Her guidebook ($10.95) discusses a myriad of breast cancer topics based on her first-hand experience and extensive research. Chapters focus on issues such as 'Early Detection and Screening Options,' 'Breast Cancer Stages,' 'Simple Tests That May Save your Life,' and 'Good Web sites for Must-Know Info.'

'My heart is for the book to help people as a reference guide and education tool,' says Chiappetta, diagnosed with the disease in 2000. 'It's a conduit for trying to get to the next place. If I can help one, two or three, that's my heart.'

Many of these people are desperate, she explains, just beyond the periphery of assistance from big organizations and foundations. Some are women who have lost their husbands, homes or jobs. Others are former professionals living on the edge of poverty.

'Many single moms are so sick they can't even lift their heads from the pillow much less take care of their children. And they certainly can't afford a baby-sitter.'

Following her bout with cancer, the former travel agent/meeting planner decided to redirect her life and skills. It was no longer about the business and the money, she says, but about something that brought more job and less stress.

'Once you are healthy and go through this type of experience, you see these things through completely different eyes.'

She moved to Florida in 2002, changing her vocation. Her focus included the community, helping the homebound and hungry, teaching exercise to seniors and working with 4Kids of South Florida to provide safe homes for orphans and foster kids.

'I found what I was born to do, and that was to help people with whatever talents I had. I'm not great A< just another person out there trying to give back.'

After Hurricane Wilma trashed her Florida apartment last year, she returned to Greenwich to be near family and friends. The book project - which she had put together the year after her cancer diagnosis and plan of care - was fresh on her mind.

Because her cancer treatment took place at A.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Chiappetta asked her surgical oncologist, Dr. Merrick I. Ross, to review the book's clinical elements. Once the manuscript won his endorsement, Chiappetta spent her savings to self-publish and promote the book.

Divided into two sections - the clinical and environmental aspects of breast cancer - the book includes a glossary that brings everything down to basics.

Now cancer-free, de-stressed and revitalized, Chiappetta follows a vegan diet and exercise regimen to continue strengthening her immune system.

'It was hard changing my life, but it ended up being a blessing. When you come home from a long vacation and see a plant looking all dried up, you start watering it, and then you start seeing green. That's how I felt. I could feel my body getting well A< it's an amazing time.'