10 Most Inspiring Breast Cancer Advocates l Most Inspirational of the Month

10 Inspiring Breast Cancer Advocates

This October, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Beliefnet is featuring 10 inspiring individuals who have played key roles in the fight against breast cancer. Many of them are survivors themselves, using their personal journeys to encourage and empower others to know their bodies, do self-exams and seek medical advice when issues arise. Whether delivering motivational speeches or raising funds for research; each of these individual’s stories are inspiring others to unite for the cause in hopes that together we might find a cure.

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Nancy G. Brinker

After witnessing her sister Susan G. Komen’s battle with cancer, Nancy G. Brinker promised her that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, Brinker’s promise came to fruition with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and the launch of the global breast cancer movement. Through events like the Komen Race for the Cure, her organization has invested almost $2 billion to fulfill its promise, working to end breast cancer in the U.S. and throughout the world through ground-breaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 50 countries. Time magazine named Brinker to its 2008 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Calling her "a catalyst to ease suffering in the world," President Barack Obama honored Brinker with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in 2009.

Sharista Shourie

In August of 2009, 25 year-old Sharista Shourie found a lump in her right breast during a self-exam. Less than a month later she was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. She began researching and visiting doctors to determine her best treatment options, what she could expect from treatment and life after cancer. At the recommendation of a friend she joined a breast cancer support group through the Cancer Support Community (CSC) and its affiliate the Wellness Community, West Los Angeles. In 2012 she had her first round of checkups and had no evidence of the disease. She is now committed to raising awareness about breast cancer. She continues to attend the CSC support group and has become a vocal advocate for patient empowerment, encouraging all women to become active participants in their health so they can take the right action for themselves.

Janelle Hail

Facing breast cancer in 1980 was not easy for women, since there was little information available. That year at 34 years old, Janelle Hail discovered a lump during self-examination. While in the hospital dealing with her own breast cancer she became acutely aware of the need for women to be educated about the life-changing decisions surrounding treatment. During the next 11 years, Hail began training to equip herself with the knowledge and ability to deliver a message of hope to women. In 1991 she founded The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) with the help of family. NBCF has become one of the world’s most respected breast cancer charities, providing lifesaving information and assistance to millions of women. Hail received several awards including: the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Italian Cancer Foundation 2011 and the Spirit of Compassion Award from the Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation 2010.

Jaclyn Smith

In 2002 Jaclyn Smith, a multi-talented actress, entrepreneur, and philanthropist discovered a lump in her breast during a routine exam. Smith’s treatment plan included a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. Now cancer free, Smith says it was her gratitude for the loving care she received during treatment that inspired her to support organizations that can provide women with a network like she had giving both information and emotional support. She has taken on advocacy roles for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and most recently, for the Strength in Knowing (SIK): The Facts and Fiction of Breast Cancer Risk campaign. Through SIK, Smith travels the country encouraging women to understand their risk and take appropriate action. She believes making the effort to reach out and connect can make a profound difference in a woman’s wellness during cancer treatment.

Angela Kuzilwa

It was in October of 2004 that 53 year-old Tanzanian Angela Kuzilwa’s life changed forever when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The knowledge that in Tanzania cancer was always associated with imminent death led her to believe she would not survive. With the support of family and friends she went through treatment successfully. From Kuzilawa’s experience grew the need to reach out to breast cancer patients and survivors in Tanzania in hopes of building a support network and eliminating the stigmas surrounding women living with the disease. In 2006 she started the Tanzania Breast Cancer Foundation (TBCF) in the living room of her own home, and then officially launched the organization in August of 2008. Under Kuzilwa’s leadership and with the help of other breast cancer survivors and volunteers TBCF continues to enhance the lives of Tanzanian women living with breast cancer today.

Peter Criss

He is a founding member of one of the world's most famous rock bands. He is a legendary drummer who wrote one of the biggest hits of the 1970's. KISS co-founder, Peter Criss is also a breast cancer survivor. Criss’s battle began in 2007 when following a workout; he noticed a painful lump in his left breast. After being examined by a specialist, the lump was removed. After testing he was called with a diagnosis of breast cancer. In early 2008 he underwent surgery having a lumpectomy performed followed by a mastectomy. Because the cancer was caught early, he was able to avoid additional chemotherapy. Criss, now cancer free is on a mission to raise awareness and combat the notion that only women can get breast cancer. His efforts include participation in the American Cancer Society Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walk every October.

Christina Applegate

Award winning actress Christina Applegate was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy to make certain the disease did not return. After receiving her diagnosis, Applegate created Right Action for Women: A Christina Applegate Foundation in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Applegate established Right Action for Women to educate women about what it means to be at "high risk" for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screening. Right Action for Women provides aid to individuals who are at increased risk for breast cancer and do not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings. Applegate has also partnered with the Cancer Support Community to bring together leaders in the field of genetics, oncology, psychology, nutrition, legal aid, advocacy and patient financial assistance forming the Right Action for Women’s Advisory Council.

Tina Lewis

Tina Lewis along with her husband Harold has owned and operated ten McDonald’s franchises in San Diego, California and is currently president of HRL Group LLC, which owns and operates nine McDonald’s franchises in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. Lewis is also a jewelry designer with her “Designs by Tina” company operating as an approved vendor for MGM Mirage. Her jewelry designs are inspired by her personal journey through cancer; she is a three-time and ten-year survivor of breast cancer. That journey is also the motivation behind her volunteer activities. She speaks to numerous community organizations and, through the San Diego Chapter of Link’s Inc., has developed a partnership with Scripps and the Susan G. Komen Foundation (SGKF) to present breast cancer awareness workshops for women of color. Lewis currently serves as a speaker for SGKF and sits on the Board of Directors for the Susan G. Komen Advocacy Alliance.

Peggy Fleming

In 1998, on the 30th anniversary of her 1968 Olympic gold medal victory, figure skater Peggy Fleming was diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection saved her life, following a lumpectomy and 6 rounds of radiation she was cancer free. Fleming, now a thirteen year cancer survivor remains dedicated to the search for a cure for the disease. Since the launch of her 2004 Victories Rose from Fleming Jenkins Wines, her wine label has donated over $38,000 to charities supporting the cause, which include: The Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, The V Foundation for Cancer Research and local organizations including the VMC Foundation at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for the Sobrato Cancer Center. Her book, “The Long Program: Skating toward Life's Victories" is her autobiography and includes her early life, her figure skating career, and her battle with breast cancer.

Jen Anderson

40 year-old Jen Anderson was living in Minnesota with her husband and three daughters when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Four years later the cancer had spread to every bone in her body. Fortunate to be alive, Anderson never let the disease stop her. Instead, she spent her days as a motivational speaker talking with cancer survivors, school and community groups. She was an avid fundraiser for the cause raising tens of thousands of dollars to help find a cure. Anderson’s tenacity prompted a friend, Kari Mitchell, to launch the now 5 year old Hartford and Re/max Results Breast Cancer Ride an annual fundraiser in Eagan, Minnesota. Anderson lost her 6 year battle with the disease in August of this year. Her “can do” attitude and true passion for life continue to inspire other cancer patients to never give up.