At first glance, Linda Brewer, 59, looks neither her age nor a cancer patient. Her face is all aglow with a natural brightness that comes from what others say is a “good soul,” and other than the pink attire she wears for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, you wouldn’t know that she was a breast cancer survivor.

What a survivor she is! A teacher at Southland Academy, married to Lynn, with one 25-year-old daughter (LeeAnn), Brewer has a bounce in her step and a firm handshake that displays a strength and confidence that one receives only through experience.

Her “growing” and “molding” experience came when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I had surgery, chemo and radiation for my treatments,” said Brewer.

In other words, she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy and radiation. Brewer had approximately 35 radiation treatments, beginning in August 2005, and from April 1-July 12, 2005, according to an earlier report in this newspaper, Brewer underwent chemotherapy.

“It actually takes longer to prepare for the radiation treatments than getting the treatments,” she said.

Brewer said the chemotherapy was “not what I thought it would be. I had infections.”

And then, Brewer, along with three other friends, decided to form a Breast Cancer support group called “Pink Pals.”

“We wanted to help others face the challenges we faced-just as friends helped us,” she said. “We want to show cancer patients that they can have a positive attitude, and be able to support them with prayer as well. We just realized that we needed one on one support as cancer patients and we want to do that for others,” said Brewer.

Pausing, Brewer said, “You know, cancer is just a bump in the road — and God has a four-wheel drive.”

For more information about breast cancer, visit www.nbcam.org or contact Sumter Regional Hospital East.