Gracie Berlanga's journey started in the summer of 2023, when a mammogram revealed suspicious signs. Having already lost a sister to cancer 30 years earlier, the news brought back painful memories, especially since her youngest sister was also battling breast cancer at the same time she was.

"It was very difficult for me to hear the words, 'you have cancer,'" she said. "I knew then that I couldn't handle this on my own. I needed to place myself in God's hands."

After additional tests, doctors confirmed Berlanga had invasive carcinoma and recommended surgery followed by radiation treatments. She credits her recovery to both modern medicine and divine strength.

"After surgery, I also went through six and a half weeks of radiation treatments," she said. "I am also grateful for the team of doctors and nurses, their professionalism, kindness, and compassion. And I am so grateful for my husband and five daughters, who were with me every step of the way."

Along her journey, Berlanga found comfort in making pink bracelets, each carrying a bead that symbolized faith, hope, and love. Berlanga began giving bracelets to family, coworkers, and even patients at the radiation center. For National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, she is giving them away to remind people that early detection is the best defense.

"Breast cancer is curable," she said. "It needs to be detected early."