STRAFFORD, Vt. -
Two Vermont women fought cancer, won, and are now helping others do the same.
Julie Benjamin and Kim Knoerlein are planning a breast cancer fundraiser in Strafford, Vermont Saturday.
"I wanted to give something back," says Benjamin.
Benjamin and Knoerlein both live in Strafford, have kids about the same age, and each made a similar, terrifying discovery last year.
"I was actually laying in bed and doing my self-breast exam," says Knoerlein.
"I was checking also and found a lump. It was October 29th," says Benjamin.
For both, the diagnosis was breast cancer.
"Complete denial, couldn't believe it was me," says Knoerlein.
While their situations and treatments were different, both their lives had the same routine with regular trips to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for doctor visits.
"You just incorporate it into your every day duty. It's what you do. It's what you have to do," says Benjamin.
Benjamin and Knoerlein say their battle brought them closer together and their support system went beyond that. Both women say they owe a lot to their friends and neighbors in Strafford. It's a small community of just about a thousand people.
"We had meal trains going for both of us. We had people driving our kids here and there. We had people driving us to appointments," says Knoerlein.
Months later both women say while their treatment continues they are considered cancer free.
Now they have organized a fundraiser to help other women in their fight against breast cancer.
A fundraiser is set for Saturday in Strafford and it will raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
It's called "Rock the Walk" and it's a benefit concert party at 7:00pm, Saturday, September 8th. It will feature Kennyo & The Blue Rooster Band. The event is taking place at Soupi Brown's field, between South Strafford and Strafford. Admission is by donation.
