October is Breast Cancer Awareness month -- a chance to educate people about the disease and the importance of high-quality care.

Public awareness of breast cancer has greatly improved over the past few decades. For a long time, people diagnosed with the disease tended to keep their experiences to themselves.

That’s why it was groundbreaking, 30 years ago, when NPR health reporter Joanne Silberner profiled a woman named Toby Quitsland, who was experiencing a recurrence of breast cancer.

Her story not only helped build awareness of the disease, it also helped create a special bond between Joanne and Toby’s family. 

Toby’s husband Jon recently discovered that he and Joanne both now live on Bainbridge Island. He heard her being interviewed on KUOW, and he decided to mail a letter to the station in hopes of reaching her.

The Washington State Department of Health has launched Vital, a free mobile app tailored for cancer survivors. It provides valuable tools to help patients build skills for their cancer journey and recovery.
You can download the Vital app now on iPhone and Android

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

GUESTS:

• Jon Quitsland
• Joanne Silberner

RELATED LINKS:

• https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/introducing-vital-free-mobile-app-designed-support-cancer-survivors 
• https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/