Dealing With Breast Cancer

Friday, August 10th 2007, 7:59 am

By: News On 6

Each year, thousands of women hear the words, â€œYou have breast cancer.â€ One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her life, Six In The Morning anchor LeAnne Taylor reports that statistic hits home for the Jenks High School varsity cheerleaders and one mom in particular.

Lorie Lord loves to watch her daughter cheer. Ashley has been cheering since she was seven, and now as a junior in high school Ashley is on the varsity squad at Jenks. However, the last eight years have been a challenge for Lorie. At the age of 35 she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"Oh I just couldn't believe it, I didn't think it was possible,â€ cancer survivor Lorie Lord said. â€œI didn't think it was real to be honest in fact, even when I went to the surgeon it was kind of like a dream."

"She sat me down and was like I'm going to go to the hospital, and all I could think about was having another baby, you're having another baby. But then I didn't know what was going on,â€ Lorieâ€™s daughter Ashley Lord said. â€œShe said she was going to be sick for awhile."

Lorie's first battle with breast cancer was in 2000, then in 2005 there was a recurrence.

"By that time I was stronger,â€ said Lorie Lord. â€œI had a more optimistic outlook and I figured I'd fight it, get through it and move on."

Lorie is not the only cheer mom battling breast cancer. There are three mothers who have been diagnosed, so the varsity cheer team at Jenks is making breast cancer their platform for the season. They are planning on a pink out day at the high school to raise awareness, and there are several other activities to raise money in the community. But the ultimate goal, according to Ashley Lord, is to make breast cancer less frightening.

"We've done a lot in meetings with the girls. They've learned a lot about breast cancer and how it occurs," cancer survivor Lorie Lord said. â€œAnd I think it's so important for them to be aware of it and know how to do breast self-exams, to just be okay with it because a lot of times we try to perhaps hide it or not share it. I think it's important that it's just part of life."

You can help in the fight against breast cancer by lacing up your running shoes and joining the race. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is set for September 15 at the CityPlex Towers at 81st & Lewis. Team registration is underway now. You can put together your own team or join Six In The Morning anchor LeAnne Taylorâ€™s team. Log on to www.kotv.com and look for the LeAnneâ€™s Team icon.

Watch the video: Breast Cancer Survivor

Related story:

8/1/2007 - Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure