FORTY FORT, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) – Each person diagnosed with breast cancer has their own story to tell. For this month’s Buddy Check, our Jasmine Brooks sat down with an inspiring woman named Mary Lisa Leda at the Center for Cancer Wellness, Candy’s Place. Mary Lisa calls it her “coming out” moment. After losing all of her hair from Chemotherapy, she found the confidence to toss her wig and focus on beating Breast Cancer. Mary said, “My journey began August 24, 2012 when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, which is very aggressive.” She took action immediately, undergoing Chemotherapy, Radiation, and a double Mastectomy. Now Cancer free for three years, Mary Lisa continues to come to the Center for Cancer Wellness, Candy’s Place. Because the non-profit in Kingston has been such a positive outlet in her life, she encourages others who have been diagnosed with Cancer to visit. Whether it be through a support group, Yoga class, or a private conversation. Mary Lisa is described as being fun and energetic–and she needs her energy to play with her two grandchildren and new puppy. She credits her husband of 36-years for standing by her side through the hardest of times. She says her advice to those battling Cancer, “You have to be your own advocate through this. You have to do what you feel is best for you, not what other people tell you to do”. Candy’s Place holds an annual fashion show at the Woodlands in Plains Township. This year’s event is July 10th.. and will kick off the 7th year for the popular fundraiser. And as always, our Buddy Check is the perfect opportunity for you to call your buddy to remind them to do a breast self-exam. It’s a call that could save a life.