Charlene Kirsch  : Age: 45 : Nicktown, Cambria County

Occupation: St. Francis University’s Office of Advancement

Charlene was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer at the age of 40.  At that time she was a wife, a mother of three active children and she was working full time. Charlene was also taking education classes on the side.  “I lived by my calendar, and all of a sudden there was something that took over all the other things that took my priority.  I had to put myself on the top of the list.”

Charlene is now three years cancer free. “God gave me a gift of life. Being a cancer survivor, it is like you become a member of a club. It is am immediate bond. Death knocked at our door and we survived.”

“Early detection is the key. A breast cancer diagnosis isn’t a death sentence. It can happen to anyone regardless of existing risk factors.”

As a survivor, Charlene continues to help others fight cancer by being a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.  Charlene helps organize the St. Francis Relay for Life. She has also been a Relay team captain and top fundraiser. She is also a walker in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.