Few people know the challenges that go along with fighting breast cancer. Aside from the powerful women who have to fight the illness, family, friends and colleagues band together during these trying times as well. And those women who survive the hardships that go along with the affliction—particularly those in the public eye, such as Nancy Reagan, Melissa Etheridge and Wanda Sykes—become inspirations for women everywhere to get checked regularly and stand up to breast cancer. Browse through our group to see the courageous women who triumphed in their fight against breast cancer.
Edie Falco ('The Sopranos,' 'Nurse Jackie') is receiving rave reviews for her role in the just-released romantic drama ‘Outside In’. Falco plays a middle-aged high school teacher trapped in her job and marriage helping a former student and ex-con transition back into society.
Cynthia Nixon lost the New York Democratic primary against Andrew Cuomo. "I’m not discouraged. I’m inspired," the actress tweeted. "To all the young people. To all the young women. To all the young queer people who reject the gender binary. Soon you’ll be standing here, and when it’s your turn, you’ll win."
Betty Ford became the First Lady when President Nixon resigned and made her Vice President husband, Gerald Ford, the acting President.
Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow sang backup for stars like Rod Stewart before becoming a star in own right. Her 1996 album Sheryl Crow won two Grammys.
Fashion designer Betsey Johnson developed her edgy, offbeat style during the new wave/punk era of the late 1970s.
Sandra Day O'Connor was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. A Republican, she was considered a moderate conservative and served for 24 years.
Czech tennis star Martina Navratilova was one of the world's top tennis players in the 1970s and '80s.
Shirley Temple was the leading child actor of her time, receiving a special Oscar and starring in films like Bright Eyes and Heidi.
Melissa Etheridge is a rock singer-songwriter and an environmental activist. Her hit songs include "I’m the Only One" and "Come to My Window."
Nancy Reagan was a former Hollywood actress, the first lady of the United States during President Ronald Reagan's time in office and the founder of the "Just Say No" drug awareness campaign.
Social activist, writer, editor, and lecturer Gloria Steinem has been an outspoken champion of women's rights since the late 1960s.
British actress Maggie Smith's distinguished career includes performing opposite Laurence Olivier in Othello to an Academy Award-winning performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, to a role in the Harry Potter series.
Winning fans with her sweet, melancholy sound, Marianne Faithfull is known for her legendary musical career and rock-and-roll lifestyle including battles with drugs, a relationship with Mick Jagger and subsequent reinvention.
Grammy winner Carly Simon was one of the biggest singer/songwriters in the 1970s. She was famously married to fellow rocker James Taylor and wrote the 1972 hit single 'You're So Vain.'
Comedian Wanda Sykes became famous for her intelligent, sometimes political, stand-up comedy and television appearances on shows including The New Adventures of Old Christine.
Actress Christina Applegate played Kelly Bundy on the popular sitcom 'Married... With Children.' She is a breast cancer survivor and publicly promotes breast cancer awareness.
Jaclyn Smith is a model and actress who starred in all five seasons of Charlie's Angels. She has also launched her own collections for Kmart.
Suzanne Somers is an American actress known for her role in the TV sitcom Three’s Company as well as for promoting health and fitness books and equipment.
Dorothy Hamill is a gold medal-winning Olympic figure skater known for her moves on the rink as well as her signature bobbed haircut.
Lynn Redgrave was an actress from the five generations of Redgrave actors known for her work on both stage and screen.
Figure skater Peggy Fleming won the only U.S. gold medal in the 1968 Olympics. Later, she publicly battled breast cancer, beating it with radiation therapy.
Diahann Carroll is an actress of stage, screen and TV known for her show Julia and films such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Actress Rue McClanahan is best-known for her role as self-absorbed bombshell Blanche Devereaux on the 1980's sitcom 'The Golden Girls.'
Kylie Minogue is an actress and singer who's dominated the international pop and dance charts with hits like "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and "Slow."