As a two-time cancer patient, Diane Fraser thinks a lot about what it means to be a survivor. She recently attended a program for breast cancer survivors titled “A Pink Hatter's Night Out” where former cancer patients were asked to stand to be acknowledged.

 "There were so many of us there. We all just look like ordinary people going about our business," Diane continued with a note of astonishment. "And if you look around in the supermarket or at the shopping mall, you would never know it. But there are so many cancer survivors out there."

Of course, Diane is proud to be among those survivors. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in January 1999 and was treated with surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy.

 "The chemotherapy was not a great time. I lost my hair but I was determined to get through it," Diane remembers. Just as life was getting back to normal, the Batavia mother found a lump in her breast. So in 2002 again she faced cancer. This time it was breast cancer.

 "My doctors believe there is a link between colon and breast cancer that could be hereditary. The cancer had not spread from the colon to the breast but there is probably a link between the two," she explains.

Diane says her incredible support system went into action once again, helping her through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. She lost her hair again. These days, she is working hard to make sure that cancer is part of her past.

 "I feel I am a lucky lady to be here enjoying life with my friends and family," Diane remarks. "There was a time when cancer was the first thing I thought about in the morning and the last thing I thought about at night. Now there are days when I don't think about it at all."

Diane's message of hope for the holidays: "Be a positive thinker. Have faith that God is looking over you and have faith in yourself that you can make it through."