When Patricia Lopez was diagnosed with PR+ ER+ HER2- Stage II breast cancer in September 2015, her mind was all-consumed by the diagnosis. Every ache, every pain and every change in her body became a reminder of the diagnosis. Knowing little about the disease at the time, she felt afraid and desperate for information and resources. Friends and family cried with Patricia and found a thousand ways to help; prayers, cards, visits and even financial help came in from all around her. Every day someone would tell her not to give up and to keep fighting. This encouragement kept Patricia’s hope intact and enabled her to persevere through some of the more painful days. Although Patricia’s cancer has progressed to Stage IV in March of 2016, she is still hopeful and has found inner peace through increased knowledge. In 2015, Patricia could not speak about her diagnosis without sobbing. Now, she shares her story with others at support groups and is even writing a book. Her advice to others who are newly diagnosed is to get involved in a support group, even if they are not ready to share. “All of the advice and motivation that I received came from other survivors and every question and concern that I had was answered by someone who had already been through it. Connecting with others has made the journey a lot easier,” Patricia said.