Special
FAMILY: Husband of 39 years, Walter Bonczkowski III; children: Walter IV (wife, Frances, and children, Drew, 4, and Joseph, 7 months); Josh (wife, Karla, and daughter Kenley, 3); Tiffany (husband, Kenneth Nolla).
OCCUPATION: Senior production clerk, Converted Fibers Area, Thermal Ceramics
DIAGNOSIS: March 2007
WHAT HELPED: The wonderful support that I received from my family, friends and my faith.
OUTLOOK: I try to keep my outlook positive. Some days are more difficult than others, but I try and remember all of the good that I have in my life and I refocus again.
ADVICE: Reach out and find someone that you can talk to and confide in. For me it's my husband. He listens to all of my rants and raves, and without interrupting. I'm blessed to have him by my side.
PERSONAL: I'm a third-generation breast cancer survivor. My mother, Rose Zank, who lives in Augusta, is a seven-year survivor and doing great. When my mother was diagnosed, I figured that it would be just a matter of time before I would be diagnosed, too. Even so, I was blindsided when I received my diagnosis. I just figured I'd be a lot older when I would hear those words "You have breast cancer." I was 55. There has been a lot of progress in breast cancer treatments over the years, but it is still hard. I did not realize until I was getting my treatments just what my mother had gone through. I'm focusing on getting my health back by exercising, eating right. I want to be an advocate to help spread the word about early detection. I don't want a fourth or fifth generation to be affected by this disease. I don't want my daughter or granddaughter to hear those fateful words.
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
