Breast cancer survivor moves on in life with positive attitude

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- On Saturday, May 4th, runners and walkers of all ages will hit Milwaukee's lakefront for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and Run. Some are walking in memory of those who died of breast cancer, while others are walking in gratitude of those who helped them survive.

When Kelly Krohn hits the lakefront, it will be part celebration, part purpose. For the fourth year in a row, she'll take part in the event she never thought to be a part of. But a checkup changed all that.

"When the doctor said he felt something, I kind of tossed it to the side and said it was nothing," said Krohn.

Then, Krohn noticed something when she was in the shower -- a lump in her breast. Kelly was just 39 years old.

"I called right away and had a mammogram done. And they said that it was breast cancer," said Krohn. "I didn't think it was going to happen to me at such a young age."

Krohn started chemotherapy the week after being diagnosed. But she knew she only needed medical help, but emotional support too. She knew just where to turn.

"The first person I called was my mother and we cried. She lives 3 hours away, and she was there in exactly three hours to help me," said Krohn.

Krohn has been getting help ever since, even from those she never expected.

"People that  I hadn't even talked to since high school, since, people from grade school, they all came and joined my team," said Krohn.

The chorus of voices around Krohn, along with love from her three children, got her through it all. Now, Krohn hopes her healthy body and positive spirit will encourage others.

"When you look at me, you don`t think I need help because I've survived it. But I've survived it because people have helped me," said Krohn.

Krohn's passion drives her mission -- and it all starts with a positive attitude and taking everything in stride.