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Breast Cancer Survivor To Throw Out First Pitch At Cubs Game

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Wrigley Field is going to be 'in the pink" today when the Cubs take on the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Cubs along with Advocate Health Care are honoring breast cancer survivors today and are giving away 5,000 pink Cubs caps to bleacher fans.

59-year old survivor Linda Christensen will be among the survivors and will be throwing out a ceremonial 1st pitch before the game.

Cubs Honor Breast Cancer Survivors

Christensen was diagnosed with cancer in her right breast November 1, 2011--a year and a half ago. She had had no history of breast cancer in her family.

She says she's cancer-free now, but she encourages any woman who feels anything out-of-the-ordinary in her breasts to call a doctor immediately.

Christensen waited two months from when she felt something in her breast until she saw her doctor because she waited for an appointment that had already been scheduled.

"Now I would say, 'if you just feel one fraction of something goofy, call your doctor. Don't wait. Every minute counts in making your journey easier", she says.

Christensen says having breast cancer has changed who she is and how she behaves and reacts to things. She says she's much more appreciative of life, family and co-workers.

Lately, she says she's been helping recently diagnosed women with advice and encouragement.

As for throwing out the 1st pitch at Wrigley Field today, Christensen says she's been practicing in her backyard.

But, as for how she'll feel when she's on the pitcher's mound and looks out into the stands into a sea of pink, she says, "It's absolutely kind of overwhelming. I'm going to try to not be emotional and just throw that ball and do what I'm supposed to do."

Linda Christensen says she is a lifelong Cubs fan whose son and grandson from Oklahoma will be joining her at the game along with her own mother who grew up across the street from Wrigley Field.

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