Book Profiles 32 Women Who Fought Breast Cancer

BIRMINGHAM, Ala--In 1994, the Comprehensive Cancer Center of theUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham commissioned photojournalistMelissa Springer to create an exhibit celebrating breast cancersurvivors. Her finished project has now been published as ATribe of Warrior Women.

The book is intended to promote national awareness that breastcancer is a treatable disease fought best by early detection andtreatment; to pay tribute to all women who have fought so courageouslyagainst breast cancer; and to inspire hope in newly diagnosedwomen.

With that mission in mind, each of the 32 breast cancer survivorsprofiled in the book was asked to give some words of comfort tonewly diagnosed women.

Bessie McClinton, featured on the book's cover (see illustrationabove), responded, "Wherever you're going, wherever you'vebeen, I've already been there," and many others picked upon that theme, with messages such as, "Fight like hell andknow that you're not alone," "Find a support group,"and "I was in your shoes years ago. I fought and won."

Other women stressed the importance of treatment: "Get agood doctor and a good hospital." "Understand the treatmentoptions. Make an informed decision." "Don't let fearparalyze you."

The book is available from Crane Hill Publishers. A portion ofthe proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundationof Alabama.