Essay --

Eileen Furnish Soc 343 Assignment #1 2/15/2014 The women I decided to interview is my boyfriend’s great-aunt Mary J. Spletter. I selected Mary J. Spletter because she has inspired and helped guide women through breast cancer. I also selected her because at the age of 25 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and she still remained positive and strong. I’m currently 25 years old and it made me realize not to take things for granted and to always stay positive regardless of what situation your in. I’m interviewing Mary in The Bellevue Club on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA. This historical building has breathtaking views of Lake Merritt and a local bird sanctuary. We decided on this place because Mary is a member here. She also enjoys the rich history, having meals and takes swimming classes here. We decided to do the interview over lunch in the main dining room, which had high ceilings, marble flooring, and floral long curtains. This club was a former women’s social club and had a style of the 1920’s. Mary was born in Appleton, Wisconsin. While growing up she lived with her mother, her brother and youngest sister. Her father was in the military and eventually left them and moved to California. She lived a pretty good childhood, she attended church every Sunday and she was always interested in reading and writing. While growing up she saw her mother struggle to support 3 children but her mother was always strong and positive. Mary knew she wanted to do something with her life that inspired others and she knew that her writing could take her there. She also in enjoyed French and took many classes in high school and college. She graduated from University of Wisconsin, Madison with a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism in ... ... Mary publish a book on breast cancer but she also counseled women who were going through breast cancer and undergone mastectomies. Her book has changed many lives and has opened our eyes on new procedures and treatments. Before dating her great nephew, my mother was also a breast cancer survivor who received Mary’s book â€Å"A Women’s Choice† and many other books on battling breast cancer. Even though Mary’s book was already outdated (my mom had breast cancer 14 years ago), my mother was able to gain knowledge on the certain points Mary explained in her book, it kept her mind off the chemotherapy she was doing and it also helped her stay positive. Mary J. Spletter wanted to help other women and share her story to the world since there weren’t many resources out there. She continues to mentor women and travels to speak with women about her personal experiences.