2008 Honorees

Ann Mason

I grew up in Snellville, Georgia, graduated from Snellville High School and then attended Georgia State University. My husband, Wayne, and I have been married for over 40 years and have four children and eleven wonderful grandchildren.

My first encounter with breast cancer was in August 1992. My sister, Monteen Archer, was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. After watching her go through chemotherapy and several surgeries, it made me more aware of my body.

During one of my self examinations, I found a small lump and immediately scheduled a mammogram. The radiologist told me there were some changes from my prior mammogram but that it wasn’t cause for concern and said to come back in six months. Knowing that if my sister had gone to the doctor when she first suspected something was wrong that she would have had a better change of survival, I made an appointment with another doctor for a second opinion. Thankfully, he ordered additional tests and eventually a biopsy.
On a Friday night in March 1994 my doctor called with the dreaded diagnosis. I had breast cancer. The good news was that, unlike my sister, my cancer had been discovered in the early states. One week later, I underwent a mastectomy and reconstruction, along with the removal of several lymph nodes. My oncologist said that I did not need chemotherapy or radiation but that I only needed to take a drug called tamoxifen for five years. WHEW! My family insisted that I get another opinion on my therapy. I did and I was so relieved that the second oncologist recommended the same course of treatment.

Sadly my sister did not win her battle with breast cancer. I am probably alive today because my cancer was discovered early. My advice to women of all ages is to do your self examinations and get regular mammograms. Remember, you know your body better than anyone else. Also, don’t ever be afraid to seek a second opinion. Mine may have saved my life. I thank God for every day.

Jean Miles
Sugar Hill, GA


Just after Christmas 2006, I discovered a lump in my left breast. This lump signaled that 2007 would be a year like no one had expected. The year started with a doctor visit in which the lump measured 1.5 cm and because of my age (37) and the recent delivery of my third child a diagnosis of "likley nothing to worry about." Then a follow up visit with a measument of 2 cm and a diagnosis of "some concern." Then a mamogram and diagnosis of "very conerned". By the middle of Feburary, a lumpectomy and lymph node surgery had confirmed breast cancer with lymph node involvement. After discussions with doctors, family, and friends, my husband and I reviewed all treatment options. We weighed the choices using two main contributing factors: What treatment would be most effective, and what would allow me to continue to function as a wife and mother.

I have been married to to John for 12 years and we have three daughters; Georgia (7), Samantha(4), and Addison(1). It was very important to me that I not be "sick" with cancer while I had cancer, for my sake, and for our daughter's sake. I went through 8 rounds of chemo, choosing to spread it over 24 weeks. Followed-up by 36 radiation treatments.
In October of 2007, I completed my cancer treatements. Follow-up evalauations have confirmed that I am cancer-free.

Throughout 2007, I became aware of the depths of my support system that I could have never imagined. Family. Friends. Friends-of-friends. But a large system of support were the other men and women I met during treatments. And for that I am truly grateful. Cancer does not target a certain age, race, or gender. Everyone should know their body and if there is something that doesn't seem quite right - get it checked out. Early detection saved my life and it has saved the lives of so many people I met in treatment. As 2007 ended, and 2008 began, I am proud to take on a new role of cancer survivor.

Sara Williams
Suwanee, GA

I was blessed to grow up in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA. I attended nursing school at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta where I met and fell madly in love with Virgil Williams, my husband of 49 years. We have four children and are the proud grandparents of nine precious grandchildren… our world was perfect.

How could discovering one small lump in your breast make such a life-changing and life-threatening difference? But, make a difference it did. After a lumpectomy, followed by radiation treatment and many visits to doctors and being dismissed in December five years later by my Oncologist, I just knew I had sailed through and life was once again beautiful. Little did I know in just another month, I would discover yet another lump in the same breast that would be more aggressive. To suffer through chemotherapy and radiation a second time calls on all the inner strength and faith one can muster. But, God gave me strength and faith I had, together with a very positive attitude.
I cannot emphasize enough the shear importance of regular self-examination and awareness of your body and its changes. I credit my early detection, my strong faith in God and the prayers, love and support of my family and friends with my survival. And, last but certainly not least, I also feel I had the best health care available with the physicians and staff of both Emory University Hospital and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. They were diligent with their innovative treatment along with their cutting edge cancer research.

For the last five years, I’ve proudly served on the Emory Breast Health Center Board of Advisors. Their pro-active research is amazing.

This past January I received a very positive report from my doctors, and I feel healthy and truly blessed. Cancer does put a different spin on your thinking and your life’s prospective in general. There are no more “bad hair” days. You just thank the Good Lord for the blessings He has bestowed on you and enjoy each day to the fullest. That’s exactly what I am doing.