Mary Ann Coyle

Our Mom, Mary Ann Coyle, scripted these words about her life with Breast Cancer upon learning that she received an award for her community activism for helping other Breast Cancer patients. Mom went home to be with our Lord on May 11, 2006. Our Mom was never a victim of this disease; it did not define her. On the contrary, she was a victor in this battle and she lived her life the way God wanted her to because of her faith, strength, and her ultimate victory.

These were her words:
I am a survivor. Fifteen years ago that would not have been the phrase I would have used to describe myself. I was forty years old, my daughter was a sophomore in college and my two sons were doing well in Prep school. I was almost home free! Through prayer, hard work and luck my husband and I were achieving our main goal of raising well adjusted children, with good values and education.

Becoming a viable woman in the work force was another goal I had set for myself and I was on the road to achieving just that. I was an Administrative Asst. in the Life and Health Dept. of an Insurance agency, had obtained my Health Producers License and was very active in Insurance Women of Atlantic County. Like many other women, I now had two full time jobs of home and career.

Excitement was everywhere as we prepared for Christmas 1989. My daughter was coming home for the holidays. We would all be together once again. While showering and doing a self-breast exam I found a lump. I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer. After getting over the initial shock and everything that goes with this diagnosis, my new goal was to manage the treatments without much harm to my family and handle the hormone therapy. Always the optimist, I knew this was achievable.

One never really knows what new challenge will present itself in life. Christmas 1994, five years after the original diagnosis, I had a reoccurrence of breast cancer, which had spread to my hip and spine. I now had Stage IV cancer. The real roller coaster began. Within months during treatment I began a lot of praying, reading, and soul searching. Just what did God have in mind for me? If I was going to have to go through all this, how could I turn my cancer, which is a negative, into a positive? My immediate reaction was to use my experiences, as well as my insights gained along the way, to help others cope with cancer treatment. At the same time, I would not allow the cancer to disrupt my life. I was determined to set an example! I began a mission, to conquer cancer one person at a time. How? I started my quest by visiting hospitals and homes of people afflicted with this disease. My hugs, kisses and tears were resolution. I began to live my message... You can live a complete life despite the odds.

Today I am in my 10th year with breast cancer bone metastasis. Thus far it has not spread to any other organs. I know how blessed I am. My dream would be not to have cancer; this is not a possibility. With the hope of new research and treatments for cancer, women like me can survive and live a bountiful life for many years.

In the past the LORD has offered me opportunities to counsel individuals, groups, and healthcare providers about my experiences with breast cancer. My lifetime attainable dream is that my journey will better influence the life of others.

-Mary Ann Coyle

Mom lived her life for the Lord, her family, and others that needed her help. The Pink Tie Foundation perfectly reflects the love, strength, desire, and most importantly FAITH that our Mom lived. This foundation helps to realize the dream Mom had for others. There is no better tribute than to have this organization, The Pink Tie Foundation, help to carry on Mom's legacy of victory.