Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Lohr's Message: 'Be Thankful' Charity Dinner Aims To Raise Breast Cancer Awareness Two-time breast cancer survivor Andrea Lohr speaks at a charity dinner Sunday at James Madison University. Andrea Lohr, wife of Del. Matt Lohr, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer for a third time. Photo by Thomas J. Turney HARRISONBURG - The first time she had radiation treatment for breast cancer, Andrea Lohr put off shaving her head for as long as possible. When she finally did, Lohr says she started to cry because she didn't recognize herself in the mirror. "It just didn't look like Andrea looking back," Lohr said of that fall day two years ago. Then her daughter Caroline, 5 years old at the time, helped put things in perspective. "She said, 'But you're still my mom,'" Lohr said to the crowd of about 150 people at James Madison University's Festival Ballroom on Sunday night. Lohr shared her story as a two-time breast cancer survivor at a charity dinner hosted by the alpha Kappa Delta Phi sorority. Lohr told the crowd that the cancer has returned, but expressed resolve to fight, and beat, the disease a third time. Breast cancer awareness is the sorority's philanthropy. Last year it raised $2,600 for breast cancer research and support services, said President Jay Ahn. 'Very Inspiring' The dinner, called "Real Dukes Wear Pink," featured music and dance performances and raised about $4,000, Ahn said. "It was very inspiring to see how many people care about the cause," she said. "It's something that's very dear to us." The proceeds from the event will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a national nonprofit organization for breast cancer education and research. Thankful For Today Lohr underwent radiation treatment and surgery to have the cancer removed in 2006. Matt Lohr said his wife inspires him because she keeps a positive attitude and keeps on fighting. "Before 2006, breast cancer was just something I had heard of," said Matt, who represents the central Valley's 26th district in the House of Delegates. "For our family, breast cancer's become a part of our life." In the fall of 2007, Lohr was diagnosed with the disease again, and once more had surgery and radiation treatment. "My kids are what kept me going," Lohr said, adding that her family has gotten a lot of support. Lohr, who will have major surgery on Tuesday to fight the recurrence, said the biggest lesson she's learned is to appreciate every day she's alive. "I'm smiling because the cancer has not gone anywhere else," she said. "Just be thankful you have a breath to take today." Contact Jeremy Hunt at 574-6273 or jhunt@dnronline.com