When my niece, Penni Buydos, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2023, she chose not to dwell on the what-ifs.

A year earlier, a lump had been dismissed as nothing to worry about. Over the next year, as Penni noticed its changes, she pushed for answers — and this time, the news was different.

Rather than focusing on what was missed, Penni decided to look forward.

“There’s nothing to focus on in the past,” she said. “I need to focus on the path forward.”

Her treatment was demanding — beginning with hormone therapy, followed by chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, surgery, and then back to hormone therapy. Each step tested her physically and emotionally, but she tackled them one at a time.

“Once I finished one stage, I moved on to the next,” Penni explained.

Through it all, she tried to keep life as normal as possible for her twin daughters.

She stayed active in their school lives and routines, pretending that nothing was wrong so they wouldn’t feel the full weight of her diagnosis. Her husband, Chris, was her rock — steady, supportive and by her side through every stage and decision. Her family, work family and many amazing friends were equally encouraging, and the compassionate care team at University Hospitals — especially The Breast Center at University Hospital, Ahuja Medical Center — became and continues to be one of her strongest sources of support. She also leaned on her faith, daily devotionals and the comforting support of “Pink Lights the Way” and Yellow Brick Place Cancer Support Center.

Penni calls herself an advocate now. She stresses the importance of self-advocacy and second opinions.

Her message is clear: “Don’t wait. Push for what you need. Early detection and advocacy are the most important parts of fighting this disease.”

Her survivorship has also connected her to others. While dining at Mama Santa’s in Cleveland’s Little Italy after treatment, Penni met another woman her age who was facing breast cancer, her second battle with cancer. The two quickly formed a bond and still remain in touch — a reminder that even in the hardest battles, cancer can bring unexpected friendships and strength.

The waiting, Penni admits, was the hardest part — waiting for test results, for treatments to end, for the next step to begin.

But she broke the journey into small, day-by-day goals — a powerful way to keep moving forward.

On April 25, 2024, Penni marked her one-year milestone as a survivor. But she doesn’t just celebrate one day — she celebrates life every day. She has adopted healthier habits, stays mindful about what she eats and proudly carries a small tattoo of a pink ribbon as a reminder of her journey.

Penni was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, HR-positive breast cancer.

Today, she wears the title of survivor with strength, humor and pride. She is a mentor for others, lighting the way for those still walking the path she knows so well.

“Resilient,” she said, is the word that best describes her. And for anyone who knows her story, it’s the word that will always define her.