This is Janet, an inspiration

This is Janet. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. She is "lucky" - she was diagnosed with non-invasive intraductal carcinoma. They told her, "If you have to have breast cancer, this is the one you want to have". Hardly. Comparatively, though, she is "lucky". Her cancer required a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. However, as with many stories, it doesn't end there. She happens to be part of a small percentage of people who are allergic to radiation. Therefore, she suffered severe radiation burns to her upper torso and lives with constant discomfort, itching and deformities from the radiation burns. It's a small price to pay, though, because she's been cancer free since 2004 - officially in remission! Every year, it is an anxious time as we wait for mammogram and other test results. So far, there has also been a collective sigh of relief when we get the results. Janet is a vibrant, intelligent, loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She has lots of roles to play and many lives to enrich, so we all need her around. Her battle with breast cancer certainly doesn't define her, it just reinforces what I already knew. She's tough. Along with Sarah, my Mom is an inspiration for this event. She has taught me about strength, courage and perseverance throughout my life. I want to channel that into something positive and helpful for people and families affected by breast cancer. It's the least I can do.