Life. Courage. Hope. Dignity.

These are qualities many people might like to possess.

But women depicted in the “67 Women, 67 Counties” traveling photo exhibit came upon those descriptors the hard way.

The exhibit hosted by the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition will be on display through March 7 at the Slippery Rock University Student Union.

Created in 1994, the exhibits aims at putting a personal image on breast cancer and the families it affects.

“One in eight women are diagnosed every day across the United States,” said Kevin Smith, communication director for the coalition.

“Basically (the exhibit) puts a personal image on breast cancer and how it affects families in your own backyard, city and state.”

According to Smith, the exhibit will include at least one woman from every county in Pennsylvania and will include some group photos.

In some areas, the coalition reached out to the community to find participants. In others, women submitted their information.

Denise Dupe, 46, of Butler is among those featured in the exhibit and who spoke Thursday night at its opening.

Dupe was diagnosed six years ago with stage 2B ductile carcinoma, which had invaded her breast and the lymph nodes under her arm.

Hoping to avoid a mastectomy, Dupe opted to undergo chemotherapy and a lumpectomy followed by a course of the experimental drug Herceptin, which could reduce the risk of recurrence by 50 percent.

“I feel people don't talk enough about it,” said Dupe, who remains cancer-free.

“The exhibit is about education and awareness. I've been through it. I'm a survivor. I love to talk to people about it.”

For each woman featured, the display also will include their county, age of diagnoses and whether or not their cancer has come back.

Participants also include a quote or piece of inspiration to encourage others who are dealing with the disease.

One of the most shocking details of the exhibit, Smith said, is the ages at which individual women were diagnosed: Women of all ages are touched by breast cancer and the exhibit includes women who were diagnosed in their 30s.

“The exhibit is a call to action to other women to not sit and wait and be proactive and go and talk their doctor,” Smith said.

“It helps spread the message. It gives the personal touch on something that's become a hot topic,” he added.

According to the PBCC website, more than 103,000 women and their families in Pennsylvania are dealing with breast cancer in some way. The photo exhibit, in addition to raising awareness, celebrates these women and their families.

Since its inception, the exhibit has traveled to dozens of communities around Pennsylvania.

<B>WHAT: </B>“67 Women, 67 Counties” traveling photo exhibit hosted by the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition<B>WHERE: </B>Slippery Rock University Student Union<B>WHEN: </B>7:30 a.m. to midnight through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. The building will be closed Saturday.<B>COST:</B> Free<B>INFO: </B>http://www.pabreastcancer.org/photo_exhibit/