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May 11, 2010

When Mary Ann Kim of La Mirada, California, began to feel fatigued much of the time, her sister-in-law urged her to go to her doctor's office.

Eventually, when testing revealed that Kim had breast cancer, the mother of 5-year-old twins Hannah and Kobe was shocked, according to the Whittier Daily News.

Her first instinct was to wonder who would take care of her children if she succumbed to the disease, but after intensive treatment that included chemotherapy, radiation and two surgeries, the 43-year-old is thriving, and the recipient of the May Survivor of the Month Award from the Los Angeles County affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

After Kim's diagnosis, she and her family became very involved in breast cancer awareness activities in their community.

"My [mom] went through a lot of stuff and I don't want anybody to go through that," her son told the news provider. "We keep raising money, we'll find a cure some day."

According to the National Cancer Institute, 192,370 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and more than 40,000 will die of the disease.

Early detection can offer a more positive prognosis, so experts recommend women who are over the age of 40 schedule annual mammograms. Those who are over 20 may choose to begin conducting breast self-exams.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation works to raise awareness and funds for medical research, and also accepts donations.

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