Six years ago, Jane Stanczuk found out she had breast cancer. The words that came to her from her doctor were those that every person dreads hearing.

As expected, her initial feelings were those of fear and depression. But, as time progressed, those feeling changed. Whether it can be attributed to resiliency or a need to battle the clouds of depression and fear, Jane Stanczuk got the strength to fight back.

After much faith, the clouds were lifted and out came the sunshine in the form of a life's ambition to try to help put an end to cancer so future generations of women don't have to worry about the disease and the possibility of one day having to have their breasts removed.

Stanczuk, a resident of Franklin Square, formed a close bond with her two sisters, Lucille Montrony, an Elmont resident, and Kathleen Sarna, a Valley Stream resident, both of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer before. Together they formed The Three Strohm (their maiden name) Sisters Family Foundation, dedicated to raising money to support cancer research.

On Friday night, Oct. 20 at the New Hyde Park Inn, The Three Strohm Sisters held their first fund raiser, a dinner/dance with a buffet and seven-piece band. The sisters and those in attendance were clearly celebrating their efforts and a major step in the growth of their foundation, which began to take shape early this year.

The foundation raised money by selling tickets to the dinner dance, selling ads for a journal that was put together for the event and through raffles.

On hand to celebrate the success of The Strohm Sisters Family Foundation's first annual dinner dance were United States Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, New York State Senator Michael Balboni, New York State Assemblyman Tom Alfano, Nassau County Legislator John Ciotti, Town of Hempstead Councilman Joe Kearney and Republican leader Joe Cairo.

The success of the dinner was a tribute to the Strohm sisters' ability to fight back even when struck with fear and adversity and their desire to help others, even future generations is a testament to their courage and caring nature.

Stanczuk and her sisters had come a long way. Once fighting the disease, now they are fighting for a cure. As they stood in front of all their supporters, they knew they were not in their fight alone. "I feel like I'm at the academy awards," Stanczuk said.

Guest of Honor, Dr. Samuel Waxman, who dedicates much of his time to cancer research through his foundation said it is a doctor's dream to see a patient motivated to join a fight against illness. "I can't tell you how meaningful it is to me," he said.

The sisters thanked everyone who has given them support in their fight. Then everyone enjoyed an evening in celebration of three people were able to make a difference in the lives of many.