Meet the Models: Penny Howell

Penny Howell, a Survivor since 2012

My name is Kathleen “Penny” Howell.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2012, underwent surgery and 32 radiation treatments, and have been in remission for 6 years.  I was very fortunate that it was caught in its early stages before it spread.  I am so thankful for the radiologist that didn’t like the look of the lump and talked me into having a biopsy to be better safe than sorry.  Never once did I believe it would be cancer, but when that phone call came much sooner than I expected, I knew exactly what the news was going to be.  Having to go into the doctor’s office to review the results was the scariest moment of my life, and I needed the support of my whole family to get through it.

I am married and have two daughters, a son and a step daughter.  I am walking for them today, for my three sisters and four brothers, my aunts, my sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, my cousins, 20+ nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and many friends.  Also for everyone who has lost their battle to this heinous disease, including Ken, Tommy, Nicole and Debbie.  And finally, I’m walking for anyone who is still battling it.

I am the first in my family that has been diagnosed with breast cancer or any other cancer.  I’m hoping that through efforts like this, we find a cure and I’m the last one in my family who has to hear those awful words – “it’s cancer”.