When Cheryl Schaefer hears her phone ring, she always picks it up.

That’s what we wrote last October when interviewing Schaefer, who leads the Butler Breast Cancer and Women’s Cancer Support Group, a supportive collection of people who come together to embrace and bolster up anyone with breast cancer and their loved ones.

We know 1 in 8 women are affected by breast cancer. Further, 1 in 700 men are diagnosed with the disease, Dr. Janette Gomez, a breast surgical oncologist at Allegheny Health Network told us in an interview for this October’s publication.

And the risk increases with age. For that reason, the American College of Radiology advises women over age 25 undergo risk assessment to determine the need for annual mammograms, which are recommended for all women after age 40.

Schaefer is consistently on the “must call” list here at the Eagle as the annual pink edition of the Butler Eagle, which published on Oct. 1, is prepared. Throughout the entire month, the Eagle works to share stories of survivors, resources and hope here in Butler County.

Schaefer offers hope to many, which is why we talk to her year after year.

She has been part of the local support group since 1980. As a survivor herself, she’s seen firsthand the help the support group had and works hard to pay it forward.

The Butler Breast Cancer and Women’s Cancer Support Group, in partnership with Boscov’s, will hold its annual Friends Helping Friends fundraiser Tuesday, Oct. 22. The event allows shoppers to purchase a pass for $5 and get a 25% discount on almost everything in the store for the day.

Support is what the group does. The group is worth the support.

— TL