Lee Laden

Lee Laden retired from marketing/public relations in 1991 and enrolled in graduate school at her alma mater, Beaver College (now Arcadia University). As an adjunct professor of music, Lee taught Performance Study (beginning Piano) at Beaver until health problems in 2001 forced her to give up teaching.

In 2002, her personal "annus horribulus," Lee was diagnosed with communicating hydrocephalus and underwent a successful ventriculo-peritoneal shunt procedure. Five months later, she was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Lee underwent a lumpectomy, lymph node dissection, and radiation. She took tamoxifen for four years at which point, due to multiple side effects, her medical oncologist suggested switching to Aromasin.

Lee was introduced to Breastcancer.org by a friend in 2003 and was immediately impressed with the factual information and support offered online 24/7. She is thrilled to be part of the Consumer Advisory Board.

Prior knowledge and understanding of breast cancer, especially the successful treatment of several close friends, enabled Lee to seek the treatment she desired. Having been diagnosed at the age of 63, she was aware that her age, years of hormonal therapy, and demographics played a role.

After meeting Dr. Marisa Weiss and the wonderful team at Breastcancer.org, Lee began distributing the informational booklets to hospitals, physicians, women's groups, retirement residences, and convents. She has also helped with mailings of the booklets to women around the world.

Lee and her husband enjoy gardening and their four perfect grand-children. Since 1996, Lee has been a volunteer docent at The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, where she gives guided tours to children and adults. She still practices several hours a week at the piano in her home in Northwest Philadelphia.