Young Cancer Survivor Spearheads Upcoming Making Strides Walk

Her new husband playfully copped a feel as Rachell Moodie got out of the shower. It was a move that would change—and save—her life.

Moodie was 24 when her husband noted a lump in one of her breasts. At the time, she wasn't too worried.

"I was only 24," she said. She had a doctor appointment scheduled a few months later. She planned to wait until then to have it checked.

But her friends insisted she get it done right away, so she did. Her mammogram revealed a 2.4 centimeter tumor.  When she returned for treatment two week later, it was 4.7 centimeters.

"Imagine if I'd waited a few months," Moodie said.

Now coming up on her three-year survival date, the Wesley Chapel resident is co-chairing the Pasco Making Strides Against Breast Cancer—Put on Your Pink Bra walk at the Shops at Wiregrass.

The Oct. 20 event will raise money for research, awareness outreach and programs such as "Look Good, Feel Better," something Moodie said made a huge difference in her life as she underwent chemotherapy.

The total hair loss can be difficult for women, but the program provides wigs and makeup tips to help alleviate the self-consciousness that can go along with the loss of hair, eyebrows and eyelashes, she said.

A "firm believer" that God doesn't give people more than they can handle, Moodie said as a survivor, she hopes to make the best of her experience and help other people on their journeys.

To register for the walk, go to the 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pasco website.

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See also: Make Plans for Pasco's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk