When I was first diagnosed, it all felt so unreal, as if this couldn’t happen to me. But after the initial shock, I told myself, “You really have to step up and live what you believe.”

I beat breast cancer by leaning on her friends, family, and faith. I tell women everyday to not be afraid of a diagnosis. Every woman has options; breast cancer is not only treatable, but beatable!

My name is Jackie Schwarber. I am a 5-year breast cancer survivor. Even though I received annual mammograms, and my sister was diagnosed with the disease, I never thought it would happen to me. But I was diagnosed at 41. Everyone said, “That’s young”, but people much younger are getting breast cancer.

My name is Joan Pelliccio. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2006. I hope to encourage others and let them know that they can survive this just like I did.

When I’m not dancing in the aisles of my store, I’m shouting from the rooftops that all women (including MY girls) need to get checked every year. Cancer is an ugly word. But you cannot be afraid of it. Look it straight in the eye. You’re not alone-so many women are going through this.

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 18, I thought I was facing an impossible climb. So it was then that I decided I was going to take the fear out of the situation, because there’s just no time for it.