Linda Herter

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your lifestyle.

A. My name is Linda Herter and I am 51 yrs old. I live in Granger, Indiana, a suburb of South Bend and the home of the University of Notre Dame. I am married and have one daughter, two step sons and two step daughters. I was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer when I was 47. I now work out of my home, volunteer for several cancer and women's organizations and speak at events that focus on breast cancer survival as well as positive thinking.

Q. Describe how you found your cancer, were you on 'watch' or did it sneak up on you?

A. Actually, it was a little of both. My mom is also a breast cancer survivor so I was certainly aware and diligent about my annual mammograms. For several years prior to my cancer, I had many fibroid cysts that my surgeon was keeping a close eye on. The surprising and sneaky part was how advanced my cancer was when I was diagnosed. It showed up as a small calcification on the mammogram and ended up being stage III breast cancer. The surprise wasn't so much that I had cancer-but that it was so advanced.

Q. Following diagnosis, what helped you cope the most, and gave you strength?

A. My good friend, Nancy White, an ovarian survivor said it best, "Our faith, our families and our friends" brought us through this. For me my mother was my inspiration, she's strong and a survivor herself-she was by my side for all my appointments and treatments. My daughter, Andrea, was my cheerleader-always telling me how proud she was of me and encouraging me to stay positive and fight! My husband Jim was my pillar of strength-always strong and assuring me I would beat this disease. I had things to do yet-my daughter was a junior in college and I was not about to miss out on her graduation! Or her wedding someday or my grandchildren! Most important to my survival was my faith and the constant prayers and support from my friends and community.

Q. How has breast cancer changed your outlook on life?

A. Before cancer, it wasn't clear to me what I was supposed to do with my life. Now it is loud and clear. I am to be a voice and an advocate. Soon after my treatment, I was asked to join the executive board for our local American Cancer Society and a women's cancer task force at one of our local hospitals. In 2002, I purposed to the task force and hospital that we raise funds for women in our community that needed mammograms but had no insurance. Although there were programs for some women, others were falling through the cracks due to income and age guidelines. This was something that was near and dear to my heart since my mom's cancer and mine were detected by mammograms. I told them of this idea I had for a luncheon, and the rest is history. We have been very successful with this event, raising over $100,000 dollars the past two years. I had one more dream and that was to start my own business called Pink Lady Bug Designs. We joined forces with DeBrand Fine Chocolates from Ft. Wayne, Indiana and produce adorable breast cancer chocolates. We were honored in October 2003, when we were featured as the Chocolate of the Month in the Oprah Magazine! We also were asked to attend the Breast Cancer Research Foundations Global Illumination at the Mall of America. It was truly spectacular.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed with breast cancer?

A. After the initial shock of learning you have cancer: EDUCATE yourself. If you don't understand something; ask questions. Take someone with you to your appointments. I know I wasn't always thinking clearly so I found this to be of great help. Make sure you have a strong support system. If you don't, ask for a support group in your area. And most importantly, stay positive and believe! When I learned how advanced my cancer was I knew at that point I had to stay positive. I knew the outcome was out of my hands: God had something for me to do and now I am living it.

Q. How has The Breast Cancer Research Foundation been helpful to you?

A. BCRF has been a great resource of information, inspiration and hope. I am personally grateful to BCRF for helping many women and men through the funding of research. The knowledge that BCRF funds are used for research that may some day prevent my loved ones from having to face breast cancer brings great comfort. After hearing Evelyn Lauder speak at the Mall of America, and briefly meeting her, it inspired me to continue my mission. If we all work together we can beat this disease!