2014 Survivor Profile - Linda Caciola

Life's Victories--Linda Cacioli--11-year and 7-year survivor

Linda Cacioli has fought --and won -- the battle against breast cancer twice.

Her first diagnosis came nearly two decades ago, when she found a lump in her left breast during a self exam. She was told that it was a stage 1estrogen negative cancer, and her treatment--a lumpectomy and radiation--kept her cancer-free for 11 years.

In January 2007, she received a similar diagnosis, but this time it was an estrogen-positive cancer. "It wasn't a recurrence," says Linda. Working with her doctors, she made the decision to get a bilateral mastectomy and chemo and has been in remission for more than seven years.

. The realtor and mother of two grown children makes sure to exercise, listen to music, pray and "not sweat the small stuff." Through both diagnoses, Linda has served as an inspiration to other breast cancer patients, sharing advice, humor and her positive attitude. "I try to lead by example," she says

Linda has befriended many breast cancer survivors. She feels truly blessed with her in my life, and cherishes every experience to help another warrior and survivor. That's why I'm still here."

Linda is a shining example of how unfortunate circumstances can be transformed. "I would not have chosen this path, but in hindsight I wouldn't change a thing," she says. "Through these battles, I've learned why I'm here, and that my purpose on this earth is to help others in every capacity. I know I'm blessed every minute of every day."