The Faces of Breast Cancer Shirley Martin    Barbara Power    Margaret Reinwald    Michele Latzo    Charlotte Anderson    Barbara Fohl    “Peep” Brereton    Karen Brzuz    Connie Falvey    Orinda Pulice    Dr. Kathleen Erb    Patricia Liebel    Shirley Martin "Life is precious!" Holding her four-year old granddaughter, Shirley Martin celebrates each day as a survivor of breast cancer. Before her diagnosis, she described herself as quiet; now, at age 65, she is much more vocal, having been given a new perspective about life, her family and her goals! "I talk about this; I can even laugh about this." Shirley's doctor encouraged her to get her first mammogram. And every year since, she conscientiously schedules her exam-the same exam that saved her life three years ago. Since her diagnosis, she stresses the importance of regular visits to the doctor and self-examination. Her advice? "If you notice anything unusual, contact your doctor. I think many women fear the disease and therefore do not regularly check for abnormalities. And, yes, I always experience some nervousness around the time of my mammogram. But how could I be otherwise?" Shirley also relied on the power of prayer to help her through breast cancer. She chose to leave it in God's hands- and He listened! Now her mission is to reach out as a volunteer through the "Reach to Recovery" Program to those battling breast cancers. Reach to Recovery volunteers make contact with women newly diagnosed with a breast cancer and offer support through the experience. Her optimism offers cancer patients and their families a new perspective on this latest crisis in their lives. Shirley's aunt had breast cancer but it was never mentioned, never acknowledged. She believes that when we talk about it, then we begin to make progress. It is in this spirit that she stresses education and awareness. "Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Life is precious, and we should enjoy it. Sometimes a diagnosis like breast cancer helps us to see what is important!" Back to Top Barbara Power Twenty-seven years ago, Barbara Power began running - and she continues running today. Most of the time it is for the pure enjoyment of the sport, but other times, it's closely tied with her "race" to win her battle with both breast and ovarian cancers. Over the years, she has completed three marathons and many half marathons. With the support and encouragement of her family, friends and physicians, she ran several of these races just a few weeks or months after completing treatments for her two cancer diagnoses. "Running is my therapy, a way to think and relax. It's also my best time for prayer. Initially, I prayed for a miracle, that I'd live into old age, but my prayer has evolved from requesting a miracle to one of gratitude. I now thank God for His blessings - He has already blessed me! I am living the miracle!" It is her faith, her courage, and her commitment to live life fully each day that best describes Barbara Power. In 1996, Barbara's breast cancer was discovered on a routine mammogram. It was a tremendous shock. "I had done everything right - I exercised, maintained a healthy diet, received annual check-ups." Accepting her diagnosis, she chose to tackle the breast cancer aggressively…and pushed herself in every facet of her life to work even harder. And then, in 1999, Barbara was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during her annual gynecological check up. The choice was obvious - this was to be the battle of her life! And she continues battling ovarian cancer with a recurrence in 2001. A lecturer in mathematics at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Barbara finds great satisfaction and enjoyment in teaching college students. For years, she thought she'd pursue her doctorate when she retired from teaching, just for the personal accomplishment. But Barbara decided not to delay her doctorate until retirement and in 2001 she began the program in tandem with her teaching. Barbara continues to live a full life despite repeated challenges. Truly, she is a survivor - and a witness to women everywhere! Back to Top Margaret "Lani" Reinwald Three days a week, you can find Margaret "Lani" Reinwald in Perry Square practicing Tai Chi. On these mornings, she uses the time to both relax and exercise. Her goal is to maintain good health after battling breast cancer. As a rule, Lani received regular check-ups because she has a family history of cancer. In April of 2002, the Regional Cancer Center's mobile mammography unit visited the Mercy Center on Aging. By chance, she decided to have her annual mammogram, never anticipating her annual screening would be anything more than just that-a screening. The results, however, revealed a tiny lump deep in the breast tissue. Her initial reaction to her diagnosis was, "Is this the beginning of the end of my life?" Soon Lani realized this was not an end, but an opportunity to gain an even better appreciation of life, family and faith. Accepting the reality of a breast cancer diagnosis, she proceeded with a lumpectomy and a removal of lymph nodes in June. She followed with 33 days of radiation treatment. Summer was somewhat interrupted because of treatment. From this experience, Lani realized how much she had taken summers for granted. Lani continues to take the medication Tamoxifen which is recommended for women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Because of the mobile mammography program, Lani's breast cancer was found in its early stage. She knows the program is making a difference for women-just as it made a difference in her life. Diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer has given Lani a fresh perspective. She recognizes even the small miracles we tend to overlook. Now, a year later, she credits her faith as a major support through this traumatic event in her life. Family is a priority, and she loves that her children visit more often "just to see how she is doing." In her entire journey through this experience, Lani truly can see the beauty every day has to offer. Back to Top