‘I’m a survivor’: Ogle County woman inspires at Rockford’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer kickoff

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Breast cancer survivor and honorary guest speaker Shelley Herlihy shared an empowering story at Rockford’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk kickoff event.

“My biggest fear or concern was telling my boys that I was sick,” shared Herlihy.

Herlihy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2009.

“One of the hardest parts was losing my hair. Waking up to a pillow full of hair, was one of the few times that I cried throughout the entire journey,” explained Herlihy.

Herlihy’s two sons supported her through the battle.

“Being a single mom, I just knew that I had to be there for them and I wanted to be there for them. So giving up, not following through with the treatments that were recommended, none of that was ever an option for me,” Said Herlihy.

In 2010, Shelley was selected by the American Cancer Society for mammosite radiation, a treatment that speeds up the process. Part of the funds came from Rockford’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

“If I hadn’t qualified for the treatment or if it didn’t exist through funding, I would have gone daily for six weeks. So I had ten treatments instead of 30,” said Shelley.

For 15 years now, Shelley is cancer free, sharing her story.

“It’s crazy to me that it’s been 15 years. It’s a part of my life that happened, but I don’t dwell on it. Yes, I’m a survivor,” explained Herlihy.

Herlihy’s mission is to continue inspiring others.

“My goal is just to help spread awareness and find a way to come up with even more treatments that will benefit people,” Shared the survivor.

The Rockford’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be on October fourth.

To find more information, visit their website.