Peace of mind for Olivia

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Olivia Newton-John said she made it through her battle with breast cancer with the help of family and friends and by writing music, which helped give her peace of mind.

“I never thought, Why me?” she said. “I’ve been exposed to a lot of things. I’ve spent most of my life travelling, and I’ve had a very stressful life. That takes a toll, so I think all of that played a part.”

Diagnosed with the disease in 1992, Newton-John, 53, went through extensive treatment before making a full recovery.

Money from a benefit that the singer attended on Tuesday (<p class="photocredit">editor’s note - September 25 2001</p>) will go to the South Carolina Comprehensive Breast Centre of Palmetto Health to help fund education programmes, patient and family support, and re-search.