While scientists and doctors have cured many diseases, cancer remains extremely elusive. According to senior Brittany Balzano, Cure Club president, one in four men and one in six women will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and every three minutes someone is diagnosed with breast cancer.

With October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, freshman Tori Lothian reflects on her experience of her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis.

“[I found out my mom had breast cancer] in sixth grade,” Lothian said. “When she first told us about it I was just like, ‘Whoa, like what are you talking about?’ and I got kind of scared.”

Junior Ellie Foley’s mom found out that she had breast cancer on the first day of finals during Foley’s sophomore year. This had a lasting effect on both Foley and her family.

According to Foley, her mom’s diagnosis made her angry at first.

“The first thing I thought was, “How could this happen to my mother?’” Foley said. “[She] is the most caring woman in the world who is always thinking about other people and is always protecting everyone.”

Senior Jenna Appel was told her mom had breast cancer when she was 13. She described the effects the diagnosis had on her.

“It affected my life because there is nothing worse than seeing your mom going through treatment and suffering,” Appel said.

Lothian explained how other people helped her family during this time.

“A lot of people came over to make dinner for us,” Lothian said. “I know our church helped a lot; [they] made my mom a lot of blankets.”

Because her mom wasn’t always able to be around during the treatment process, Foley had to become more independent and take on responsibilities usually handled by her parents. Foley believes the entire experience has made her a more mature individual.

“I realized that I needed to grow up,” Foley said. “I think that if my mom’s cancer didn’t happen, I wouldn’t be as mature as I am now.”

Recently, Foley’s mom was diagnosed for a second time.

“The doctor saw some precancerous lumps at first and then after they did a biopsy they found out that it actually was cancer,” Foley said.

Foley’s mother went for surgery early Friday morning, Nov. 2, according to Foley.

“When I got the text at 12:30 Saturday morning […] that my mom was cancer free again, I was really relieved. She’s not going to deal with it again, she’s all good now, [I’m] just waiting for her to come home.”

According to Foley, her family is very active in contributing to breast cancer awareness and funding.

“My brother plays football, and he got a bunch of his friends together, [gathered] money, and bought tons of football gear, all pink,” Foley said. “You’ll see them on the field, they’ll be wearing the pink gloves, and the pink socks.”

On the field and off, Foley’s family remains a vital foundation of support.

“I have a great family, and we’re all in this together,” Foley said. “You learn how strong of a basis of a family you have. I knew there was love in my house, but through this we were incredibly strong and we’ve gotten stronger.”