Schaefer

For Cheryl Schaefer, a 52-year-old Center Township resident, it was a simple situation of mind over matter.

After being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2008, she refused to submit to death.

"It was mind over matter," she said. "It matters, and I mind."

Schaefer, who was diagnosed with uterine cancer in 1990 and breast cancer in 2000, believes having the right attitude is important.

"I'm too stubborn," Schaefer said. "I wasn't ready to give in."

Schaefer coordinates the Butler Breast and Women's Cancer group meetings at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the Morgan No. 2 Building at the corner of Routes 38 and 422 and Jefferson Street to share her story.

She wants to help give encouragement to others that life doesn't end with a diagnosis.

"We try very, very hard to give support and help them through the rough spots," Schaefer said. "We like to find informational speakers on subjects to try and educate everyone."

Some of the topics discussed include treatments.

"There's been a lot said on TV about mammograms, and some people are saying you don't have to have them anymore at a certain age," Schaefer said. "But I'm still a proponent of mammograms and breast exams. Most women will tell you most lumps are discovered during breast exams."

There are 90 members on the books, but the group usually has 15 to 30 members at the meetings.

The group was originally only for women with breast cancer, but Schaefer, who serves as the group's facilitator, said they decided to include women with all forms of cancer.

"Since all cancers are similar, we didn't want to limit women with other types of cancer that had no place to go for support," Schaefer said. "It was important to include them."