Our team is committed and proud to serve as they fulfill our mission: Together, we make a difference for women diagnosed with breast cancer through one-on-one pagtient support, advocacy, education, and community outreach.

BEING A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR HAS CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE
Breast cancer made me appreciate day-to-day life more. It taught me to enjoy the present becausethat's all I've got.

THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF VOLUNTEERING
Helping to lessen the fear and loneliness a newly diagnosed woman feels. Being a beacon of hope: "I got through this, and you will too."

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A NEWLY DIAGNOSED SURVIVOR?
Chin up! This is very scary but you are stronger than you know. Take good care of yourself, ask for what you need, and ...know that you are a survivor.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 when I was 40 years old. Although my cancer was stage I, I had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction because of a family history of bilateral breast cancer. I also received tamoxifen. My mother, two aunts as well as numerous cousins have also had breast cancer diagnosed in their 30s, 40s and 50s. I consider myself to be very lucky to have been diagnosed at a time when there is so much that can be done to reduce the risk of breast cancer and diagnose and treat breast cancer at any stage. My heroes are other women who have lived with and sometimes sadly died from cancer with grace, courage and especially with a sense of humor. I am also married, to a man who fortunately appreciates my sense of humor, and have two children aged 14 and 11. Professionally I am a pediatric cardiologist engaged in caring for patients, research and teaching. My hobbies are photography, running and watching the Orioles.

In 2003 at the age of 51, Colleen was diagnosed with DCIS. She had a lumpectomy and radiation and was ER and PR negative.

How I have coped: What has helped you the most on your survivor journey? "What really helped me cope was friends and family who listened to me or were just there with me, as well as other breast cancer survivors who reached out."

I WOULD SAY TO A NEWLY DIAGNOSED WOMAN
"The shock wears off. You do learn to laugh again and find strength you didn't know you had."

MY IMPORTANT LESSON
"I learned to truly, really, deeply appreciate every kindness, every laughter and every day. I try to live by this quote: "I may be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou."

Dottie is an enthusiastic volunteer for the Breast Center and in her community. Wearing pink scrubs, she has been a cheerleader for the Hopkins team at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer for the past 3 years. Her varied efforts for the Breast Center earned her the Volunteer Rookie of the Year Award, 2005. She also volunteers with the Baltimore County Home Team shopping for a home bound senior citizen and delivers Meals on Wheels. She is team captain for Relay for Life for several years.

VOLUNTEERING FITS INTO MY LIFE
"At 13 I joined Rainbow for Girls which volunteering is a major part. My Grandmother and Mother use to drive me house to house to collect for all the charities, pre United Way!"

MY CONNECTION TO BREAST CANCER
"I lost a dear friend to breast cancer and have several survivor friends, one of which introduced me to the JHAFBC group, Pat Williford. A great group of women!

AS A BREAST CENTER VOLUNTEER, I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
"Make every woman (or man) coming out of surgery know there is a great support group out there for them, and to reach out to and inform every woman to get a mammogram!"

She regularly volunteers in Breast Imaging offering support to women during their biopsy or preoperative procedure.

Faye is a three time breast cancer survivor first diagnosed at the age of 51. She had a left breast tumor in 1996, metastatic breast cancer to breast bone in 1999 and a right breast tumor in 2003. Her treatment has included a mastectomy in 1996 and a second mastectomy with bilateral DIEP flap reconstruction in 2003. She has had chemotherapy twice and radiation.

How I have coped: What has helped you the most on your survivor journey?
"My faith, family and friends are my support. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 says it far better than I can express. It is a privilege to be a survivor volunteer."

Looking Forward: What do you look forward to the most?
"The selfless generosity given to me during my time of need makes me forever grateful. To give back some of that love and care is a joy."

Miscellaneous: What surprised you during your treatment/recovery?
"Lillie Shockney's vision for the Breast Center experience is a mighty one. Much accomplished and much more is yet to be done. A difficult situation is turned into something positive."

In 2002 at the age of 54, Gloria was diagnosed with Stage IIA breast cancer of the left breast. She had a lumpectomy with axillary node dissection, chemotherapy, radiation and is currently on Aromasin.

TO A NEWLY DIAGNOSED SURVIVOR, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY
"You can do this! We are here to help and you will not be alone!"

AN IMPORTANT LESSON I DISCOVERED
"Enjoy the moment and live in the now. Take every opportunity to have fun and don't sweat the small stuff!"

THE MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF VOLUNTEERING
"Knowing that I helped comfort someone by being there. Volunteering takes me outside of my self and opens my heart to others. It helps to lessen my own fears."

