Apple Valley Breast Cancer Survivor is Ambassador for National Campaign

"When I first heard the news that I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was in disbelief and shock."

Throughout the rest of the video in which she's featured, cancer survivor Marguerite Wachter talks about the process she went through after finding out several years ago that she had breast cancer—talking to family members who were survivors, deciding on the beast treatment, making lifestyle changes and finding a support community.

Apple Valley resident Wachter, 49, is one of five survivor ambassadors this year featured in video spots for Pink Together, a national campaign hosted by General Mills to help connect those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness about the disease, according to a news release. The women also will be featured on some General Mills product packaging, the release says.

The videos show each woman telling her cancer-survival story, and talking about her involvement with Pink Together.

"Having a community of survivors around you is really important," Wachter said in the video. "When you're newly diagnosed you feel sort of isolated."

She was able to find that community on the Pink Together website.

"People can find strength together on the site by sharing inspiring stories of survival or words of encouragement and support for those battling the disease," campaign manager Eric Jensen said in the release. "One person's story is truly another person's hope."

As Wachter celebrates her fifth year being cancer-free, Pink Together also celebrates its five-year anniversary. General Mills will donate $2 million to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the release says.

Wachter also is using her position as ambassador to spread awareness about getting checked for breast cancer, according to an interview she did for the A Taste of General Mills blog.

"I’m very passionate about mammography because I am convinced that I am here today because my cancer was caught very early through a mammogram," she said in the blog interview.

Wachter said she doesn't dwell on the fact that she had cancer, and doesn't want to be defined by her cancer. Today, she embraces life more fully.

"Every day is a gift," she said in the blog interview. "I really reflect on everything that's good and positive in my life. ... I'm one of the lucky ones."