At age 52, Sue Herrick Pilon was diagnosed with breast cancer, the third generation in her family with the disease. Since her cancer was discovered early, she was eligible for reconstructive surgery using a dermal allograft – human tissue from a donor used to create a base on which breast implants could immediately be inserted. Both surgeries were done the same day. Less than 24 hours after the surgery was completed, Sue was cancer-free. Today the mother of two and manager of a nonprofit agency exercises and travels often. "This is a tremendous gift I've been given," Sue emphasized. "I thank my donor family in my heart every day."

Sue's Story

At age 52, Sue Herrick Pilon heard the diagnosis she had dreaded but also expected: breast cancer. Sue is the third generation in her family to deal with the disease. Her mother was a 25-year-old survivor to whom breast reconstruction was not an option.

"When it was my turn to face this disease, I was determined to not just beat it. I wanted my life back completely," Sue stated. "I wanted to not just do the things I'd always done; I wanted to try new things and have new experiences, and serve as a model to other women with breast cancer that they can do the same."

The University of Michigan Breast Cancer Center and Plastic Surgery Department provided the solution. Since Sue's cancer was discovered very early, and her overall health was very good, she was eligible for reconstructive surgery using a dermal allograft. A dermal allograft is human tissue from a donor used to create a base on which breast implants could immediately be inserted. Both her mastectomy and reconstruction could be completed in one day.

Sue walked out of the hospital less than 24 hours after the surgery was completed, cancer-free and not requiring additional reconstruction. She returned to work just four weeks after surgery in March 2011.

Now, more than two years later, it would be hard to find someone more active than Sue. She walks an average of five miles per day and runs two to three miles a couple of days per week. She also does yoga and Zumba classes and occasionally plays golf and tennis. Sue serves as president of her local Cultural and Historical Commission and travels often with her husband, especially trips that involve visiting any Major League Baseball stadium or Disney World. Sue is also the mother of two and works full-time as a manager at a nonprofit agency.

"This is a tremendous gift I've been given," Sue emphasized. "I am extremely aware and appreciative of the fact that a family, at the worst possible time, was asked if they were willing to make a gift of organs and tissue from their loved one, so that other people – strangers – might have a great quality of life after breast cancer without missing a beat. I thank my donor family in my heart every day."