TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — October is a special time for breast cancer survivors and those who've cheered them on in the fight.
It's the reason families were out Wednesday at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare's The Power of Pink event.
People from across the Big Bend were at Goodwood Museum and Gardens to honor those living with breast cancer and those in the fight to treat them.
We met a survivor with a story that she hopes will inspire others to keep fighting.
In 2006, Kathy Brooks got some news she was not expecting.
"I was paralyzed. You are a little bit paralyzed with fear. You are never ready to hear the words 'you have cancer,'" said Brooks.
Brooks was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer when she was 18 weeks pregnant.
"It was really hard. The battle between having a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old," said Brooks. "I knew I needed to be well and survive for them, but also I was wondering was the treatment I was going to receive going to harm my baby in any way shape or form."
After rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and a mastectomy, things were getting better, with her friends and family there every step of the way.
"I would open our front door and and there would be students working in our yard, people bringing us meals and other survivors reaching out to us," said Brooks.
Brooks now shares her story with hopes that it gives hope to someone else in the breast cancer fight.
"I'm hopeful that women who go down this path or have to tackle this journey will know that they are not alone and never gave up hope. Even when given a horrible diagnosis, I never gave up hope," said Brooks.
This is just one of several events that TMH has planned this month.
Brooks has a special connection to TMH. Since her recovery, she's taken on an administrator job at the cancer center.
To get involved with TMH's other events this month, click here.
