Theresa Evans is the embodiment of beauty and grace. From her infectious smile to her friendly lively conversation, Theresa encompasses the idea of life. One would never think that she had recently battled cancer.

"I never scheduled cancer into my day planner," she says. "On April 4th^th, 2003 my to-do list did not say: pick-up dry cleaning; buy stamps; get breast cancer. I was devastated. "

Theresa found a lump in her breast in December 2002 but was not overly concerned because she had experienced benign lumps in the past. Her doctor suspected a similar diagnosis this time.

However, after subsequent tests, x-rays, a biopsy and surgery to remove the lump, the results showed breast cancer and she was in shock. "My initial reaction to the diagnosis was complete disbelief. I had never felt better. Just days before the biggest thing my husband Daryl and I had to worry about was getting our daughter Katie and son Paul (then just five and three years old respectively) to school on time."

Cancer invaded her life. It had also spread to the lymph nodes, all at the age of 39.

It all happened so fast, she chose to follow the advice of her surgeon who recommended a mastectomy. She then began four months of chemotherapy during which she lost her hair after the first treatment. Radiation therapy followed - every day for 25 days, all this while raising two young children.

Today, Theresa Evans is preparing herself for reconstructive surgery, referring to it as her 'transformation' surgery.

Theresa is a breast cancer survivor. She credits a great deal to the support of her family, friends and CancerCare Manitoba . "Everyone I encountered at CancerCare was a wonderful resource and very supportive. They were my emotional and spiritual backbone. My own personal 'worry warts' who gave me hopes."

Two million women world-wide have breast cancer right now. Half of them - mothers, sisters, daughters and friends don't even know they have it. Cancer is something that happens to you while you are busy doing other things.

Theresa believes no one is ever quite the same after cancer but one must have hope. "I hope that women will realize that even if they are diagnosed with breast cancer, they too can survive. I am living proof of it! My hope is that we find a cure for breast cancer, so our daughters and granddaughters won't ever have to struggle with this disease."

CancerCare Manitoba is dedicated to finding an earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment for breast cancer and has advanced this goal with the opening of the new Manitoba Breast Cancer Research Center. Every day we understand just a little bit more that brings the community together and demonstrates the positive impact breast cancer research has had and continues to have on the lives of women.

However, it will take the resources of many people to reach that goal. Recent advances increase the possibility of survival in women diagnosed with breast cancer. The work we do is life changing, but we can't do it without you.

Each and every one of you provides critical support and you share in our achievements.