My name is Joyce Grigonis and I am a water gardener. April 11, 2006, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy, which will be followed by six weeks of radiation, then Tamoxifen for five years.

I could not have endured this without the support of my family and friends, but water gardening has been my ultimate therapy. After several surgeries, chemo, endless tests and injections, I always come home, go out to the ponds and get my hands wet. Water gardening is my sanctuary from cancer. When I am working in my ponds, I forget about the serious battle I am fighting.

When I heard about WGI's waterlily beauty contest, I wondered if we could do something for all the people who are in the midst of a battle like I am, for the survivors, and in memory to those who lost the brave fight. For everyone, family, friends and ponders, who support people battling breast cancer.

The people who help me go through all this are invaluable to me ... I would not be here without them. I have hoped that someone would name a lily 'Pink Ribbon', to honor and support those with breast cancer, and for those helping and supporting loved ones with breast cancer. But most of all, 'Pink Ribbon' can help spread the word about breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness is important because anyone can get breast cancer, men as well as women. Nymphaea 'Pink Ribbon' is an opportunity to spread the word in a most beautiful, unforgettable way.

Joyce Grigonis, Peconic, New York, is an artist, photographer and landscape designer, especially of garden ponds. With husband Bill and daughter Jamie she lives in a farmhouse at the rural eastern end of Long Island.