After Cindy McWilliams had her MRI, she went into the closet, shut the door, and screamed.

Lake Burien resident Sue Perez headed to the cafeteria and purchased a Twinkie, when told of her tumor.

They reacted differently, but they share a personal bond. They are breast cancer survivors who have endured a long journey.

McWilliams is the executive director of Angel Care Breast Cancer Foundation. It is a volunteer network of specially-trained breast cancer survivors who guide patients through the fears and emotions after a cancer diagnosis.

Volunteers have earned their wings. Angel Care offers free one-on-one support on a private, personal basis in Washington and Idaho.

This month is the kick-off for Angel Care's major fundraiser--the 2009 calendar. It is the organization's seventh calendar.

Each month a breast cancer survivor is featured in a tasteful pose with delicately placed props. With a hint of playfulness and flirt, it speaks volumes to people battling breast cancer or ones who fear a diagnosis.

Each angel represents survivors without scars, showing others that life goes on after a diagnosis of breast cancer.

McWilliams is "Miss October." She is a former elementary school counselor, with a positive, common sense attitude.

"This has happened to me, but I'm not my body," McWilliams explained. "This is not a death sentence anymore--even at Stage Three."

She is on a mission that is close to her heart. When McWilliams was 11, her mother, who was 46 at the time, had breast cancer. Today, her mother is 85. Her sister-in-law died of it at age 40. Her mother-in-law also had it.

McWilliams learned Washington has one of the highest rates of breast cancer, especially in the Puget Sound region. It is possible one reason is the lack of Vitamin D from so little sunshine.

After the diagnosis, McWilliams became withdrawn and recalls, "It is a very emotional disease, and stress can play a huge part. It is isolating. I kind of hibernated."

Barbara Purdom from Federal Way is "Miss July."

Through posing. Purdom sought to convey that there is life after diagnosis and treatment.

"I did the calendar to show people I'm OK and you can be OK, too, if something happens to you." Purdom declared. "There is so much joy in having survived that.

"Sometimes when I think about what I've been through, it's an emotional thing to be doing this. I am so glad to be alive!"

Perez from Burien clearly remembers that day 17 years ago. She learned she had a tumor and the surgeon was immediately called.

Her positive, "full speed ahead" attitude enabled her to say, "Just take it out."

Today, she is an angel to two people in the Highline area, and to three in Renton.

Angel Care can be an emotional lifeline to a woman or man going through breast cancer treatment. Hospitals frequently connect patients. When Angel Care becomes involved, a patient is given a personal angel, who will be there through the difficult times.

The angel lives in the patient's vicinity and has walked the same path. The angel can give information regarding wigs, bras, prosthesis, and other resources a patient may need.

The goal is to motivate patients toward their own wellness, enhancing their emotional recovery. Angels hope to reduce the fear that surrounds breast cancer to a level where it motivates patients towards wellness, instead of paralyzing them with fear.

It is not uncommon for a patient to feel as if in a dream state. Many are terrified of disfigurement. The good news is that today, breast cancer can be detected sooner and there are better, individualized treatments, according to McWilliams.

Some people can now incorporate chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy, lumpectomy and a host of other procedures and treatments into their daily lives.

To qualify to be an angel volunteer, one has to be out of treatment for a year. Angels come from various walks of life--from retirees to nurses. Some volunteer full time.

Angels will attend early chemo/radiation appointments, and, on request, attend doctor appointments. They will make at least six contacts with each newly identified breast cancer person. They can address the consumer concerns regarding breast cancer drugs.

They suggest positive reading material and share information on the importance of a healthy immune system. They give information to help enhance lives through having a positive attitude, diet, vitamin and herbs, exercise, humor, mediation.

Angels attend exclusive trainings twice yearly. The next training session is Saturday, Nov. 8.

Calendars can be purchased for $15 each, plus $2.50 for shipping.

To order, e-mail angelcare@angelcarefoundation.org or call 206-417-3484. Visit the Web site at www.angelcarefoundation.org for further information.

McWilliams hopes this will be the organization's biggest fundraiser ever. She also hopes people will follow her life-saving three simple words, "Get those mammograms."

While battling breast cancer, Sheila Lengle of Robinson News, is helping to promote awareness and education. This story is dedicated to her.