“I’m lucky,” explains Elizabeth Hartley, English teacher and breast cancer survivor.

“Cancer survivors look at the world differently; there isn’t as much crisis. I’m now aware everything can change in a heartbeat,” says Hartley.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States. According to Cancer Treatment Centers of America, nearly 292,130 total cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2015.

“The statistics are stacked against us,” depicts Hartley “I think that it’s important for young girls to know how to take care of themselves so that they can catch it early.”

Throughout the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are many events going on all over the Chicago area. Whether you want to walk or run, go shopping or attend events or galas, there will be something that benefits research for breast cancer.

“Every year I participate in a lacrosse tournament called Lax For The Cure, and I think last year they made over 1,000,000 dollars,” says Zoe Lydon, freshman. I love going to this tournament because everyone isn’t necessarily playing to win. They’re playing to help people.”

The most popular events this season are walks and runs all throughout Chicago, including the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk on Oct. 20, and the I Ain’t Afraid 5k and 10k Run on Oct. 31.

“I’m lucky that I got a cancer that could be cured. I was sitting at my desk when I got the call telling me I had breast cancer and when I picked up the phone I could tell by her voice something was wrong,” says Hartley. “I was terrified and then I began to think why me, like I’m sure a lot of people do.”

To cure breast cancer, it’s important to catch it early.

“It’s changed my body, but what it’s most dramatically changed is my philosophy. I don’t waste any of my time and I will always live life to it’s fullest” explains Hartley.

Whether you’re wearing pink socks in a sports game, or participating in an event, it’s important to take advantage of this month and support breast cancer research.