The word “cancer” is gut wrenching to most.

Eva Ruiz says it does not have to be, if you catch it early.

Ruiz has been in remission for 16 years and she gives all that credit to herself - she knew her body.

In 2006, Ruiz was bathing and felt a lump the size of a half dollar. She immediately took herself to the doctor and insisted on getting a mammogram.

If it was not for her quick response, she does not think she would be alive today.

October is now Ruiz’s favorite month - the smile on her face says it all - and says she feels honored to wear pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On Oct. 27, she will be walking in a survivors walk - something she does every year.

To find more information on Breast Cancer resources and awareness month events, you can find that here.