A Carbon County breast cancer survivor was honored last week at the Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital in Lehighton as part of Blue Mountain Health System hosting the Gallery of Hope.

Patricia Schaeffer of Lehighton was chosen as the Carbon County honoree for the gallery, which honors and tells the stories of those who have survived breast cancer. The gallery is sponsored by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.Schaeffer, 70, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 and finished chemotherapy treatment that November. In 2007, she was diagnosed with bone metastasis, a type of bone cancer, in her shoulder. The cancer is no longer in her shoulder, but in 2011 it was discovered in her hip, and she is still receiving treatment for it."It's scary, but I feel like if you let it scare you, you're losing half the battle," Schaeffer said. "When I first got cancer, I said 'I want to see my five grandchildren graduate high school.' Now I have three great-grandchildren and I want to see them graduate, too. I'm not giving up."The Gallery of Hope was started by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2000 and has been hosted by Blue Mountain Health System since 2006. Potential honorees are nominated by friends or family. One honoree is chosen for 13 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.Lisa Johnson, vice president of public relations and marketing for Blue Mountain Health System, says that the gallery's purpose is to bring awareness and inspiration. "It's important to show people suffering from breast cancer that there are others who have suffered like them, and they don't have to go through this alone. This applies to both men and women," Johnson said.Part of the gallery's objective is to inform people of the importance of routine checkups for breast cancer and the difference that early detection can make. Schaeffer's advice is to not hesitate if something feels wrong. "I would say if you feel in any way that something is not right, go to your doctor," Schaeffersaid.She normally does not enjoy being the center of attention, but for this special occasion, Schaeffer does not mind."I was very honored when I was asked to be an honoree. Maybe something I say will help someone else with cancer."