Paulette Megee is an elementary school facilitator in South Carlolina.

I am a breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed two days before Christmas in 2002.

After a very brief pity party, I resolved to forge ahead and not let this change me or my love of life. I never really asked, "Why me?"

I figured, "Why not me?" Cancer plays no favorites, and even though I had almost no indicators of being high risk, it found me.

A diagnosis of cancer does give a new perspective to everything you do. Every day is a wonderful gift, and we don't always realize how much this true.

Life really is about people and relationships. In the end that is all that really matters. The 21st century is a wonderful time to be alive. New advances in medicine occur almost daily. I fully believe that someday we will be able to cure and even prevent not only breast cancer, but all cancer.

In the meantime, we must stay strong and work with groups such as Susan Komen for the Cure, the American Cancer Society, Avon's Walk for the Cure and many others working to fund the needed research.

Also, we must remain diligent in getting those all important mammograms. Early detection is so very important!

Wear your pink to encourage, support, and remind all those around you regarding breast cancer.