By Jenn Nudelman

I have a family history with breast cancer, so when an MRI indicated three areas of concern in my breast, I had a biopsy. I was preparing to go into my weekly directors meeting at work when the breast surgeon called to give me the biopsy’s results.

I remember the time exactly —May 20 at 1:45 p.m. — when my doctor told me I had invasive breast cancer. My immediate reaction was shock, but I still went into my meeting. Life must go on.

Since I don’t have family living here in Washington, my co-survivors were my friends. They were there for me after each of my major surgeries and the weeks of recovery that followed. Some stopped by with meals and some visited and kept me company. A few friends even cleaned my house, more than once. After my double mastectomy, a neighbor stayed with me all day, every day, during the first two weeks of my recovery. I am truly blessed with so many wonderful friends.

When I talk about the friends who helped through surgery and recovery, I must include my three shar peis, Aleks, Gertie and Mona. Throughout my diagnosis, treatment and recovery after multiple surgeries, they were my constant companions. During the week when my neighbor stayed to take care of me, my dogs would watch over me and alert her if I needed anything or was in extreme pain. They never left my side, always within arms’ reach.

Halfway through my treatment, I was laid off from my job. I decided to face this additional challenge positively and use the now free time as an opportunity to do things I had always wanted to do but couldn’t because of my long hours at work. My shar pei, Mona, was rescued from a backyard breeder later convicted with animal cruelty so now, I dedicate myself to fostering abused and neglected shar peis.

I also decided to volunteer at Komen Puget Sound as a way to say thank you for the Komen-funded breast cancer research that contributed to my early diagnosis and survival. As a Komen volunteer, I was embraced by the staff and other volunteers, people who get it. Komen gave me opportunities to do things I never would have had I not volunteered.

Since March, I’ve been working full-time as the affiliate’s director of operations and finance. It’s my dream job because it marries my chosen career with my personal passion. All the stars have aligned.