Peg Bryant - 2008 Honorary Survivor Chair

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 30’s. She’s a survivor. And, she’s known to help others live with breast cancer through outreach and genuine compassion.

The Susan G. Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure® is proud to announce Peggy Bryant, 46, of Rock Island, Illinois, as its 2008 Honorary Survivor Chair. Bryant was introduced as the new survivor chair at “An Evening with Peggy Fleming” at the i wireless Center in Moline on October 23, 2007.

Peggy Bryant was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. She discovered a lump during a self-exam. Peggy encourages women to be assertive when they notice a change in their bodies.

“Be familiar with what your body feels like. You’re going to catch something before your doctor does. You do this once a month---they do it once a year. You’re most familiar with how it feels and looks. You’ll notice subtle changes,” she said.

Peggy underwent a lumpectomy and radiation. But, in 1999, the breast cancer recurred. Peggy then had a double mastectomy in 2000.

Peggy had no further problems until 2005, when her breast cancer again recurred and metastasized to her liver. The cancer, formerly non-invasive, was determined to be metastatic.

“I look at it as a chronic condition that can be treated. We don’t have a cure, but there’s a lot that can be done to manage it,” she said.

Peggy had chemotherapy from August of 2005-May of 2006, and now takes Herceptin by infusion weekly. She says it’s an antibody treatment that triggers the immune system to attack cancerous cells if they recur.

Well-known by others in the chemo suites, Peggy offers a ray of hope to patients facing similar circumstances. She joined numerous “Friday regulars” for treatments for many weeks. Peggy says she’s the only one of four breast cancer patients in her original group to survive.

“I don’t want women to live in fear. Sometimes you see individuals out there that don’t have hope. Learn what possibilities are out there and believe that miracles do happen,” she said.

Peggy was nominated for the Honorary Survivor Chair position by Stephanie Dreher, RN, OCN, of Hematology Oncology Associates of the Quad Cities.

“Peg reached out to others who needed her to guide them along their journey. There have been so many patients who’ve benefited from her support and genuine kindness,” Dreher said.

Peggy is married to her husband, Kelly, and works as a full-time mother of 14-year-old Emily and 11-year-old Joey.

Peggy invites everyone to be part of the cure for breast cancer by participating in the Komen Quad Cities Race for the Cure® on Saturday, June 14th, 2008, at the i wireless Center in Moline.