For Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 10, 2018
COMMUNITY BANDS TOGETHER AGAINST BREAST CANCER By Alison James alison.james@franklincountytimes.com
PHOTOS BY ALISON JAMES
TOP: Russellville Fire Capt. Randy Seal is coordinating the department's T-shirt fundraiser this year. ABOVE: Russellville Hospital's digital mammography machine provides clear imaging.
Day in and day out, the Russellville Fire Department is at work in the community – responding to car accidents, taking on house fires and doing whatever is needed to help ensure safety and save lives in Franklin County. In October, the department takes on a life-saving challenge of a different sort. Since 2011 the RFD has held a T-shirt fundraiser every summer/fall to raise money in honor of breast cancer awareness. The RFD donates proceeds from T-shirt sales to Russellville Hospital, where the funds go toward free mammograms and breast ultrasounds for women who qualify. “They had the idea that they wanted to sell the shirts and give the hospital the money,” explained Keri Moody, practice manager at Russellville Hospital Pam Welborn, director of nursing, oversees all clinical departments at Russellville Hospital – which includes radiology and mammography. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, no matter your race or ethnicity,” Welborn said. “It is also the most common cause of death from cancer among Hispanic women.” Welborn said it’s estimated that one in eight women in the U.S. – 12.4 percent will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. “It’s recommended that women start getting annual screenings and the age of 40” – or even earlier if they have a family history or, of course, if they discover an abnormality.
Early detection leads to an almost 100 percent revival rate, so it’s no surprise that Russellville Hospital is doing its best to make these screenings as accessible and affordable as possible. During the month of October, the hospital offers a cash special of $40 for a mammogram. A special is also offered in May in honor of Mother’s Day. A woman might be referred to Russellville Hospital for a mammogram or other screening by her doctor, and based on her ability to pay, the hospital can determine if she qualifies to benefit from the free mammogram program funded by the RFD. The department has donated more than $13,000 to the program since its initiation in 2011. Capt. Randy Seal took over coordination of T-shirt sales this year. “It’s another way we try to help out,” Seal said. “It’s just a good cause. There are ladies who need help as far as getting tests done for early detection, and this is another way to save lives.” T-shirts have a unique design each year, and the RFD is still accepting orders for this year’s shirt, although they might not be delivered before the month is over, at this point. Cost is $15 for short-sleeved or $20 for long-sleeved. Visit either RFD Station to place an order. Buffy Ozbirn and Tina Willis, both longtime employees of Russellville Hospital, are both licensed mammography technologists for the hospital, so they are trained in positioning and operating the mammography machine.
See COMMUNITY, Page 6
2 • Franklin County Times • THINK PINK
October 10, 2018
A STORY OF SURVIVAL Q&A with Phil Campbell’s Melissa Stancil
OverCome ThroUgh CouRage &StrEngth The City of Russellville is proud to support breast cancer awareness, and finding a CURE.
