Betty's Story

My mom, Betty Haupert, was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 1992. She was given 6 months to live. I was 18 years old and living in the state of Missouri, far from her home in Tillamook. When I learned of the diagnoses and feared for her life, I remember lying in bed thinking about the memories I had of myself and my mother. The things that stood out in my head were all the sleepless nights she was up with me rocking me when I had horrible ear infections. I never once heard her complain. I remembered the hugs I always got in the morning when she would be sitting at the counter reading the newspaper when I woke up. By the time she was diagnosed, our relationship had drifted and it made me sad that I wasn't there for her as she had been for me. She was fortunate to have my sister by her side, so she was not alone.

When my mom retired from her teaching profession of 30 plus years shortly after being diagnosed I realized all the lives she had touched through her students.

Today my mother is cancer-free.

Since 1992, she was by our side at mine and my sisters weddings, she has lived to see five grandchildren born, Jasmine, Arianna, Jacob, Caleb and Jacquelyn Jo. She was at my sister's pinning ceremony when she graduated from college to become an RN, and she was at my college graduation as well. She has been such and inspiration to my sister and I. She is such a wonderful mom and grandmother. My mom lives every day for my sister and I, our husbands, and especially her grandchildren, we mean everything to her.

I am now a team captain of "Betty's Boobie Crew" for Race for the Cure. My sister, our husbands, children, close friends and family are part of this team. So, although I was unable to support my mom 16 years ago, I now captain this team in honor of her and all of the men and women who suffer from this disease, the men and women that have lost the battle, and for all the family members who stand by their loved ones.

So this is for you mom and all the lives you have touched. Thank you mom for never giving up, and for being the best mom/grandma and most of all mine and Georgianne's very best friend. We love you!!!

Survivor Betty Haupert (center holding grandson Jacob) with grandchildren Jasmine (left, holding Jacquelyn Jo) and Arianna (right, holding Caleb).