Breast cancer survivor Julet Dinan of Geneva is a physical therapist with the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, assigned to Frank Knight Elementary School in Seneca Falls. She has been cancer-free for eight years. Photo by Lauren Long.

Physical therapist Julet Dinan knows how to deal with pain. But that knowledge did not help her when she heard these words nine years ago: "I'm sorry, you have breast cancer."
"I was scared. Even with all my training and education, I did not know what to do," said Dinan, who has worked for the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES in Seneca County since 1986.

She turned to the American Cancer Society. During the next seven months of treatment, the services she received, simply put, were integral to her recovery — "from the first person who answered the phone, who helped me find a surgeon, sent me information and then referred me to a cancer survivor I could call on."

The American Cancer Society funds research and provides information on more than 50 different kinds of cancer.

"I was enrolled in a study that was funded by ACS. Then after surgery when my tumor went to a pathologist, I found out the tests were funded by ACS. Several packets of material helped me to figure out what was normal and what wasn't and how to get ready for chemotherapy," Dinan said.

After surgery and during chemotherapy, she also took advantage of Look Good, Feel Better, an ACS program that helped her with makeup and wigs.

"I never splurged on expensive makeup before, but ACS has found that women feel better if they look better," Dinan said.

Dinan suffered a number of complications and did not feel strong enough to continue with the chemotherapy. Then she found out that the best metal is not found in jewelry.

"The most precious gold for me is in little white pills. Back then the medicine was brand new and again, the study that found how it helped chemotherapy patients was funded by ACS," Dinan said.

Then came radiation and Dinan developed radiation burns, despite special creams to protect her skin. It took another 18 months to recover but again, "another packet from ACS and I found out about a new cream that helped me finish the radiation," Dinan said.

Then there is the support from her colleagues in the Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES Educators Association. The local union, led by Pam Modzel, collected donations for a dress-down day and had a team in the Relay for Life.

Dinan also realized how ACS works with all cancer sufferers and even helps those without cancer. "I was surprised to learn how active the cancer society is in getting legislation passed or increasing awareness. Now I firmly believe that winning the fight against cancer depends on improving access to quality cancer care," Dinan said.

Last year, NYSUT and the ACS worked on a postcard campaign to get lawmakers to increase funding so all women, regardless of income, can get mammograms.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks will be held across the state in October. NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira oversees the union's efforts in the walks. She said stories like Dinan's underline the union's commitment to being a statewide sponsor for the last seven years. NYSUT walkers last year raised $1 million to find a cure and increase awareness.

Dinan, who has been cancer-free for the past eight years, will participate Oct. 5 in Waterloo. Neira will walk Oct. 19 in Albany.

"Even with all the studies, treatment and prevention, the statistics tell us that more than 40,000 women and 450 men died from breast cancer last year, and similar numbers are projected this year," Neira said. "Every step we take and every dollar we raise goes toward making those numbers decrease and to lessen the impact on our members, their students and their families."

Dinan agrees.

"I will walk to show everyone that breast cancer survivors are strong and there is great hope for long-term survival."

— Betsy Sandberg