Gina Luna, 43, was diagnosed with stage IIIA breast cancer in January 2006. She had a partial mastectomy, eight chemotherapy treatments, and six weeks of radiation therapy at the NYU Cancer Institute, completing her treatment the following August. She and her husband, Jose, 51 - who accompanied her to all of her treatments - live in Queens with their daughters Karee, 16, and Amalia, 14. Here Gina and Jose share their story.

Gina: When I first felt the lump in my right breast, I was alarmed. When I found out I had breast cancer, my first concern was for my daughters and my husband. Then I wondered how I would get through chemotherapy. I had lost a girlfriend to breast cancer, and I thought about her a lot.

Jose: When I found out Gina had cancer, I felt like my whole world collapsed. I went through a period of crying - but never at home, where I wanted to appear strong for my family. I own a car service company, and sometimes when I found myself waiting for a client, I would cry and pray.

Gina: A former gynecologist who was affiliated with NYU referred me to Dr. Amber Guth, my breast surgeon at the NYU Cancer Institute. She reassured me that the treatments for stage IIIA breast cancer today are much more effective than they used to be. That made me feel better.

Jose: All of the doctors at the NYU Cancer Institute made us feel so comfortable.

Gina: Dr. Guth did a partial mastectomy. I then had eight chemotherapy treatments given every other week at the NYU Clinical Cancer Center, directed by Dr. Marleen Meyers. Although I lost my hair, it didn't bother me. I got a wig, but it felt foreign to wear it. After ten minutes of wearing it, I decided that bald was beautiful!

Jose: I encouraged Gina to go bald!

Gina: My coworkers were very supportive. I am a Business Development Manager at the Bermuda Department of Tourism, not far from the Cancer Center. My coworkers would come sit with me while I received my chemotherapy. The nurses said I had more visitors than any other patient! I was able to take off the time I needed to recuperate from each treatment.

Jose: When we went for chemotherapy, everyone made us feel very comfortable. We would have a room full of people during most treatments. We'd order lunch and talk, and before long, the chemo was over.

Gina: Being able to receive treatment and see my doctors in the NYU Clinical Cancer Center was perfect! I liked the fact that I didn't have to wander from building to building for my care.

Jose: The people there were so helpful. I was very impressed with one gentleman, Quentin Austin, who registers patients at the front desk. The second day he greeted us by our names before we had even registered. The attention made us feel good.

Gina: Throughout my treatment, I tried to find ways to keep up my spirits. The Supportive Services Program was very helpful. In a support group, I met another woman who was going through the same treatment as me but who was a little further along, and she was helpful in letting me know what to expect. I also consulted with a nutritionist and a genetic counselor.

My family was so supportive. Jose was a pillar of strength, and lifted my spirits with humor on the days I felt down. Karee helped me tie the scarves I wore on my head during the cold months. And when Amalia asked me, "Mom, don't women die from breast cancer?" I told her, "Yes, but most of them live." Jose: We dealt with this experience with love, understanding, and prayer.

Gina: Last fall we both completed the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, with coworkers and with friends from Bermuda. We raised $25,000, and we're walking again this year as the Bermuda Connection team.

Jose: I'm hoping to raise $5,000 myself!

Gina: Since my experience with cancer, little things don't bother me as much as they used to. Today I try to live each day to the fullest. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

Jose: You can love a person, but you get to love her even more when you see how strong she is. I love my wife dearly. I don't know if you can put a "plus" on love…but I really appreciate her being here. You only get a love like this once in your life.

Download the Fall 2007 Newsletter (pdf)