Gallery of Hope

Finding a lump in your breast can be scary.

Getting word from your doctor that it is cancer is scarier.

But fighting the battle and beating cancer is the best feeling of all.

Just ask Jane Longazel and Susan Generose, two breast cancer survivors and two of this year's recipients of the 14th annual Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Gallery of Hope, a traveling display designed to educate the public about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.

Longazel, of Jim Thorpe, is the Carbon County recipient, while Generose, of Hazleton, is the Luzerne recipient.

Other recipients include Marianne Burke, Lackawanna County; Barbara Connolly, Lackawanna County; Lynn Harrison, Monroe County; Maria Jiunta Heck, Luzerne County; Joann Kay, Lycoming County; Judy Lachat, Clinton County; Linda Patterson, Tioga County; and Patricia Schucker, Bradford County.

On Tuesday, the women were present at the Blue Mountain Health System Gnaden Huetten campus in Lehighton to see the opening of the Gallery of Hope, which will be set up in the lobby of both Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton hospitals until Monday.

Lisa Johnson, vice president of public relations and marketing for the hospitals, explained that the displays are open to the public when the hospital lobbies are open.

She pointed out that this is the second time a Blue Mountain Health System employee has been featured in the Gallery of Hope.

Besides Generose, who is the registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator; Brenda Smellowsky, the lead radiologic technologist at Blue Mountain Health System, was also recognized in the 2013 Gallery of Hope.

Survivors' stories

Longazel explained that she is a soon-to-be 17-year survivor, having learned that she had stage three inflammatory breast cancer in September 1997 at the age of 35.

She underwent rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, a stem cell transplant and radiation and finally learned she was cancer free.

Since then Longazel has helped raise awareness through participation in the Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club's annual Pink Light Walk.

Generose, who is a nearly two-year survivor, said she found a lump during a self exam in September 2012.

After going for a mammogram, the then 43-year-old mother of two received the news that no woman wants to hear, stage one breast cancer.

Generose went through six rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy with breast reconstructive surgery.

Since then she has participated in Relay For Life events in the Panther Valley, as well as Hazleton; is a guest speaker at various cancer awareness events; and incorporates her experience with cancer into her profession as a dietitian.

Most recently, Generose held a program called "Fight Cancer with Your Fork," which talked about using diet choices to help cut down on cancer risks.

Both Generose and Longazel agree that they wouldn't have been as successful in their battle if it wasn't for early detection and self exams.

"Do monthly breast exams," Longazel said. "If you have a scare, see your physician quickly."

"Pick a day every month to do a self-exam," Generose added.

"You know your own body. If you find something suspicious, don't wait, get checked."

The Gallery of Hope is exhibited year-round at hospitals, diagnostic facilities, nonprofit agencies, colleges and other community-based events across Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania's 13-county service area.