happening to me.
	Margie Mejias (right) 37 at diagnosis	I found that talking about my illness realistically, with the support of family and friends, helped me to face my disease and to fully recover.
	Adrienne Fox-Miniman 40 at diagnosis	Facing one's mortality at 41 years of age is very devastating.  Telling your three young children that their mother has cancer is a nightmare.
Elk	Betsy Healy 27 at diagnosis	Seeing how my experience can aid other people to cope with their present state is rewarding.  Being a volunteer and a friend can be that light at the end of someone's tunnel.
Erie	Marion Gallivan 41 at diagnosis	Early detection saved my life!  Please don't neglect your annual mammogram - it could save your life, too!
	Ruth L. Gumbleton 55 at diagnosis	At the time of the mastectomy, I was in excellent physical condition and returned to a full-time job as Aquatic Director within three weeks.
Fayette	Gladys Jean Anthony 52 at diagnosis	I consider myself very fortunate since my cancer was detected early through a mammogram.  I did not have to have chemotherapy or radiation treatment.  Early detection is the best cure.
Forest	Bette D. Walters 45 at diagnosis	Always remember, the Lord asks us to deal with only as much as He knows we can handle.
Franklin	Janice L. Bashor 48 at diagnosis, 62 at recurrence	Through a strong support group of family, friends and church, I was able to maintain a positive attitude.  I know I can win this battle.
Fulton	Doris Ray (right) 66 at diagnosis	My cancer was caught early when I had my yearly mammogram.  A lump was detected, biopsied and found to be malignant.  Early detection aids in complete recovery.
Greene	Lois Piper 44 at diagnosis	My hope is that every woman will seek early detection.  My thanks to God for 20+ years as a survivor.
Huntingdon	Bette Jane Heine 56 at diagnosis	I'm thankful that I had bilateral mastectomies rather than lumpectomies.   (Deceased, 2002)
Indiana	Betty Peffer (left) 41 at diagnosis Evelyn Ishman (center) 60 at diagnosis Jenny Williams (right) 62 at diagnosis	Being diagnosed with cancer has been a life altering experience. I realized how important family and friends are. I try to live each day to the fullest and am happy for every tomorrow that I have. -Betty Peffer I had my annual mammogram, that’s how I found out I had cancer. On April 15, 1997, I had a mastectomy. I had no cancer in the lymph nodes, so I had no further treatments. It’s important to get a mammogram yearly and get the cancer in its early stages -Evelyn Ishman A diagnosis of breast cancer was a definite wake-up call. Self-breast exam found a tumor not seen on the mammogram. It is important to use every tool available for early detection. -Jenny Williams
Jefferson	Nancy Hauck 47 at diagnosis	Today, I count my blessings.  I now live with appreciation of each moment of my life.
Juniata	Jean Kepner 41 at diagnosis	Family is what is important.  Some days are good and some days are bad.  On my bad days, I focus on my grandchildren.  (Deceased, 1997)
Lackawanna	Peggy Conaboy Walsh 28 at diagnosis	Breast self-exam saved my life.  I was 28 years old with no health risks for breast cancer.  I pray that in the future my daughters will not experience this deadly disease.
Lancaster	Alice Sanders 51 at diagnosis	As a woman thinketh, so is she.
	Carmen Marquez  (2nd from right) 50 at diagnosis	My advice to other Hispanic/Latino women is - if you find yourself in a similar situation to mine, first talk to God, then see a doctor.
Lawrence	Anna K. Hoye 66 at diagnosis	Happy times with our grandchildren are possible because of early detection of breast cancer by mammography.  Hopefully, we can make mammography available to every woman.
Lebanon	Becky M. Baldwin (left) 37 at diagnosis Vicki Gingrich (right) 38 at diagnosis	I thought I would never see my young sons (3 & 7 years old) graduate from high school.  Because I learned to be my own medical advocate and received the best medical care, I have lived to see them graduate from college.  We are all living healthy, productive lives.  Vicki and I are still best of friends; helping other women through the journey of breast cancer and enjoying our grown sons.  - Becky Baldwin Since my diagnosis (November 1991), I have learned and lived so much.  My sons are independent, successful and healthy!  My husband and I have grown in our relationship.  My friendship with Becky is stronger than ever.  My focus of teaching others how to become their own medical advocate and how to navigate through the breast cancer maze continues to be critical!  Thanks to modern medicine and positive outlook, I'm looking forward to the next 15 years!  - Vicki Gingrich
Lehigh	Alma Bolanos 51 at diagnosis	Since the first moment that she knew the truth, she was positive.  She did not want to show any sadness or negative attitudes.  She has accepted her condition with good humor and gives hope and encouragement to other people suffering the same situation.   - Marina Toala, daughter
	Susan Singer 41 at diagnosis	I love life.  I was asked once to find one word to describe myself.  My answer was "lucky".  Even with advanced cancer, I am still lucky.  (Deceased, 1996)
Luzerne	Beverly A. Hernandez 37 at diagnosis	Never take anything for granted.  Life is too short.
