Pamela Barnes, RN, school nurse for The Children's Institute in Verona, has volunteered in Haiti, run in NYC Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure and has even participated in a Survivor Fashion Show in NYC, sponsored by Susan G. Komen and New Balance.

Barnes, who was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, is now getting staff and students involved in raising awareness for the disease.

The Children's Institute (TCI) will sponsor fundraisers, games and activities throughout the month of October and contribute to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

“It's important to make people aware because they always think it won't happen to them,” said Barnes. “Women need to know how to do a self-exam and go for a mammogram every year.”

Women are afraid to do self-exams because they are afraid of what they might find, she said.

“Just because you find something doesn't mean its a death sentence,” said Barnes. “Here I am and I'm doing great!”

Barnes will be helping with fundraisers where she will sell pins and car magnets while also hiding 100 pink ribbons. Whoever finds the most ribbons will win a prize, or can donate their prize to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

They will also be holding “Think Pink Thursdays,” where the staff will wear pink clothing. Information on breast cancer will be sent to the staff in daily emails and newsletters. On Fridays staff members can contribute five dollars to be able to wear jeans for the day.

Barnes has been an advocate for Breast Cancer Awareness, having had a partial mastectomy and is now starting seven weeks of daily radiation treatments.

“Survivor is a scary word but now it's a word everyone can use,” said Barnes. “Survivor means there is a cure, there is always help.”