Editor's note: In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the following story is part of a series focusing on the LPGA and its players' efforts in the fight against breast cancer.

Colleen Walker, a member of the LPGA Tour since 1982 and a nine-time LPGA tournament winner, made a triumphant return to the LPGA Tour in May after missing the 2003 season to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer, which was diagnosed in January 2003. Although Walker did not finish in the money at any of her six starts this season, there is little doubt her victory over the disease was the most inspiring she, or any other player, could ever experience. LPGA spoke to Walker, who is enjoying her off-season at home in Valrico, Fla., with her husband Ron Bakich and 8-year-old son Tyler, about her season and her new outlook on life.

LPGA: Was your return to the Tour in May and the entire 2004 season what you expected?
CW: My return to the LPGA this season was a lot of fun. I wish I could have played better, but to be back in the competition was the best part.

LPGA: Has your outlook changed since you returned?
CW: Absolutely. This year, while I was out on Tour, I realized that I just enjoyed the actual playing part. I did not put any pressure on making a lot of birdies, or worry about missing or making cuts. Just being out on the golf course and in competition was more than enough.

LPGA: It's been well documented how your fellow players responded to you upon your return, with hugs, smiles and well wishes. What has the response from fans been like?
CW: The response from the fans was wonderful. I had quite a few fans and volunteers come up to me at each tournament and tell me that they were survivors as well. Those kinds of shared experiences are very touching. And I did speak with one women who was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and wanted to know what I went through. I was more than happy to share my experiences. And after her surgery, I found out she was able to go and try to qualify for the U.S. Amateur!

LPGA: How is your health now?
CW: My health is good. All of my check-ups have been fine.

LPGA: Have you found yourself trying to impart any kind of message on other players? Do you feel like an unofficial spokesperson because of your experience?
CW: Definitely. I can't stress enough to all women, not just to my fellow Tour players, to get their mammograms each year. It's so important. Early detection saved my life.

LPGA: Does Tyler have an understanding of what you went through?
CW: Tyler understands what I went through, to a point. He was with me through the chemo treatments and saw me with no hair and when I was very, very tired. He does know that I'm fine now.

LPGA: How has he helped you through everything?
CW: I think he helped me understand that I have to keep life in perspective. You can't get wrapped up in the small things, and you can only control what you think and say-other than that, it's out of your hands.

LPGA: What would you say you've learned from your battle with breast cancer?
CW: The lesson I learned after having breast cancer is that the mind is a very powerful thing. I have said this a lot-when you get the diagnosis, you can choose to fight it or just sit back and feel sorry for yourself. I chose to fight back.

LPGA: What would you tell someone who is now in the position you were in January of last year, someone who was just diagnosed?
CW: I would tell someone that you are not alone. There are a lot of survivors out there who know what you're going through. But most of all, I would tell them to keep the faith.

LPGA: What are you up to now that your season is over?
CW: We're very busy! Tyler's AAU baseball team is ranked first in the state of Florida right now. Ron and I are having a great time watching him play!