Breast cancer from a 17 year old's perspective For more information contact WE SURVIVE Inc. P.O. Box 91401 Louisville, KY 40291 502-239-4991 info@wesurvive.org	On May 16,1990, my mother was told she had breast cancer. All I knew was "cancer means death," isn't that what everyone thinks? This was a time when plans were being made. Most immediately, I was getting ready for my prom on May 18. My mom and I had already been shopping for my dress, my shoes and all the things that I needed. But, there were nails, hair and all the other stuff that goes with getting ready that needed to be done. Then , there was graduation. Graduation was suppose to be one of the most exciting times of my life. There was going to be a graduation party. People coming over to the house to just say "hi". Plus, I was about to turn that magical 18 on May 29. Although, I'm not sure why it was suppose to be magical. It just was. I was really looking forward to having a party.
Did I mention my mom was going to graduate, too? She was finishing nursing school. There was going to be this grand old bash. As you can see, this was suppose to be the best of times. Do you remember my first sentence on this page? Cancer changed everything. All I could feel was scared. I felt as if this was unfair. I was cheated of having a good time. All of our plans were disrupted. Taking care of my mom was so hard. She would talk to me like I was an adult. I felt as if I couldn't be a kid. I resented not being able to do what we had planned. I didn't want cancer in my life. The cornerstone of WOW is Sharon Cecil & her daughter Michelle's story. WOW's objective is no young women ever feel the way Michelle felt. WOW is an informational program and provides a vehicle of communication for young women in Michelle's situation.