Cancer survivor's poem in 'Chicken Soup' compilation
In her own words
Amy Breitmann's unborn daughter saved her life.
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During a routine exam while eight months pregnant, Breitmann's doctor discovered a tumor and she later was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The Martinez resident immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumor and started chemotherapy treatments following her daughter's birth.
"It was only found because of the pregnancy," Breitmann said. "It probably would have metastasized if it had not been found at that time."
To cope with the mixed emotions she felt during that time in her life, Breitmann turned to poetry.
Eleven years later, that poem, titled I Am a Cancer Patient , is featured in the recently issued Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book .
"It's about the different roles women play as a cancer patient, a mother and a friend," Breitmann said.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Cancer Book features more than 100 inspirational stories and poems from cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
More than just inspiring a poem, Breitmann's ordeal prompted her to take up community activism.
"Out of that experience, I understood the importance of emotional and spiritual support that women and families need as they're going through that process," she said.
Breitmann credits her recovery to the support she enjoyed from her family and friends. However, she said many women don't receive the same amount of support she was given.
So, about five years ago, she co-founded The Lydia Project, which provides a support system to female cancer patients throughout the world.
Last year, The Lydia Project served 3,900 women.
Since its founding, the Augusta-based program has started satellite offices in Aiken and Columbia, S.C. Breitmann serves as the organization's director of development.
The Lydia Project is selling copies of the latest Chicken for the Soul incarnation on its Web site at www.thelydiaproject.org with half the proceeds from the sales benefitting the organization, Breitmann said.
The book retails for $14.95. For information, call (706) 736-5467.