Within three months of each other, Anne Hansen and Gaylene Ward heard the dreaded diagnosis..."You have breast cancer!" Anne, 38, was first; on December 22, 2004 following a mammogram initiated from a lump found during a self-exam, she learned she had Stage 3 breast cancer. Then, on March 15, 2005 after a routine mammogram, Gaylene, 45, discovered she, too, had to travel down the road more than 300 women in Athens do each year and undergo life-saving treatment for the disease.

Their treatment protocol while different even shared a similar path...Anne had chemotherapy, surgery, and then radiation, while Gaylene had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. And, they even shared the same physicians. During their period of survivorship, the friends found solace and comfort from their close circle of family, friends...and the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support at Athens Regional Medical Center. So, it only made sense, that while traveling to a girls' get-away celebratory beach trip following their treatments, they would share in a mission to raise awareness about breast cancer in younger women and the importance of self-examination and early detection. Hence, "In Their Shoes" received its inaugural.

While they've shared a valuable friendship, good times, AND breast cancer, Anne and Gaylene bring credence to the term "polar opposites". Self-proclaimed animal lovers, Anne has two dogs; Gaylene has two cats. Anne is a sports fanatic; Gaylene is "girly". Anne doesn't cook much; Gaylene is a gourmet cook. A career in social work services and geriatrics, Anne currently works as a Program Manager for the Area Agency on Aging at the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Center and is now the Minister of Christian Formation at Watkinsville United Methodist Church. Gaylene has worked for Leon Farmer & Co. Beverage Distributor for 21 years. The two view their differences as uniquely "complimentary".

Whether what they've shared is by choice or by fate, these two women have chosen to pass on their gift of "sharing" and "Walk In Their Shoes". You're invited to lace up and come along.