By  Kelley McElreath
Patient at The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders 

Fort Worth-Central Campus  

     I was 40 years old when I was diagnosed with

Kelley McElreath is a breast cancer survivor.

breast cancer. My husband, children and I are fortunate to have many supportive family members and friends, but early on everyone wanted to talk to me individually. Managing my family, work and treatment and keeping up with the phone calls, emails and text messages became overwhelming.

     My husband and I started a blog so that we could keep people informed. Our blog quickly went from an outlet to keep people informed to a way for us to capture how we are feeling, and the more I did it the more I wanted to help others.
     Some friends are helping me support breast cancer patients in other ways. The first time I put on a hospital gown I thought it was depressing and ugly. I wanted something of my own, something pretty. So I took some fabric to a friend and asked her if she could make something more stylish for me. She did and I thought others would really benefit from these gowns, too. We have received some donated fabric and have started making gowns.
     Additionally, I started a free email service that reminds women to do their self breast exams. Once a month I send an email blast to about 100 women. About 80 percent of them have told me that they are doing the exams monthly.
     There are days that are difficult to get through, but I remind myself how far I've come and tell others to take it day-by-day. I encourage breast cancer survivors, to join a support group of other breast cancer survivors. No one else can help you feel better the way another breast cancer survivor can. Friends and family mean well, but they don't know what you're really going through. I keep hope elevated through helping others and am inspired by my faith, family, and friends.

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Spring Photo Contest Winner

Congratulations to Jackie Williams for her entry, "Country