Joyce, Susan and Janet
Left to right: Joyce, Susan, and Janet
By Susan
April 14, 1994 -- a day to remember, the day I was diagnosed at age 31 with breast cancer. The first person I went to was my sister, Janet. She was there for me through the entire treatment, from chemotherapy to radiation, right by my side cheering me on; giving me pink roses for each chemo session, ending my fourth session with a dozen pink roses. My other sister, Joyce, supported me too, through helping me eat the things I liked, bringing me items that would "go down," and all around being there.
When I heard about the Sister Study a few months ago from a dear friend, I immediately asked my sister Janet if she would participate - I received an immediate yes! I was so happy - she would volunteer to help women in the future not go through this ordeal. When the Study was announced in Rhode Island, my sister Joyce volunteered without my asking her, telling me she joined and she wanted to do what she could to help. To say the least, I was so touched that both my sisters realize the scare and the colossal magnitude of the disease, and are willing to help by taking part in the Sister Study.
Without my family, my treatment would not have gone as well. They picked me up at my lowest points; losing my hair, being depressed, all the things that go with this dreadful disease. Coming out of this, I am much stronger and wiser, and celebrated my 10 year cancer-free anniversary in April of 2004 with my sisters and the rest of my family! No one should have to go through the cancer diagnosis alone, and with family, especially Janet and Joyce, I feel very blessed that I was not alone.
I thank them and every sister out there who is willing to take part in this Sister Study, for it is they who will help prevail over this disease and, hopefully, stop it in its tracks. I personally am proud and grateful to my sisters for committing to a 10-year study to help me and other women. It is an achievement to be proud of; it certainly makes me proud to call them my sisters.