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OnTheCover: PinkOctober y Sally KalosBTheir courage was tested again and again—through rounds of chemotherapy, the harsh effectsof radiation, the loss of their hair, and the physical and emotional toll exacted by treatment. And still, they stood strong. Their perseverance in the face of pain and fear is nothing short of inspiring.Statistically, about 1 in 8 women— roughly 12.4 percent—will develop invasivebreast cancer during their lifetime. These women are more than statistics. They are mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, and friends. Their stories remind us of the urgent importance of early detection and the lifesaving potential of regular screenings.This October, as we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us remember and honor the women who have shown uswhat it truly means to be courageous. Let’s encourage the women we love to schedule their mammograms. Let’s offer our support, compassion, and time. And above all, let us love them—through every step of the fight.Breast Cancer Story SubmissionsSixteen Years Of Survival: My Journey With Breast CancerBAy Sabrina McGowan, Helotes City Council Member (Place 4)Today, I Move Forward Not Only With Healing, But With Purposet 38, life was unfolding with the promise of new beginnings. Only weeks after marrying mywonderful husband, Patrick, I found myself uttering the words “in sickness and in health” with gravity I never anticipated.I was stunned to be diagnosed with breast cancer despite having no family history or BRCA gene mutation. The news arrived like a thunderclap, reshaping ordinary days into a landscape of appointments, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and uncertainty.But support arrived in waves, gentle and persistent. My husband was my anchor, steadfast through my pain, fear, and moments of doubt. Family and friends rallied, transforming anxious silences into laughter and companionship. Doctors and nurses cared for me with their expertise, compassion, and encouragement. Together, we celebrated small victories: a good scan result, the end of a round of chemo, the return of my appetite. In those early days, I learned the profound importance of community—the invisible arms that hold us up when our own strength falters.Faith played a strong, steady role for me. My heart overflowed with gratitude to God, my family, and to everyone who sent6Sabrina McGowan, Helotes City Council Member (Place 4)prayers, messages, and meals. In the face of uncertainty, hope became an act of faith—a way to claim each day as a step forward, regardless of its challenges. I learned to lean into encouragement, whether it was a gentle word from a doctor or nurse or a shared laugh with my support circle.During the most difficult days, I found solace in small rituals: journaling my thoughts or walking outdoors. Those moments grounded me, reminding me that life, even in its altered state, still held beauty.This year, I marked 16 years as a breast cancer survivor. I am deeply grateful for renewed health and for the privilege of watching my life unfold in ways previously unimaginable.If you are reading this and find yourself at the beginning of a similar journey, please know you are not alone. Cancer can be isolating, overwhelming, and frightening. But within this community, there is immense strength and solidarity. Reach out, lean on those willing to help, and allow yourself to receive support.Always hold onto hope, even when the journey seems long and daunting. The milestones will come—one day at a time. Let encouragement fuel your resolve. Let faith lighten your spirit. And celebrate every small victory.SIubmitted By Mary Greenn January 2025, my journey with breast cancer began. Just a month later, in February, I underwent adouble mastectomy. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, in the midst of the struggle, I was lifted by an outpouring of love and support that carried me through. That encouragement gave me more than hope; it gave me strength.By March, I received the news I had been praying for: I was considered disease-free. Since then, life has been nothing short of a blessing. While I will never stop hating cancer, I can honestly say that more good than bad has come from this journey. It has deepened my gratitude, sharpened my perspective, and reminded me of the incredible resilience of the human spirit.Today, I move forward not only withMary Greenhealing, but with purpose—and with a heart full of thanks for the good that has come from such a difficult season.Denise Athey was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2008 at the age of 50. She wasMother & Daughter Are Both Breast Cancer SurvivorsSubmitted by Denise Athey & Colleen Knowltonable to navigate through 12 rounds of chemotherapy, 32 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgeries with the unwavering support from her family and friends. Denise had been cancer free for over 16 years only to learn, her 39-year-old daughter, Colleen Knowlton, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer in April of 2024.Colleen faced cancer head on with a positive attitude and determination to overcome. Denise went into action to support Colleen every step of the way. It has been a difficult, but rewarding journey to ensure Colleen had the care and compassion to see the positive results of her treatments, even when it seemed impossible. Colleen successfully completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgeries backed by theDenise Athey, 68 years old, and Colleen Knowlton, 40 years old.endless support from her family and friends. She was declared NED (no evidence of disease) in January of 2025 and continues to thrive in the hopes to be the best role model to her two young daughters - Emma (8) and Kayleigh (6).Today, Denise and Colleen, walk side by side as cancer survivors, stronger in their faith and support of the fight to end breast cancer.Cancer Stories - continued on page 7 October 2025CAT GROOMINGCall or Text For Appointment!(726) 229-2588(Located Near Babcock & Hausman Rd.) https://kiiscatgrooming.com• Bath • Hair Cut• Nail Trimming and more!Hours: Mon - Thurs. 9am - 5pm Closed Fri. & Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pmExpires 10-31-25www.heloteshighlights.com