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Ann Peters told women in pink shirts at Porter Regional Hospital on Wednesday that she did not understand what her diagnosis of breast cancer meant in 1977.
"In those days, they sent you home with a wish and a prayer," said Peters, who said she was diagnosed with stage 2 metastatic breast cancer. I was 32 years old and I knew how much it would affect us and my family. "
Peters, now 73, of Crown Point, is a survivor.
She shared her inspiring story in recognition of the hospital's "Blow Away Breast Cancer" event in the hospital's main lobby. Audience members held pink reels that whirled when she spoke.
Sean Dardeau, general manager of the market, said that about half of all breast cancers in Indiana are detected at a later stage when they are harder to treat. Statistics show that one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer, the second leading cause of death after lung cancer.
After speaking, a pink flag with a ribbon was hoisted in front of the hospital.
Peters said that the year after his diagnosis had been consumed with chemotherapy treatments and reconstructive surgery.
His children were 5 and 8 years old. "You do what you have to do," she said.
She became friends with a neighbor who eventually lost her battle with brain cancer. Peters said that they walked and talked almost daily. As a survivor, Peters said that she felt responsible for watching over others.
Seventeen years ago, Peters founded the Pink Ribbon Society with the goal of encouraging early detection of breast cancer and helping survivors. He has provided more than $ 500,000 to individuals and other organizations working to fight breast cancer.
"We have the responsibility to pay it forward. I was very lucky, "Peters said.
For more information on the Pink Ribbon Society, see www.pinkribbonsociety.org. It is located at 303 E. 89th Ave., Suite 100, Merrillville, 219-472-0704. Office hours are 9 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Thursday.
Carole Carlson is an independent reporter for Post-Tribune.
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