ST. JOSEPH — A diagnosis of breast cancer can leave a woman with a mix of emotions and unanswered questions. Many breast cancer patients feel they need someone to guide them through the journey.

When Beth Clark was diagnosed with breast cancer in June she was in shock.

“There's lots of emotions. It's very scary, you don't know where to turn, who to call first, what to do first, what the extent of the cancer is. All of these questions are unanswered,” said Clark.

She soon got the answers she needed from Lakeland Health System's Breast Health Care Manager, Shelly Wilkinson.

“She guides you through it, and she's a very calming presence in a very crazy time,” Clark said.

“I just want to help every woman that's going through breast cancer, guide them, help them, be there for them,” said Wilkinson.

Wilkinson helps patients by educating them on their cancers, the treatment options and the side effects. She connects them with resources and provides a listening ear.

“It's amazing because patients start off so scared, usually crying in my office, and then toward the end you can just see how enlightened they are. They have a smile on their face and they have the go-get-me attitude, ‘I'm going to get through this,'” Wilkinson explained.

Clark has that determined attitude. She completed three surgeries in three months, and is now going through radiation. She says Wilkinson has been there for her through it all.

“She's my hero and my angel, really. I couldn't have done it without her,” Clark said.

The breast health care manager's services are free. Wilkinson helps about 140 patients with their individual needs each year.