Lycoming	Margaret Griffin 48 at diagnosis	I am truly thankful for the love and mercy God has shown me.  It has made me a better and stronger person.
	Gay S. Shipman 38 at diagnosis	For me, the silver lining of my cancer cloud includes all the wonderful people who have been touched by this disease and whom I have come to know.  (Deceased, 1997)
McKean	Audrey Beckes 44 at diagnosis	The experience of having cancer has made me appreciate time and not take it for granted.
Mercer	Barbara Stuver 52 at diagnosis	I thank the good Lord that the cancer was found early through a mammogram.  Even though I had to have my breast removed, I have found that a positive attitude and great family and friends helped me get through the tough times.
Mifflin	Ellie Marsh 49 at diagnosis	Stay positive and stay as active as you can. Don't sit around and dwell on what was. Do all you can each day.
Monroe	Left to Right Front Row: Kim Piccione (deceased), Ellen Lewis, Honi Grasing, Margaret Dagger, Barbara Krajnak Left to Right Back Row: Marsha Callegari, Terry Dunlop, Claudette Welsch, MaryJo Joyce, Barbara Bittner, Betty Beers, Diane Dagger, Margie Miller, Sonya Datesman, Charlene Siska	By chance we got cancer; by a blessing we found support, love and friendship.
Montgomery	Mihyung Murray 33 at diagnosis	Breast cancer has taught me a lot of things: one of which is to look at my life differently and to appreciate what I have.  I thank God for opening my eyes and ears to the joys of today!
	Ruth Rosenkrantz (left) 66 at diagnosis Elaine Ominsky (right) 47 at diagnosis	My mother and I were both diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 1987.  Here we are at our "Celebrate Life Party" one month after our lumpectomies.  One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.  We must find a cure for this insidious disease.  Enough is enough.  (Both Deceased, 1997) - Elaine Ominsky
Montour	Jeanne Wysocki 54 at diagnosis	We should all be aware of the risk factors for breast cancer, but we should also realize there are always exceptions to the rule.
Northampton	Mary Comunale 59 at diagnosis	Each day is what I make of it. I've learned never to miss an opportunity to help or reach out to touch the lives of those around me in a positive way.
Northumberland	Julie Ann Brosius 38 at diagnosis	Fox and Cole - without my two pals, I would not have my dreams of yesterday's happiness or be able to envision the hope of tomorrow.
Perry	Rita Ziats 52 at diagnosis	My first mammogram detected my breast cancer.  I can't express strongly enough the importance for all women ages 40 and over to have a mammogram.
Philadelphia	Patricia Scott Beach 50 at diagnosis	I believe that I am healed because of the power of prayer.  Throughout my bout with cancer, I maintained a cheerful, positive attitude because I trusted God to direct me.
	Janet Cash (center) 39 at diagnosis	The worst thing that ever happened to me became one of my greatest blessings.  As cofounder of Sisters in Touch Breast Cancer Survivors' Group, I have gained over 100 sisters, after being an only daughter for 51 years.  Hallelujah, hallelujah, thank you Jesus!
	Linda Creed 26 at diagnosis	Learning to love yourself if the greatest love of all.   (Deceased, 1986)
	Hilda Diaz 47 at diagnosis	It has been a year since I was diagnosed, and I'm feeling well.  Every  night I pray for a long healthy life.  I also pray for a cure.
	Sylvia Johnson Clinical Trials Panel 37 at diagnosis	I was diagnosed on June 6, 2001 and am currently on chemotherapy.  Although I am still undergoing Taxotere treatment I consider myself a survivor because I intend to beat breast cancer!
