“I wouldn’t have known.” Amanda Hall, 38 year old mother and breast cancer survivor wants all women to know the importance of self-exams. When she first found the lump, she didn’t think much about it. As days passed and the lump remained hard, her husband urged her to get it checked out. After a mammogram and biopsy, Amanda was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive carcinoma.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin annual mammograms beginning at age 40. However, if Hall had waited two more years, she likely would not have survived. “If I could tell women one thing, it would be don’t wait, start doing your self exams now.”

Hall has worked for Lochinvar in Lebanon, Tennessee for the past eleven years. Lochinvar has been a faithful sponsor of Sherry’s Run, a grassroots non-profit that provides financial support for cancer patients and their families. So, when Hall was diagnosed, a co-worker from HR suggested that she check into getting assistance. Though she has continued to work through most of her illness, there are many days she is not able to work due to receiving treatments. Sherry’s Run has been able to provide assistance with the family’s utility bills so they can focus on the additional medical and transportation costs that a cancer diagnosis brings.

But, Hall’s diagnosis has actually changed some things for the better in her life. She has become much more aware of the foods and other products she puts in her body. “I just want to be sure that I am taking care of this body the best I can,” says Hall. She has started studying nutrition and wants to find a way to help educate others on the importance of clean eating and avoiding chemicals.

She also says she has been moved and inspired by the support they have received. “This experience has opened my eyes to serve,” says Hall. “That’s the spirit of this organization,” says Alisa Eakes, Patient Assistance Coordinator for Sherry’s Run. “The spirit of service and paying it forward. So many of our patients are finding ways to serve others…what a blessing to witness!”