Meet Faces of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor from Alexandria

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Washington, DC, takes place Saturday, October 14 , 8am, at The Tidal Basin, followed by a post-walk party. We are proud to recognize Making Strides participant and breast cancer survivor Kate Zickel as one of the event's Faces of Hope ambassadors and thank her for allowing us to share her journey to inspire other survivors or those who have friends or family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. To learn more or register for Making Strides of DC, go to: http://www.makingstrideswalk.org/washingtondc.

Kate was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer after her husband found two small lumps in her left breast. She completed treatment, but two years later developed shoulder pain that led to a diagnosis of stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

Although Kate says, “When I finished my first bout with cancer, I lost sight of who I really was,” she credits a week participating in First Descents in the Colorado mountains for helping to restore her. She also appreciates friends “who paved the way ahead of me” and “every single neighbor who formed a cheer line for my chemo appointments. My husband Brian has gone to every appointment, tried every integrative therapy, and sometimes literally held me up this whole way through. I believe in the power of love, and I'm unspeakably grateful to have so very much of it.

“I try to be aware of the things that helped me and share those with other women. Sometimes, it's giving a hug or being a shoulder to cry on; sometimes it's being willing to share your sex life, so your friend doesn't feel alone in her broken body. Cancer has given me the courage to be open about my own journey in hopes that other women can heal.

“Making Strides is a great program that encourages survivors and the people who love us to share our experiences and make new memories together.”

For more information about breast cancer, go to: www.cancer.org/breastcancer