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The AIS Cancer Center
at San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH) has a team of experts ready to
help each person facing cancer. That includes a unique group of women who personally know the fear
and struggle—three SJCH nurses who are also breast cancer survivors.
These RNs offer compassionate care to patients at The AIS Cancer Center. They may have much
in common, but each of their stories is different. They range in age and ethnicity, showing what we
already know—cancer can happen to anyone.
Karen Coston
is a Marine Corps
veteran, a nurse, a mother of five children
and now a cancer fighter. During a routine
examination, doctors discovered a mass.
After a mammogram, ultrasound and a
biopsy, her fears were confirmed—
she had markers for breast cancer.
Karen has a strong family history
of cancer. Her mother died
from breast cancer at the age
of 42.
Now she wants to share
her story with other
women. “I feel like as
women we do not do
enough to empower,
encourage and help one
another,” she says.
To help women better
understand breast cancer, Karen has
started an educational event called
“The Core of the Cure.” She funds the
free event herself, which is held twice a
year. She invites 200 women to Hodel’s
Country Dining, where they receive edu-
cation on breast cancer and other topics,
along with being treated to fun games
and raffles.
“I had a friend die from cancer,” Karen
says. “I’ve made it my mission to educate
as many women as I can.”
Karen’s advice to women is simple:
“Listen to that little voice inside you if
you think something is wrong with your
health. No one knows your body like you
do. Don’t put off important exams or
tests because you’re busy taking care of
everyone else.”
Nurses who know what it’s like to battle cancer
Y O U + U S : B R E A S T C E N T E R
Have you had your mammogram?
Request your
appointment today at
wecanbeatcancer.org.
“I’ve made
it my mission…”
—Karen Coston, RN,
Charge Nurse for
Outpatient Clinic,
The AIS Cancer Center
PERSONAL
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