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It's been a big week for high-profile passings, but we don't think Dr. Jerri Nielsen should get lost in the shuffle. The physician, researcher and all-around superwoman diagnosed and treated her own breast cancer while conducting a remote study in Antarctica.

In 1999, Dr. Nielsen discovered a lump in her breast. She trained her fellow researchers how to perform a biopsy by making them practice on raw chicken, then correctly diagnosed it as cancer. Unfortunately, it was the beginning of the Antarctic winter, and she would not be able to be safely picked up for treatment for another four months.

She had chemotherapy drugs delivered via parachute drop and treated herself until she could be airlifted away, all while being the only doctor available for the 41-person team.

In 2005, the cancer returned and spread throughout her body. She passed away last week, but leaves behind a truly inspirational story.