By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

VICTORIA -- Cletis Hammerschmidt first was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1969. That was before routine mammograms, and she never underwent radiation or chemotherapy.

But she never lost hope, even though she eventually underwent two mastectomies following a second diagnosis in 1990.

"I said there was life after cancer," said Hammerschmidt, a Hays resident.

Hammerschmidt was one of 75 area cancer survivors who gathered at Victoria Elementary School on Saturday evening for a "birthday" party hosted by Ellis County Relay For Life.

The idea was to give survivors an opportunity to celebrate, in keeping with this year's national theme: A world without cancer is a world with more birthdays, said Mary Befort, chairwoman of the Ellis County event.

"As we get older, sometimes birthdays are just a reminder of how old we're getting," Befort said. "But after you've been diagnosed with cancer, all of a sudden those birthdays are a reminder that you are another year survivor."

It's hoped the dinner, which was sponsored by local businesses, will become an annual event, she said.

The school gymnasium was adorned with balloons and banners. A paper chain was hung before dinner, with every link representing one year of survival. The colorful chain stretched about halfway across the room.

Survivors also were treated with candle-lit cupcakes, and a special version of "Happy Birthday" was sung after dinner.

The Ellis County event's theme is "Carnival for a Cure," and a brightly dressed clown surprised attendees with balloon creations.

Hammerschmidt knows all about birthdays. She will celebrate her 90th later this month.

Her story is an inspiration to many other survivors, said Marj Schumacher, Hays, who also has battled breast cancer.

"I always say I want to mold my life around her. I want to do all the things she does," Schumacher said. "It's good to talk to somebody like that, because you think, 'Well yeah, it can happen.' "