Kim Taylor is a 45-year-old single mother who lives in Suwannee County, Florida and is proud to have successfully raised one daughter -- a graduate of the University of Florida. Kim enjoys outdoor activities like camping as well as sewing, crafting, and carpentry projects. She is most at peace spending time with her family, working as a youth volunteer -- and raising awareness for breast cancer. It's a interest she acquired just two years ago, compliments of a personal encounter with the disease that has taught her to let the little things go, to appreciate every sunrise, to make every moment matter.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

July 23, 2004 -- six days before my 43rd birthday

How old were you at the time of diagnosis?

43

Do you have a family history of breast cancer?

I have no family history of cancer. I was the first.

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

During my monthly exam, I noticed a difference in my breast, not a lump, but an area that was more firm than the rest of the breast.

How did you tell your family members about your diagnosis?

My family had gathered on July 24, 2004 to celebrate my mother's birthday. Before the festivities, I told everyone I needed to talk with them. I explained that I had a biopsy of a lump found in my breast, which was positive for cancer. I shared with them my plans for surgery and told them what my surgeon told me -- "This is not going to kill you." We discussed the treatment I had selected and made plans for my surgery and post-op recovery. After that I advised it was time to celebrate life, and we celebrated my mom's 63rd birthday.

What types of breast cancer treatment did you receive?

I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on Aug 2, 2004. There was indication the cancer had reached the sentinel node. On Aug 9, I had a second surgery to remove axillary nodes for biopsy. All 11 nodes tested clear. In September, I started chemo -- Adriamycin, Cytoxan, and Taxotere -- with six treatments every three weeks apart. Each chemo cycle was followed by a Neulasta injection. I also received Procrit injections. After completing chemo, I moved on to radiation therapy -- 36 visits. I now am taking Tamoxifen on a daily basis.

How did you manage through breast cancer treatment?

Better than I thought I would. I found that research and medications made it much easier to tolerate chemo. The side effects were manageable. Radiation was my greatest fear, but with the technology, my surgery site was the target. The rest of my body was virtually unaffected.

What has been your worst breast cancer moment?

The confirmation of my fear. Hearing the words -- "Your biopsy was positive for cancer."

What has been your best breast cancer moment?

Every day that I wake up and see the sunrise. This is confirmation that I am winning the battle.

How do handle anxiety and worry related to breast cancer?

Talking to sisters in survivorship and reading other survivor stories. Reading about the advances made each day.

How has breast cancer changed your life?

It seems cliche' but I don't worry about the little things anymore. I try to make the most of each day and live. If the laundry or the dishes get put aside for a old John Wayne or Bing Crosby movie, oh well. The chores will be there tomorrow.

What lessons have you learned through breast cancer?

Thanks to research, the treatment will not kill you. Thanks to research, the treatments and care can be tailored to fit your lifestyle. Chemo does not have to be a debilitating treatment.

Are you involved in any breast cancer support groups?

No formal group. I found there are a lot of breast cancer survivors in my life. I have met many people who have been diagnosed after me, and we talk about treatments and living on after treatment. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has become a priority.

What advice would you give someone newly diagnosed?

Talk to your physicians, talk with survivors, let your family help you, read all the information that is available through the American Cancer Society. Share your story, speak aloud about your fears. YOU ARE NOT ALONE, and there is tons of information available.

What advice would you give family members and friends of someone diagnosed with breast cancer?

The same I would give a total stranger.

Name any breast cancer related books or other resources you would recommend.

100 Questions and Answers about Breast Cancer. The book was an easy-to-read resource. It started with the basics, and included information on risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It answers questions on how to cope with side effects and what changes to expect as a result of the treatments. There is an index listing web sites, addresses, and phone numbers for many, many, many resources. First and foremost -- American Cancer Society.

What else would you like to share?

I was and still am diligent in completing my monthly self exam, and I always make sure to remind my daughter to do her exam. It was through this diligence that my cancer was discovered early. Because it was discovered in its early stages, I am a survivor. The thought of recurrence will always be in my thoughts, but will not dominate my life. I know every day there are medical advances made -- because of the available research funds, which directly effect my chances of surviving. I will do my part as a survivor, to share my story, encourage awareness, and help raise the funds needed to keep the research going.