Jackie Dennis radiates energy. The effervescent 47-year-old is Valdosta Technical College’s registrar. She’s also battling breast cancer.

But Dennis’ battle is secondary to the help and support she selflessly provides to anyone who may need a friend.

Dennis’ connection to breast cancer goes much deeper than her own recent battle with the disease.

At 10 years old, Dennis lost her mother to breast cancer.

“That was 1970,” Dennis said. “I have never felt so alone when I found out that my mom had died. I had no idea she was going to pass away.”

The death of her mother prompted Dennis to be hyper aware of her own chances of developing the cancer. Yearly physicals and mammograms kept Dennis updated on her health.

But the loss of her mother so young caused Dennis to avoid actual breast cancer awareness out of fear.

“I’ve always done a lot of community service, but I wouldn’t focus on the

American Cancer Society because I was afraid,” Dennis said.

On Nov. 1, 2007, Dennis had a car accident on Interstate 75. Hit from behind, she lost control of the vehicle and hit a guard rail, breaking her right leg.

Being on crutches for four months and focused on rehabilitating her leg, Dennis missed her annual physical.

Then, on April 8, 2008, Dennis’ entire world was altered forever. Getting ready for work, she was preparing to take a shower when she noticed the lump.

“I immediately called my internist, and he took me in that day,” Dennis said.

That afternoon, her physician scheduled a CAT scan, chest X-ray, mammogram and breast biopsy.

But it would be another week before Dennis was diagnosed with Stage 2A breast cancer.