During the month of October we are sharing stories from women whose lives and experiences have been shaped by a breast cancer diagnosis. We hope these stories will help provide comfort and courage to others whose lives have been touched by cancer.

Thirty-four years after receiving a devastating breast cancer diagnosis, Joyce Shull is thrilled to be enjoying life. She likes to keep active and especially enjoys attending Zumba dance classes at the Lifespan Center in Charleston.

And at 86-years-old Joyce continues to reach out to help others by participating in breast cancer awareness events. For more than 10 years following her diagnosis, she served as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program to help people cope with their breast cancer experience. “I enjoyed getting to meet these women and hearing their stories,” she said, making home visits to help women with strengthening exercises following a mastectomy. She has also participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser every year since it began. With a closet full of pink T-shirts, she is proud to walk as a breast cancer survivor each year with her daughter.

Joyce considers herself one of the lucky ones, diagnosed after discovering a hard spot on her nipple in her early 50s. While she was a little frightened by the news, “I was so glad it was me and not someone else in my family,” she said.

Joyce underwent a mastectomy of her left breast along with lymph node removal. “I was in the hospital for nine days and I didn’t have to have any further treatment. I was very fortunate,” she said. “My daughter is so proud of me because she thought I was so strong.” Her daughter was soon to be married at the time so Joyce was determined not to be down for long. She quickly resumed her life and went back to work as first executive assistant to the president at Lake Land College.

Many years have since passed, but Joyce is always quick to offer hope and encouragement to others faced with a breast cancer diagnosis. “I encourage them to stay active and to keep a positive outlook,” she said. She also encourages her daughter and others to be faithful about having yearly mammogram screenings.