When diagnosed with cancer, reaching out to other survivors is one of the best ways to foster the strength to overcome the disease. Fortunately, local women that face breast cancer can find refuge at the Pink Ribbon Society, founded by Ann Peters, a 41 year breast cancer survivor.
Upon being diagnosed with Stage 2 metastatic breast cancer in 1977, Peters underwent a year of chemotherapy followed by reconstructive surgery. At the time, she was a mother of two young children with a whole life ahead of her. Regardless, it was difficult to find the determination at first.
“I had an experience with my son, he was eight, and one day he came home and I was still in my pajamas,” said Peters. “And I opened the door and he said, ‘Are you ever going to wear real clothes again?’ and when he did that, it was like someone slapped me in the face. From that point on I made up my mind that I would not be sick. I would use all my strength to be a survivor.”
With her family in mind, Peters started what would be the most difficult journey of her life. She found support through a neighbor who was undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
“She and I would walk every night after dinner and we could cry with each other, we could fight with each other...we could be ourselves and say what was really going on inside and how scared we were,” she said. “She was my salvation during those weeks and months.”
Unfortunately, her friend lost her battle with cancer. Nevertheless, Peters knew that she wanted to do something to support other women battling breast cancer.
“I always wanted to do something to pay it forward, to help other breast cancer patients,” said Peters.
To date, the Pink Ribbon Society has raised over $500,000 and has assisted breast cancer patients across Lake, Porter, Jasper, and Newton Counties. The need for support is high, and Peters and her team are determined to make an impact.
“This year, right in our own community, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Northwest Indiana has one of the highest diagnosis and mortality rates in the state of Indiana,” explained Peters. “An estimated 600 women in these four counties will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.”
To meet this need, the Pink Ribbon Society’s mission is two-fold. First, they are dedicated to encouraging women to take preventative measures such as regular mammograms and a healthy lifestyle. Secondly, the organization finds ways to help women upon diagnosis. This means buying patients a wig, compression sleeves, and gift cards for groceries and gas.
“We women have a tendency to be caregivers. So we take care of everyone else but we don’t always take care of ourselves,” said Peters. “I remember what it was like. I remember what was missing in my life after the diagnosis.”
Nowadays, Peters in living her best life. This year she will celebrate her 75th birthday as well as her 50th wedding anniversary with her husband. She also has four beautiful grandchildren, Taylor, Savanna, Benjamin, and Shelbi Lynn.
“I certainly never thought I'd live long enough to see my children grow up, graduate, get married, and I certainly never thought I'd live to be a grandmother,” said Peters. “Whoever thought I would be so blessed?”
Peters wants the same for every woman facing breast cancer. She encourages women to seek help from family and friends, and to exercise strength every day, even if that means simply putting on makeup every morning.
“The one thing I’ve always encouraged people to do during treatment is get up, wash your face, comb your hair, change your clothes, put your makeup on, and get on with it.”