GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — Tina Cieri and Linda Butcher are ready for the Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk taking place this weekend at Buffalo RiverWorks.
They have matching pink t-shirts to show they are breast cancer survivors. For Cieri, there's an eerie coincidence — the day of the walk marks exactly one year since she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"I remember driving home and thinking this can't be happening. I don't have family history. I go every year [for a mammogram]. I think of the importance of a yearly mammogram and how this has saved my life," said Cieri.
Both women found out they had cancer after a routine mammogram. Both had double mastectomies as a course of treatment. They continue taking medication to keep the cancer from coming back, but overall, both are doing well today.
The pair wanted to celebrate life and raise money and awareness for the Komen foundation. They created a team that will be participating this weekend, and they've raised more than $4,000.
Their diagnoses could have dragged them down, but their friendship and support from family has boosted their spirits.
"Your friends will get you off the couch, bring you food, and tell you look good even if you don't look good. Remind you of all the happy times and the happy times to come," said Butcher.
This weekend's walk will be one of those happy times but perhaps a bit bittersweet because they share that bond of breast cancer — but they're friendship is bigger and stronger than any diagnosis.