Do you know a breast cancer survivor?

WILKES-BARRE — Earlier this year, several northeastern and north central Pennsylvania residents took the brave step of sharing their personal stories of surviving breast cancer in an effort to educate others about the disease.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield collected their experiences for the 2015 Gallery of Hope, a viewable display containing survivor profiles and educational resources designed to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment in the fight against breast cancer.

Highmark is now seeking nominations for its 2016 Gallery of Hope.

Any female or male breast cancer survivor residing within Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's 13-county service area in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania can be nominated. Simply go to www.bcnepa.com/hope before Nov. 1 and click on "Nominate a Survivor" to submit information about a friend or family member for consideration. The 2016 honorees will be announced in January.

Honorees in the 2015 Gallery of Hope included:

An autistic support paraprofessional and grandmother of one from Luzerne County who helps other newly diagnosed individuals face breast cancer.

A professor of speech-language pathology and community leader from Monroe County.

A mother of two from Clinton County who resolved to face cancer head on and set a positive example for her daughters.

A preschool teacher and mother of three from Wyoming County who detected her cancer through a self-exam.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield serves approximately 3.2 million members through the company's health care benefits business and employs more than 4,700 people in western and northeastern Pennsylvania. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.