Little research has been done on this type of breast cancer but the risk of becoming invasive is evident. DCIS is usually found during mammogram screenings but often resembles non-cancerous calcifications so is difficult to diagnose without a biopsy. Breast surgery and radiation are the most common treatment but Kristin elected a total mastectomy to avoid the future risks of any recurrence.

Kristin and her husband David own and operate Hydrangeas Plus ®, Amethyst Hill Nursery and Bell Family Nursery and played softball at the Play for the Cure tournament with Bell Family Nursery women’s team from PFTC inception until 2006 when business commitments forced her retirement from the competition. August is a busy time of the year for the nursery world. Kristin is currently the Vice President of the Oregon Association of Nurseries and will be inducted as President Elect at the association’s convention in the September.

One of Kristin’s heros, Krista Jeli, passed away on June 7th, 2009 at the young age of 47. Diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at age 30, Krista fought and won her battle for almost 10 years before a scan found the cancer had returned and metastasized to her bones. Krista threw out the pitches for several of the Bell Family Nursery games over the years at PFTC and will be truly missed for her courage, love and inspiration.