According to research, it is estimated that in 2011, there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in the United States.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, organized to raise awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into breast cancer.   It is also an opportunity to support those that have been affected by the disease.  We would like to take the opportunity to recognize and celebrate with someone who has been directly affected by breast cancer.

For Marybeth Shank, the month of October is not the only month out of the year that she is aware of breast cancer.  Marybeth was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2001 at the age of 37.  We are thrilled to be sharing in this life celebration – Marybeth is a 10-year breast cancer survivor.

Born and raised in Port Richmond, Marybeth attended Nativity BVM and is a graduate of John W. Hallahan, Class of 1980.  She currently resides in Fishtown with her husband of 28 years, John Shank.  They have two daughters, Jennifer, age 27 and Jillian, age 22.

In December of 2000, Marybeth had a mammogram; by March of 2001, a lump had formed and it grew rapidly and upon further testing, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  “I was mostly shocked and angry when I was told I had breast cancer,” said Marybeth.

First the shock of the diagnosis; then, the struggle of treatments. Marybeth would find the strength and courage needed as she began her cancer treatments. How and where she found it was very close to her heart, she tells us, “My motivation to get through those days was my family!  Who would take care of them if I wasn’t here?   I had to be here for my husband and my children.”

It was difficult for John, Marybeth’s husband, to stand on the sideline and watch his wife go through this difficult time, both physically and mentally. “There was no script,” he said.  “It was a very rough time and she had to fight her way through it.  I give her a lot of credit though – she looked in that mirror and said, ‘I have it; I know I have it and I am going to beat it.’  And now look at her, 10 years clean!”  In addition to his wife’s determination to beat it, John also credits the treatment and care Marybeth received at Jefferson, “She had tremendous faith and trust in her doctors and they were terrific.”

The support poured in for her and her family during this difficult time in her life and Marybeth is most grateful, “I couldn’t have gotten through any of those days without the love and support of my family and friends!  People I hadn’t heard from in years called and offered their kind words and support!  Family and friends took turns making dinners for weeks after my surgery to help out my family.”

A sense of humor helps out in stressful times and Marybeth had a great handle on that as well.  As is true for many women who go through cancer treatment, the worst part about the treatment for Marybeth was losing her hair.  “The hair loss was most disturbing.  When I was a little girl, my mother always told me that my greatest asset was my naturally curly hair.  I think since I was a chubby girl, I needed some type of asset,” she says.  “Needless to say, when I found out that I was going to lose my hair, I was devastated.”  She looks back now and with her wittiness, she says, “But thanks to my reconstructive surgeon, I have a new set of assets and my hair isn’t that important anymore!”

Marybeth’s daughters were most definitely a great inspiration and source of strength for her.  “It was shocking news to hear that my Mom had cancer so young; it just didn’t seem fair with two young girls to raise,” said her oldest daughter Jennifer.  “Looking back 10 years already, I think that if anyone could handle the situation, it was her.  She is so much more than a role model to my sister and I; she is our best friend.”

Her youngest daughter, Jillian was 11 years old when her Mom was diagnosed.  Jillian shares what it was like for her, “Like many other 11-year olds, I was shielded from most of the world’s suffering. But from day one, my mother was strong, she never succumbed to the sadness or questions of ‘why me’. Her strength gave my family strength and as I learned about pain and suffering, I also learned about spirit, triumph, and strength. Ten years later, I have grown up a lot and have seen the good and the bad this world has to offer, but I try to live my life with the courage my mother showed in the face of breast cancer.”

Jillian, now at the age of 22, knows of the struggles that families go through with a cancer diagnosis.  “When I learned of my mother’s diagnosis, my family was forced to face a disease that touches so many people and causes a lot of suffering.  My thoughts and prayers will forever be with any family, especially with the mothers and daughters, in a similar situation; the best piece of advice I have to offer is to never give up hope and remain positive,” said Jillian.

Finding the strength and courage in fighting a disease is very important. And, according to Marybeth Shank, a 10-year breast cancer survivor, there is another important element needed in the road to recovery.  “The best advice I could give a person recently diagnosed with breast cancer is that “attitude” is half the battle!  Being positive and knowing you can beat this disease is what got me through my worst days.”

Congratulations to Marybeth as she celebrates her life cancer-free!