Jodi Tyrrell is a survivor.

Tyrrell, diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago, will speak today at the Holmes Student Center about her battle with cancer.

The event, taking place at 8 p.m. at the Holmes Student Center, Room 405, is sponsored by Sigma Lambda Gamma.

Hagar Allen, a sophomore biological sciences major and member of Sigma Lambda Gamma, believes the event will be educational for everyone.

“It will benefit the students on campus for the simple fact that students will be more informed and aware of such a situation,” Allen said.

The event is a part of Sigma Lambda Gamma’s national philanthropy.

“This is one of our main focuses in the sorority,” Allen said. “Being a member makes me feel privileged enough to help out with the event.”

For Tyrrell, speaking about breast cancer emphasizes awareness and prevention on the issue.

“I am an 11-year breast cancer survivor, and have been very active with the DeKalb County American Cancer Society in their efforts to raise awareness and in fundraising,” Tyrrell said. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34, which is statistically very young. My goal in speaking to a younger audience is to raise awareness that even though statistics are against it, it seems that breast cancer is affecting younger women.”

Self exams are important so a woman can be aware of any changes which occur between doctor exams, Tyrrell continued. “I also want to inform the audience of the known risk factors and the need to be aware of lifestyle changes that may reduce their risk.”

There are many steps to finding early detection in breast cancer, according to a Sigma Lambda Gamma breast cancer awareness pamphlet.

At age 20, people should give themselves monthly breast exams. Mammograms and physician examinations are also essential components to early detection.

“I feel that it is important to educate students about breast cancer for various reasons,” Allen said. “One being that there may be people who just might have it and don’t quite realize it, because they aren’t knowledgeable enough to get checked and get mammograms or just to know the effects and symptoms. And in doing so, this just might save a life.”

The goal for the event is to educate all.

“It is most definitely important for males to know the facts about breast cancer, because men, too, can get breast cancer,” Allen said. “This disease affects both men and women.”

Students with friends or relatives living with breast cancer can learn ways to cope and better understand the disease.

Tyrrell wants to share her story with the student body.

“I feel compelled to share my story of survivorship to let others know that a diagnosis of breast cancer is not automatically a death sentence,” Tyrell said. “There is life after breast cancer, and there are more and more survivors all the time to prove it.”