2012 Gallery of Hope Honors Breast Cancer Survivors, Encourages Education and Awareness

Traveling display features personal survival stories

Ten northeastern Pennsylvania residents recently took the brave step of sharing their personal experiences with breast cancer to inspire others who are facing the disease. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania (BCNEPA) has collected their stories and photos for the company's 12th annual "Gallery of Hope."

Created by BCNEPA in 2000, the Gallery of Hope is a traveling display designed to educate the public about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.  Beginning this month, the 2012 Gallery is available to exhibit throughout northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

Lycoming County Honoree

This year's Gallery of Hope includes Lycoming County resident Jayne Reynolds of Montoursville.  In April of 1996, Reynolds found a lump on her left breast and immediately contacted her physician.  Within a few days, a biopsy confirmed it was cancer.

She underwent a lumpectomy, radiation and chemotherapy treatments, finding inspiration in a plaque displayed in her home that reads "when life becomes a roller coater, sit in the front seat, throw your arms in the air and enjoy the ride!"

Today, Reynolds is still enjoying the ride as she, her husband, and their two miniature dachshunds winter in Florida each year where she keeps busy working at Disney World.

In addition to Reynolds, the 2012 Gallery of Hope recognizes other honorees, including:

*       Carmine Ann Swirble, of Hazleton, Luzerne County, who is the head cook at Hazleton General Hospital and a grandmother of two.

*       Carol Reed, of Lake Ariel, Wayne County, an Assistant Professor of Mathematics who was diagnosed with cancer at age 34.

*       Carmina Rinkunas, of Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County, an attorney and a mother of three who recently completed the two-day, 39.3 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in New York City.

*       Sandra Connor, of Clifford, Susquehanna County, who is a two-time cancer survivor and grandmother of five.

*       Melissa Telesk, of Factoryville, Wyoming County, who is a pre-school teacher and mother of two.

*       Kelli Mercurio, of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, who is a social worker and the mother of two.

*       Carol Miele, of Albrightsville, Monroe County, a retired Registered Nurse and a mother of two whose poetry was published in the nationally recognized Living Beyond Breast Cancer newsletter.

*       Cheryl Scartelli, of Tafton, Pike County, who is a retirement consultant and a mother of two.

*       Melody Collins, of Wyoming, Luzerne County, who is a graduate student and mother of one.