She logged off, and irrationally told her secretary to log on and check again. I did think I had the grim reaper looking at me. Honest to God. For a few seconds my entire knowledge of breast cancer left my brain. All I could think about was death.
Cancer equals death.
A year ago she harnessed her zeal into a full-time job as director of education and outreach for the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, where patients are now the fortunate beneficiaries of her insider's perspective and boundless energy. The accomplishments listed in her first annual review filled 18 single-spaced pages. Shockney has, in fact, become so immersed in breast cancer issues that she is considered a minor celebrity for the cause, and her tireless work promoting it spans every imaginable angle. She's created Web sites, software programs and support groups, organized fundraisers, and testified before Congress. She's also a volunteer consultant to a bra company specializing in breast prostheses.