A monthlong series of profiles

DIANNE MCLEOD HADLEY

FAMILY: Husband, Thomas Wilcox; four sons; 10 grandchildren between ages 1 and 15.

OCCUPATION: Retired health systems specialist, Department of Defense

DIAGNOSED: September 2006

WHAT HELPED: The wonderful support of my family, friends, neighbors and church family; the Pink Ribbonettes breast cancer support group in Aiken; my doctors and nurses at University Hospital.

OUTLOOK: The survival rate for my type of cancer is 87 percent. I am very positive and have prioritized things in my life. I try to share my story with anyone who has been diagnosed or knows a friend or relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

ADVICE: Do not hesitate to reach out to others for information and help. It is not a battle to be fought alone. There are people out there who have gone through whatever you are going through and want to help you get through this time in your life. Get involved.

PERSONAL: I was the first person in my family all the way back to my great-grandparents to have any type of cancer. I have always taken care of myself, exercised, eaten right, not smoked and always had checkups and mammograms.

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH