Sporting a black T-shirt and speaking with a bold, sarcastic tone, Jeri Worklan-Eubanks doesn’t fit the bill of a stereotypical “princess.”

But that’s how she’s known among breast cancer survivors.

The Federal Way resident has dedicated the past 16 years to improving lives and spirits as a volunteer for the Komen Foundation. Diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Worklan-Eubanks is all too familiar with how cancer can flip a life upside down without warning.

“I’m a trendsetter in my family,” Worklan-Eubanks laughed. “I’ve gotten things that nobody in my family has, no history of [cancer] or anything. I just can’t be the same as the rest of my family I guess.”

Her prognoses led to major change, including unemployment and undergoing cancer treatment.

Still, she considers herself lucky.

Since the cancer was detected so early, Worklan-Eubanks was able to forego any major procedures or chemotherapy. More importantly, it introduced her to the hardships breast cancer patients face, and a “sisterhood like no other.”

Having been diagnosed with skin cancer and breast cancer in her lifetime, Worklan-Eubanks claims there is no bond as unique or tight-knit as that between breast cancer survivors.

“It’s like a sorority that you never asked to join but are so, so glad you did,” she said.

Her initial reason for volunteering at Komen was the feeling she could be doing more to make a difference. The people she met and friendships she made along the way, however, are what kept her going.

In particular, Worklan-Eubanks’s relationship with CJ Taylor, the founder of the Puget Sound Komen Foundation, has made a large impact on her life and service. Taylor died from cancer in 2011 but continues to inspire Worklan-Eubanks daily.

“She gave me this sign that says, ‘You sew girl!’ because I sew for fun. It’s hanging in my office and every day I see it and say, ‘You sew girl!’ out loud, then I’m ready for the day. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss her,” she said.

Worklan-Eubanks has made a lasting impression of her own.

She remembers meeting a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer just one day prior to attending the Komen Foundation’s annual “Race for the Cure” event. She had never heard of Komen until she was diagnosed, but saw an advertisement for Race for the Cure in the newspaper and decided to check it out.

The woman confided in Worklan-Eubanks and admitted that she wasn’t sure if she belonged there, or if she was a “survivor” yet. Worklan-Eubanks welcomed her with open arms and reassured her that the second you are diagnosed, you’re a survivor.

Over the years, the women have run into each other on multiple occasions and developed a friendship along the way.

“I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, no doubt about it. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” she said.

Whether she’s sewing blankets for patients at the children’s hospital or flying out of state to support friends in treatment, it is clear that Worklan-Eubanks is living for a cause.

Being the princess she is, her favorite task is planning the patient party that takes place after Komen’s Race for the Cure each year and getting decked out from head to toe in pink to rally the walkers.

“I noticed that even though I can’t change their outcome, my support and encouragement can change their outlook,” Worklan-Eubanks. “And that’s what it’s all about.”