Event set for breast cancer survivors

florence - Brenda Ladun is on a mission to encourage people whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

It may be survivors of breast cancer themselves or family members who have lost a loved one to the disease that ranks only behind lung cancer in the number of lives it takes.

Ladun will share her story of survival with local breast cancer survivors Thursday during, "An Evening with the Pink Ladies," the second annual event held for breast cancer survivors.

This year, it will be in the Guillot University Center on the University of North Alabama campus beginning at 6 p.m.

The event is coordinated through the Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, which will partner with four other sponsors this year. Participants will receive a T-shirt and cap and are eligible for door prizes.

"The evening is all about the survivors, and Brenda Ladun's story is powerful," said Dr. Patrick Daugherty. "She's recently had a reoccurrence of cancer. Her story will inspire."

Ladun is the anchor of the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. news on ABC in Birmingham. A five-time winner of the Alabama Associated Press Award for best investigative reporter, best specialized reporter and best anchor, she's been acknowledged for her talents. But it isn't just her ability to tackle a tough news story that she wants to be known for.

"I want people to know that there is hope in all things," Ladun said. "I've been blessed beyond belief, and I've been told that my books have helped people realize that hope. That's my desire, to give hope to others."

Ladun's books, "Getting Better, Not Bitter: A Spiritual Prescription for Breast Cancer," and her recent work, "Behind the Scenes of Breast Cancer," will be available at the event.

"So many people aren't told how to get better after cancer," Ladun said. "I realized this was information people need."

Ladun said her faith in God has been instrumental in helping her through the difficult days of battling breast cancer.

"I always tell people that early detection is so important and they need to do self-exams, but also once they have the diagnosis, it's that faith in God that gets them through it," she said.

Ladun's first bout with breast cancer was in 2001. She found a lump in her breast during a self-exam at home.

"I found it about a month after I started praying for the Lord to help me find my mission in life," she said. "I didn't know then that this would be my mission. To encourage people based on my own experiences."

The past six years have included nine surgeries, including a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Three weeks ago, she had surgery for the cancer that reoccurred near the same area. Once again, she is undergoing chemotherapy.

"I'm feeling good and I'm just going after it with chemo and radiation," she said.

Ladun will be joined at Thursday's event by emcee Edie Hand, an actress, author and celebrity chef. Hand is also a popular speaker and a three-time cancer survivor.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@timesdaily.com