About Michelle

Michelle Berthon, 39, of Yakima, is a stay-at-home mother to Alex, 5, and Madeleine, 3. In June 2009, while celebrating her 11th wedding anniversary with husband Todd on an Alaskan cruise, Michelle performed a breast self-exam and found a lump in her right breast.

Following a mammogram and biopsy once she returned home, Michelle learned she had a Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. The tumor was fast-growing, but Michelle found it early, before it had spread into her lymph nodes or other tissues. Nine days after her diagnosis, Michelle had surgery to remove the tumor. She began chemotherapy treatments on Sept. 21.

Michelle remains confident that early detection, aggressive treatment and prayers of support will help her win this battle. “I have no doubt I’ll make it to the five-year mark,” Michelle says. “I’ve never had any doubt.”

Click here to read more about Michelle’s continuing story.