Valerie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and underwent surgery to remove a tumor in her chest. She also received chemotherapy and radiation and is now back at work full-time as an administrative secretary in Kapiolani’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “It was difficult to hear that I had cancer,” said Valerie. “I was like a deer in headlights and extremely scared.” Her chemotherapy and radiation treatments were tough, but the compassionate doctors and nurses at Kapiolani’s Cancer Center provided her with the support and encouragement to go on. According to Valerie, “Having cancer changed my life. I learned that life is my greatest treasure and I am grateful for my loving family, my friends and the superb health care team at Kapiolani who took care of me.”