Dear friends and family,

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with between stages 21/2- 3 breast cancer. I remembered as a teen believing that this was a death sentence. On December 10, 2008, I was sitting in a little room waiting for the doctor to come in and tell me that my tumor was benign. “It can’t happen to me”, I thought, “Cancer only happens to other people.” Then the door opened and the doctor walked in. We waited in anticipation. She said your tumor is malignant. Lance and I sat in disbelief too shocked to speak. The tears started to run down my check. A thousand thoughts started to run through my mind. This can’t be true! I don’t feel sick! Was I going to die? Is it still a death sentence? Will I see my children get married? Am I going to lose years with Lance and my grandchildren? Am I going to have chemotherapy and be bald and sick for months? Am I going to be disfigured and have to have reconstruction? My mind flashed back to distant painful memories of when I was seventeen, losing my mother and father in a nine month period, both to cancer. I wouldn’t know the severity of my cancer for another week or so. The waiting was horrible. I became sick to my stomach and was vomiting the entire evening.

On December 19, I was examined by an oncologist, a surgeon, and a plastic surgeon. I found the approximate stage of my cancer and that I would have to have chemotherapy. I would be bald soon. Fortunately, there was good news too. Breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. They believed that I was a good candidate for breast conservation by having chemo first and then surgery, followed by radiation. I started chemo December 26. My battle would take almost a year, but now I remain cancer free due to the research funded by organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Now it is time for me to give back! I looked through my bills during my treatments. One chemo treatment was $4,862. I had sixteen chemo treatments. This year, I have made it my goal to raise $10,000 to benefit NBCF. I emptied my closet of all colors except for: pink for all survivors, black for the women that lost their battle, gray for those going through treatment now, white for the light of Christ that gives all survivors hope, strength, and courage. Finally, silver and gold to represent the money needed to find a cure. I started January 1 and will wear only these colors through December 31. I have a list of women in treatment that I pray for out loud daily and I encourage people to give me more names so that I can pray for them too. Colors have had great meaning throughout history. I am reminded of my goal as I dress every morning.

Even though, I do believe one person can make a difference, I need your help and support. Please make a tax deductible donation to Proud in Pink for NBCF. You can donate by sending a check to me or to CEFCU @ P.O. Box 1715 made out to Proud in Pink for NBCF. Online donations can be made @ this website. Check with your company about matching donations. Remember no donation is too small. Feel free to donate in memory of or in celebration of someone. My story can be viewed by going to: http://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/health/buddy-check/Buddy-Check-25-Year-of-Pink-114611169.htmlAlso, another interview with me is athttp://www.centralillinoisnewscenter.com/health/buddy-check/Traveling-Quilt-Brings-Hope-105729278.html

Sincerely, Janice A. (Capitelli) Dieckow