When you're dealing with cancer, it can be hard to stay focused and cope day after day. But for many patients and caregivers, having a mantra can help. And sometimes the best mantra -- the one that really speaks to you -- comes from someone else who's walked in your shoes. 

This past year, dozens of our patients and caregivers shared great mantras and words of wisdom on our Cancerwise blog and in video interviews.

Here...

Adele Hartland says that if anyone can handle breast cancer, it's her.

"Who else has 20 wigs in her garage and lives 10 minutes from MD Anderson?" she says jokingly as she passes out candy canes to fellow patients in Mays Clinic.

No one seems to know that Adele is also there for treatment. Admittedly, with her bright smile, red velvet skirt and knee-length boots, it is hard to tell. For today, she's Miss Claus...