Buddy Check November 2010: Julie Rockey's Story

"I always will remember November 10th - that's the day it stopped," said Julie, who was only 30 years old when diagnosed. "In a lot of ways, cancer is a lot more psychological than it is physical at this age."

She has to deal with the aftermatch of chemotherapy - losing her hair and not knowing if she can biologically have children. But Julie tries to not worry about the "what ifs," and that's why her supervisor at Geisinger Ventures says she's an inspiration.

"Her attitude in how she's attacking what she'd consider to be a minor setback has been infectious, not only to me, but I think our entire team," said her supervisor, Jim Peters. "I think for her, in particular, she realized it's not a death sentence. In fact, it's a life sentence."

"You live completely in the moment," added Julie. "I'm going to Singapore in February with a group of folks to go to a family wedding, and I probably wouldn't have done that before breast cancer."

Julie wanted to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, so she organized a 5K walk/run called the "Ta Ta Trot."  And she was part of the Daily Item newspaper's "pink out" edition for October, breast cancer awareness month.

"I've obviously met tons of people, and I realized what a great support system I have," said Julie, who wants others to know they can find the same thing.  "Don't be embarrassed or ashamed of having to go through it.  I think it's good to recognize this is who you're going to be, and to be proud of it, and embrace it, and do fun things."

If you'd like to get involved in next year's "Ta Ta Trot," just email tatatrot@ymail.com.