Breast Cancer Survivors Oklahoma 

Just over two years ago, Summer Baker’s life changed with a simple gesture. She brushed her arm across her chest and felt a knot. By morning, she noticed dimpling. Tests confirmed her worst fear: stage 3 breast cancer.

“It was the size of an apple,” she recalled. “I felt really afraid. My mom had breast cancer before, so I pretty much panicked.”

But Summer happened to work with the husband of Toni Hahn, president of Breast Cancer Survivors Oklahoma, so she knew exactly who to call. “Breast Cancer Survivors Oklahoma sent me a care package right away. Everything I needed—a head scarf, ChapStick, a quilt, even a shirt with pockets for my drains after surgery.”

A wife, mother to boy-girl twins, parent of a high school senior, and full-time employee, Summer suddenly found herself fighting the battle of her life. She endured 16 rounds of chemo, including four sessions of the dreaded “red devil,” 25 rounds of radiation, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. She lost her hair, her energy, and some friendships along the way. But she also gained something unexpected: a family of survivors.

Today, Summer serves as a board member and event coordinator for Breast Cancer Survivors Oklahoma (BCSOK), ensuring that no fighter feels alone. “When you find out you have cancer, you lose people in your life,” she explained. “But other fighters understand. The looks you get, the exhaustion, the fear. They’ve lived it.”

President Toni Hahn shared, “Breast Cancer Survivors Oklahoma is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer. Our initiatives include care packages, free transportation to and from treatment appointments, and weekend getaways for stage 4 patients. We ensure that every donation we receive goes toward fulfilling our mission.”

“Our members pay nothing,” Summer reinforced. “From monthly sister socials to our yearly dinner and dance, it’s all about support, connection, and lifting each other up.”

The organization also raises awareness through events like the 5K on October 4, the PINK about US! Dinner and Dance on October 18, and a fashion show on October 25. But awareness alone isn’t enough, Summer insists. “What’s important is action. Check yourself. Get your mammogram. If your insurance doesn’t cover it, we’ll help.”

The statistics are sobering. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Like Summer, many won’t have symptoms until the disease is advanced. “Life is short,” she said. “Check your boobies.” 

For Summer, the fight isn’t over. She’s still on medication and hormone shots for at least five years. But her perspective has shifted. “It’s a club you don’t want to join,” she said, “but it’s an amazing one to be in.” And finally, “Friends don’t let friends skip a mammogram.”

For more information or to get involved, visit BCSOklahoma.com.