One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those 10-15% are diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

The number of women diagnosed with a rare form of the aggressive small cell carcinoma of the breast is less than 1% of all breast cancers.

One woman knows how devastating those statistics and odds are - Palmerton resident Kiki Peppard, who was diagnosed with TNBC and small cell carcinoma of the breast.

Known to the community as a Qigong instructor, this retired certified occupational therapy assistant wants to bring attention to October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and local activities supporting this great cause.

There are many exciting events happening this month including the PA Breast Cancer Coalition celebrating its 30th anniversary at the annual convention on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel.

Kiki will be participating in the organization’s photo exhibit called “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania.”

Besides educating Pennsylvanians about the prevalence of breast cancer, they are featuring one person from each county who is a “survivor and thriver” of breast cancer.

Kiki has been accepted as a representative of Carbon County. To see the online exhibit, visit pbccexhibit.org.

Besides being part of this state level event, on a local level, Kiki will be teaching “Qigong for Breast Health” at Mrs. Bush’s Personal Care Home in Kunkletown on Saturday at 2 p.m. as part of their own cancer awareness program described as a Pink Party fundraising event to benefit the Pink Heals of the Lehigh Valley Chapter.

This chapter offers grants and support to those affected by cancer. There will be several other activities available for attendees to participate in this “Girls Afternoon” event as well. Registration in advance is required for this program.

On a larger level, Kiki has organized the first ever Integrative Health and Wellness Holistic Fair to be held at the Cancer Support Community at 944 Marcon Boulevard in Allentown on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event will host representatives from the medical and holistic community to offer information from aromatherapy to physical therapy, from acupuncture to oncology services.

Kiki decided to create this enlightening, educational and experiential event as a way to pay it forward to the Cancer Support Community as a way to thank them for all of the services and support she has received since being diagnosed.

“No one wants to hear the words, ‘you have cancer,’” Peppard said Having the opportunity to attend events such as (these) is fantastic. It is great to find out what resources are available for those who are affected by cancer, their families, and the community.”

For more about Kiki’s story, visit https://www.curetoday.com/view/with-cancer-i-ask-myself-what-are-the-odds-.