She''s been a cancer nurse for 28 years. Much of that time has been spent counseling women with breast cancer. Six months ago, Jill Bokern got the diagnosis she has spent her career helping other women come to terms with. Now, she shares a perspective on the disease few others can.

"I thought I had this little special protection, you know. I work in the Breast Health Center, it''s not going to happen to me. I had this extra lucky star, but in reality it can happen to anyone," explains Jill Bokern, a breast cancer survivor.

Not only does she work in the Breast Health Center, Bokern counsels most of the breast cancer patients who come through the Siteman Cancer Center. Her cancer was found in November, after a routine mammogram. She''s just 47, and a single mother of four.

"Probably the most difficult part of all this was going to them and saying you know your mom, your grandma, I have breast cancer."

All of a sudden, Bokern says her life''s work as an oncology nurse took on an entirely new meaning. Not just for herself. For her co-workers.

"It was difficult for them to see me go through this because they too knew they could be in my position, what would they do. And they wanted to do what was best."

Bokern now has first hand knowledge of how treatment decisions are entirely individual. But she believes a patient''s overall approach to the disease should have a common theme.

"I tell them very plain, you''re going to be o.k. just hang in there you''re going to be OK."

Bokern will be walking in the Komen Race for the Cure June 14th. It will be a family affair. Her four children will be at her side, including her youngest who celebrates her ninth birthday that day.

"I even asked her last night, I said, oh, I''m doing this interview. What do you think I should tell people? She goes, well, you just tell it like this, the reason you''re going to be fine, you had family, you had friends you had all those people at work being supportive."

Bokern says her diagnosis has given her a valuable new perspective on her life and work. Something she now frequently shares with her patients.

"I thought I gave a lot here, but now I have a lot more to give. Life is priceless and its more meaningful now. I thought I had a meaningful life, but now its the best."

The Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure is Saturday, June 14. NewsChannel 5 is a proud sponsor of this event that raises money for breast cancer screening and treatment.