THANK YOU, Sis' Sweets

Your Breast Cancer Campaign 2007 saved my life!

As much as I love your delicious sandwich combos and iced sugar cookies, I didn't get to visit your shop as much as I wanted to due to my working hours. Being a teacher, your shop was our choice on the days when the students were gone and we could leave the building for lunch.

Last October we had one of those days and my friends and I headed your direction. We enjoyed our usual delicious lunch and while waiting to pay, I looked over your Breast Cancer Campaign Display and pink t-shits emblazoned with "Tough Enough to Wear Pink."

I made up my mind right then and there I was going to complete the requirements because I wanted to get a pink t-shirt for my friend, Rhonda and my cousin, Sue. Both had battled breast caner. I'd keep the free cookies for myself!

I had mammograms before but not consistently. There was no family history, and it was something I knew I should do but did not make it a priority. In fact, I had not had one the previous June, my birth month and when I was out of school, that time of year I usually scheduled my well woman checkup.

I had my mammogram and was shocked when I received a call back for an additional test. After further testing I was referred to a surgeon and found myself at the University of Kansas Cancer Center and Medical Pavilion.

On January 14, 2008 my shock turned to disbelief when the doctor told me I had breast cancer but 99.9% treatable at this early stage due to detection.

They scary part is this particular type of cancer does not form lumps! I spreads like moss throughout your body. I had absolutely no symptoms! If I had not come into your shop and followed through with the mammogram, I would still be walking around with undetected breast cancer!

Thank you, Sis' Sweets!

Gena Rieck

Early Detection is your Best Protection!