	Novella Lyons 51 at diagnosis	I encourage you to follow the guidelines for breast health.  EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!  Early detection saved my life.
	Thomasine Tynes 23 at diagnosis	Breast cancer is a disease that will not go away if we ignore it.  We have to talk about it.  We have to take charge of our lives immediately.  We must win this war!
	Delgracia Williams  (2nd from right) 49 at diagnosis	Radiation is hell, chemo is not fun.  People used to say they would rather die than take it, but if you don't, you surely will.  (Deceased, 2000)
Pike	Peggy Billadello 78 at diagnosis	Above all, I always try to keep a positive outlook, sense of humor, faith and an interest in the world around me. I hope my success in surviving cancer and moving on to live a useful, productive life all these many years will give hope to other survivors facing similar challenges.
Potter	Mary Shon 61 at diagnosis, 64 at recurrence	I have now been a survivor for 20 years as of May 18th. I am retired and live with my two dogs, and enjoy my life. I do a lot of knitting and crafts. Keep busy and keep a good fight and we can make it. Keep hoping and thank God every day!
Schuylkill	Grace Marie Smith 34 at diagnosis	When faced with a struggle, we realize how precious our lives and families are.  Trust in God and remember: miracles happen to those who believe.
Snyder	Sharon Kerstetter 37 at diagnosis	Psalm 121:2  "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."  I also have learned how important family and friends are in the process of healing and survival.  With early detection, treatment, and God's help maybe we can win this war.
Somerset	Carolyn Shellenberger 44 at diagnosis, 46 at recurrence	When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, my youngest child was only eight.  Now, I can hold her one-year-old son in my lap.
Sullivan	Mary Barnosky 52 at diagnosis	Most of us are living with breast cancer, not dying with it.  It is important to keep a positive attitude; feel good about yourself and share your life with others.
Susquehanna	Celia Warner 40 at diagnosis	I had so much to live for when I was diagnosed at age forty - two and five year-old sons and a husband! Now at age 63, I look back in gratitude to a merciful and powerful God who orchestrated my cure!
Tioga	Laurie Seip, 42 at diganosis, Dee Hoffman, 55 at diagnosis, Barb Bailey, 59 at diagnosis (Left to Right)	"God is my strength". When I was weak and felt like my life was about to end I looked to God and my family for strength and support. I am so thankful God stretched out his loving arms and spared my life. Praise the Lord! - Laurie Seip I thought the world was ending when my husband Don was in Tower 1 of the WTC on 9/11/01. He survived the attack and then seven months later I found the cancerous tumor! We are both survivors today with great faith! - Dee Hoffman If God brings you to it, He will bring you though.  - Barb Bailey
Union	Frances A. Blatchley 45 at diagnosis	Without early detection, aggressive treatment and prayer, I would not have lived to see our grandson's birth.  Mammograms starting at age 40 save lives.
Venango	Jeanette Lea Huber 51 at diagnosis, 57 at recurrence	Breast cancer did not sidetrack my very active life.  A positive attitude and no self-pity are encouragement for others who will have cancer.  My deceased son was a great role model for me.
Warren	Linda Jordan 52 at diagnosis	Breast Cancer survivor…it's a sisterhood. They become your best friend and confidant. Somehow they found me and without them this would have been a more difficult journey.
Washington	Joanne Bonazza 33 at diagnosis,44 at recurrence	Cancer took a part of my body and left me feeling empty.  It forced me to build a new foundation of courage and strength that has truly enhanced my life.
Wayne	Doris Rogers 54 at diagnosis	A person needs a loving family, must have faith in the Lord, believe in prayer and, most important, have a positive attitude to survive.
Westmoreland	Ginny Amalong 48 at diagnosis	I am a 5 year plus survivor of cancer, energetic and happy to be here!  My advice to people who have cancer - follow your doctor's protocol, pray, stay positive and talk to other cancer survivors!  You can beat it!
Wyoming	Carol Gaylord 36 at diagnosis	Life is too precious to let go I need to watch my children grow With family and friends to keep me strong To face, to fight what comes along
York	Lois Anderson 39 at diagnosis, 51 at recurrence	Breast cancer changed my life in ways I never imagined; political lobbying, teaching and even a career change let me to wonderful new friends and colleagues I would never have known had breast cancer not come into my life.

"67 Women - 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania" is sponsored by the PBCC and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.