LEWISTOWN — Sarah Jacobson remembers hanging out with her closest girlfriends one year after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021.

“We were all still under 40 years old — the recommended age to start getting mammograms — and I remember joking with them that the stats were one in eight women would receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and I hoped that I was the only one in our group of seven,” Jacobson recalled.

However, that wasn’t the case as Melissa Coble also received a breast cancer diagnosis.

Both Mifflin County natives, Jacobson and Coble were long-time friends, graduating from Indian Valley High School in 2001. Through college, marriage, careers and raising their young children, the two remained close friends.

Jacobson, 41, who lives in Mifflintown, and Coble, 41, of Boalsburg, never would have imagined their lives would have taken the turn they did a few years ago with the shared breast cancer diagnosis.

After successfully completing treatment and beating cancer, which between the two of them included a double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and hemotherapy, Jacobson and Coble want to inspire others by sharing their journey. Especially since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

They have been there to support one another in a variety of ways. The bond from their struggles has brought them even closer together.

“We can relate to each other’s struggles and fears and offer understanding and encouragement,” Jacobson explained. “Texting, calling, sharing pre- and post-doctor appointment updates. Gifting little coffee pick-me-ups.”

Coble added they find themselves being there for one another, learning how to love, communicate and support each other at the right times. “Emotions surrounding a cancer diagnosis are hard, messy, and complex. We are respectful and supportive to where each other is in the journey,” she said. “That means choosing the right time to share our experiences with each other. We each have our own cancer triggers and timing is important.”

The established trust that has developed between the two makes everything much more comfortable to share. “Nothing is embarrassing,” Jacobson said.

“The most freeing time came post op/treatment,” Coble recalled. “We leaned on each other to build the confidence to attend the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition 30th Anniversary Conference together in 2023. “I don’t think either one of us would have been ready to attend such an event solo, but together we had a wonderful time.”

Although the circumstances for their bonding is nothing they would want anyone else to endure, they still feel fortunate to have the other’s support.

“No one wants to receive a cancer diagnosis,” Jacobson said. “It changes you forever. We are both so lucky to have caught it early. Part of our bond now is a shared passion for advocacy and encouraging other women to get screened. Knowledge is power.”

Coble believes the lifelong bond that already existed between the two was made stronger by the breast cancer diagnosis. The fact that they are both survivors creates an intimate level of understanding that those who haven’t gone through cancer can comprehend.

“Knowing that I have someone to turn to who gets it reduces stress and boosts confidence,” Jacobson said.

Coble added, “It’s very reassuring to know someone is always there who understands and because Sarah is a lifelong friend, it doesn’t matter if life gets busy and keeps us apart, we will always share a bond and support.”

Hoping that their friendship will continue to inspire, and may they always be free from the fear of cancer.