Grace Abernethy knows what it's like to live life to the fullest.

The spunky 77-year-old grandmother of 10 is also a three-time breast cancer survivor.

And now, she is turning to help other cancer patients who are fighting the same battle she came out of.

"My story started about 16 years ago when I was taking a shower and I felt a lump and I thought, 'What is this?'

The chapters of her story have had many ups and downs.

"I've gone thorough five surgeries and radiation and I'm still alive. There is hope," she said.

Throughout her life, Abernethy said she has been used to taking care of others. During the Korean War, she was an Army nurse at Walter Reed Hospital. After that, she became a stay-at-home mother of five children, one of whom is mentally handicapped.

Now in remission, Abernethy, of Jefferson County, has turned her help toward other cancer patients, explaining to them what to look for while becoming an advocate for the cause. When she turned 75, she got a tattoo to celebrate.

"You have to do something with your life. You can't sit down and die for it," she said.

She said she's proof that there is definitely life after cancer, and she urged women to get an annual mammogram and fight a battle that can be won.

"It's not going to control me. I control it," she said. "You can survive it. You can."