Advice to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer
With wonderful family and medical support systems, the journey is doable.

Being a breast cancer survivor has changed me
My eyes have been opened to the wonderful friendships that I have made through the years. I say "I love you" more often…I am not putting off things I want to do-especially traveling.

As a volunteer in Breast Imaging, I hope
to be seen as a supporter who understands the fear. I can offer hope and encouragement because I, too, am traveling the same journey

I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31 and after undergoing surgery and radiation treatments at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I am a 15-year survivor! My hope is that all future breast cancer patients will be able to make that same statement! But in the meantime, serving as a survivor volunteer provides many opportunities to support those patients who are currently undergoing surgery and treatment. I distinctly remember my anxieties and fears when I was first diagnosed - I had just had a complete hysterectomy - so I felt as if my world was beginning to end. My lowest point was when I was wheeled into the Radiation Oncology Department and left in the hallway to await my consultation appointment. I had never felt that frightened or that alone. I was sobbing uncontrollably when one of the nurses asked how she could help. I will never forget her kindness and compassion - she seemed like an angel sent to me when I wasn't able to hold it together any longer. Jennifer Bucholtz was my angel that day - she currently works in the Breast Center serving as an angel for other patients! The impact she had on me was overwhelming - we talked and talked and talked about positive energy and the importance of taking one step at a time. In my role as a survivor volunteer, I am now able to give back some of that wonderful support and companionship that was so kindly given to me 15 years ago.

Much of my volunteer time is spent in the Outpatient Center with patients and their families before and after surgery. I was hesitant to join the volunteer team when Lillie Shockney (Director of Education and Outreach for the Breast Center) asked me since I was not sure that I was capable of providing quality support needed by newly diagnosed patients. But after having supported many patients and family members during surgery days, I know that all it takes is an understanding of how it feels to have been there before. My days at the Outpatient Center are absolutely fulfilling, and I am so thankful to Lillie for giving me this opportunity - she is truly the wind beneath my wings.

On September 10, 2001, Kay was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma at the age of 58. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.

WHAT HAS HELPED ME THE MOST ON MY SURVIVOR JOURNEY
"I am blessed to have a supportive family and church friends who have shared over thirty years of my life. One thing important to me was not to be pitied and have people avoid me because I had cancer, therefore, I gave myself a "Coming Out" (hair that is) party and all 30+ guests had to wear a hat and the pictures are worth a lot of laughs."

BEING A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR HAS CHANGED ME
"I have found myself making decisions and doing things I want to do because I want to do them, not should or shouldn't do them."

TO ME, PARTICIPATING IN EVENTS FOR BREAST CANCER MEANS
"Volunteering is a rewarding part of being a survivor. What I like best is talking to women who are about to have surgery and have decisions to make. I have been there and done that and I have survived."

Linda is a mother, accountant, former Girl Scout, and long time volunteer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 at age 52.

Why do you volunteer?
Volunteering is important…Volunteering has shaped my life…It is a routine part of my life.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience
The people I have helped have helped me to accept the fact that I have had breast cancer and that now I can help women who have also been diagnosed

My hope as a Breast Cancer Survivor Volunteer?
I hope to do what I can to help other women who have breast cancer.

Liz is a wife, mother, full time employee of the federal government and survivor volunteer in Breast Imaging. She was diagnosed at age 49 with stage 2 cancer and treated with bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction and chemotherapy and hormone therapy.

What has helped me most on my survivor journey
The support of other breast cancer survivors, exercising throughout my treatment which gave me energy and a sense of control, and my goal to become a survivor volunteer.

Advice I would offer to a newly diagnosed woman
Find support in others who have traveled the path before you, take it one step at a time, let others help you and have a goal for when treatment is completed.

Being a breast cancer survivor has changed me
I am more compassionate and caring. If I want to do something I enjoy, I do it- no more waiting until tomorrow or next year. I live in the moment.

Maureen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She had lumpectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. Maureen is a wife, mother and grandmother, and is employed as a purchasing agent. She is involved in many aspects of the Breast Center volunteer program.

I would advise a newly diagnosed survivor
Take someone with you for those first appointments. Either ask the doctor if you may tape the consultation or have two lists of questions, you ask and your companion writes the answers. Four ears are better than two.

My hope as a volunteer is
I want to assure newly diagnosed survivor that breast cancer is treatable and beatable, that treatment is doable and peace of mind is obtainable after treatment.

I most look forward to
Being with my wonderful family for years and years, because there's a lot of life after breast cancer!

Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 treated first with a lumpectomy followed by mastectomy with tram reconstruction. Melissa is a wife and mother, very involved with family and a loyal friend to many. In 2005, Melissa received the Lillie Award for Outstanding Volunteer service at Hopkins Breast Center. She has participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer for several years as well as many Relays for Life, Making Strides and Race for the Cure.

The most rewarding aspect of volunteering is
Making a difference for patients by sharing a smile or stories of families, reducing their anxiety and letting them know they do not need to go through this experience alone.

Participating in events for breast cancer awareness and support
It allows me to feel like I contribute to finding a cure for breast cancer. The friends I have made through these events have enriched my life.

What I would say to a newly diagnosed woman
As caregivers, women find it difficult to receive care. Families and friends often feel helpless and want to do something for them. Take time to relax, rest, recuperate, enjoy their loving care.

Pat was 49 when diagnosed with breast cancer (DCIS and invasive ductal) in 1999. She had a bilateral mastectomy with tram flap reconstruction. Pat works as a federal employee with plans to retire in January 2006 and looks forward to spending more time volunteering with the JHBC Volunteer Team.

What would you like to offer to a newly diagnosed woman?
Follow the advice of your medical team and know that there are many women that have been where you are today are ready to offer all the support you could ever hope for.

An important lesson I discovered
I've learned that I can't change being diagnosed with breast cancer but I have the ability to choose how I react to it and hope that my actions have a positive influence on someone else.

Volunteering has impacted me with
The opportunity to help someone cope with their diagnosis but also provided me with companionship and support that is unimaginable. For this, I am truly humbled and grateful.

Peggy was diagnosed with extensive Paget's Disease at the age of 57. She had a mastectomy with delayed tram flap reconstruction. Her passions include "my husband, Sam, our six children-three his, three mine, all ours--being a survivor volunteer, figuring out marketing challenges, writing, reading, gourmet cooking and digging in the dirt."

COPING
Sam was my strength...We felt as if caring hands were passing us from one person to another until we were deposited gently on healthy ground.

PERSPECTIVE
I have a wonderful marriage. Somehow it is even greater now. Sam and I felt as if we walked hand in hand through the darkness - and emerged, still together and closer than ever, to bright, sunny skies.

ADVICE TO NEWLY DIAGNOSED WOMAN
It is okay to take a vacation from cancer - I took a weekend off during what seemed like endless testsSam and I just said that we would resume our focus on Monday, but for this one weekend, cancer was banished from our home.

How I have coped: What has helped you the most on your survivor journey?
A friend shared these words with me "while you are trying to figure it out, God has already worked it out!" These words took life in a terrific network of email friends who would remind me of this especially right after a chemotherapy treatment!

Looking Forward: What do you look forward to the most?
The shock of learning that I have the genetic probably of having another new breast cancer has been transformed into a unique role of becoming a participant in a 4-year breast cancer screening study at NIH. This has provided me with a way to turn a scary situation around to be one of hope for others and me.

Miscellaneous: What surprised you during your treatment/recovery?
I found that being bald was OK! In fact, I was proud to show the world that I am a breast cancer survivor!

What advice would you offer to a newly diagnosed woman?
Research and educate yourself about breast cancer. I recommend Breast Cancer Survivor's Club - A Nurse's Experience by Lillie Shockney and Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. And always have hope.

What is unique about the Hopkins Breast Center experience for you?
The one on one support my two breast cancer survivors provided to me, throughout all the phases of my treatment, was extremely helpful. That personal touch made a big difference.

What is most rewarding aspect of volunteering?
For me it is working with Lillie Shockney and the breast cancer survivor volunteer team to help women deal with a breast cancer diagnosis, raising awareness, and helping to raise funds.

VOLUNTEERING FITS INTO MY LIFE
"As a child, my parents taught me to "give back" to the community. If we all do something, we can solve problems and move the world to a better place.."

MY CONNECTION TO BREAST CANCER
"I honor my mother's memory by volunteering with breast cancer-related organizations. My mother was diagnosed in 1979 and died of metastatic breast cancer in 1988 at age 59."

MY MOTIVATION FOR VOLUNTEERING FOR HOPKINS BREAST CENTER
"I work with the Hopkins Breast Center (and Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and Young Survival Coalition) towards meeting the goal that no woman should lose her mother to breast cancer."

Trang has been involved with the Breast Center for some time in her role as a leader with the alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority, whose flatform is to raise awareness about breast cancer. She formally joined the breast center volunteer team in June 2004 upon graduating from JHU and is pursuing a medical career, hoping to become a doctor. She is filled with compassion, enthusiasm, and always ready to help with projects we have underway to support breast cancer patients.