Melissa Stancil has lived in Franklin County since 1977. The youngest of seven children born to Ruby Hester and James R. Hester, she graduated from Phil Campbell H i g h School. She married Jeff Stancil, and they have two children: a daughter, Caitlin Stancil Witt who is married to Jackson Witt, and a son, Matthew Stancil. She loves her rewarding career as a teacher, currently teaching first grade at Phil Campbell Elementary, where she has been teaching for 14 years. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Q: When were you diagnosed with breast cancer, and how was the diagnosis made? My journey began on July 28, 2015 when I received the life changing call: “Your biopsy shows lobular carcinoma breast cancer.” I had a mammogram and an ultrasound due to previously finding a knot under my arm. I received the results of my mammogram in the mail, stating it was normal. They had told me my ultrasound showed some shadowing and the radiologist might want to do further testing. They ended up calling to say they wanted me to have a molecular imaging test and then from there an MRI, which confirmed lobular carcinoma breast cancer. I had three cancerous tumors. I was told this type of breast cancer doesn’t always show up on mammograms. It is an invasive form that is found in approximately 10 percent of breast cancer patients. Q: Do you remember your emotions when you were diagnosed? What did you do the first few days, and throughout treatment, to cope with the diagnosis? I don’t think I will ever forget the devastation I felt when I was diagnosed. I was in shock and thinking, “What am I going to do?” The hardest part was telling my husband, my children and my precious mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. The one thing I knew I could do from the beginning to cope with the diagnosis was pray to God for complete healing! Q: What was your treatment like? I received treatment at UAB in Birmingham. I had a double mastectomy Sept. 23, 2015, and I received chemo from Oct. 23, 2015, to March 11, 2016. I received radiation at the Center for Cancer Care in Decatur each weekday for seven weeks from April 5 to May 24. I truly didn’t really know what to expect because all I was thinking was I just wanted the cancer out of my body. Chemo treatment was the hardest part of it all. After each of the first rounds of treatment, I remember getting so sick and having the initial shock of losing my hair. During the second round, I had a reaction to the chemo, which was really scary. Also, the chemo drug and my shot that I take for multiple sclerosis caused me to have flu-like symp-
tom reactions two to three times a week. Q: Were there people in your life who helped you deal with what you were going through? I get emotional thinking about how extremely blessed I am to have had a tremendous amount of support through my journey. My husband and children were my rock and gave me reason to fight the toughest battle of my life. My mother encouraged me to stay positive and that God would take care of me. My church family, school family and friends put together meals to help my family. My family worked together to get me to appointments for treatment. I had to take a leave from my teaching position, and my school family took such good care of me. They showed their love in so many ways – and one specific way that I will always hold dear to my heart. One day after school around Christmas, Mrs. Ergle, along with many of my fellow teachers and aides, came on a school bus and sang Christmas carols. That is one special memory that I will forever treasure of how God put special people in my life to lift me up when I was at my lowest! Q: How do you feel now? Would you say your life is “back to normal”? It has been a little over three years since I was diagnosed and over two years of being “cancer free.” Praise the Lord I am in remission! My life has been forever changed since having breast cancer. I currently am doing follow-up care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Georgia. I have learned through meeting with a nutritionist how to watch what I put into my body by eating more healthy foods. I currently have to take a post-cancer medication, which has side effects. One thing that I have learned is that after cancer treatment ends, you have a new normal. The most important thing is “I am a Survivor!” Q: Looking back on the whole experience from diagnosis, to treatment, to remission, are there any particular insights you would share? I am so thankful for all the doctors that God put in my path to carry me through from diagnosis to treatment and bringing me to remission. The treatment I received from UAB brought me to remission. Upon diagnosis I had so many advising me of where to go for treatment. I chose to stay closer to home to receive treatment due to my son starting his senior year in high school, and I had two sisters and my daughter who lived in Birmingham at the time, which provided me with tremendous support.
The one thing I look back and wish was different is the time it took to have surgery and the time I spent having to go back and forth for testing. All the waiting was mentally draining, when you just want them to remove the cancer. Q: Do you have any words of advice for other women about mammograms or prevention? A mammogram is an important test to look for breast changes. The American Cancer Society recommends starting at age 40 if you are at average risk. If you are high risk, your doctor might have you start them at an earlier age. Women should do self-checks and know their body. If you feel any knots, as I did, or notice any unusual changes, notify your doctor. Early detection saves lives! If your mammograms show dense breast tissue or calcifications, ask questions and talk to your provider about what that means for you. I had a mammogram yearly because I had a strong family history of breast cancer. My mammograms would always show dense breast tissue. My mammogram in 2014, the year before I was diagnosed, showed calcifications, which I have learned that can become cancer. I was referred to a surgeon for possible biopsy, but he did not feel I needed one. I trusted in my care at the time. I have learned through my experience to demand further testing. Q: Do you have any words of encouragement for a woman who is going through breast cancer? I encourage anybody who is going through breast cancer treatment to have faith in God! I had stage three breast cancer, and when diagnosed, I was thinking, “What am I going to do?” I look back at my treatment and know that I could not have made it without God carrying me through. Keep your eyes fixed on God by reading his word and praying. I would also write a lot on days I felt like it and organized my recipe book and pictures. I felt like it was good to keep my mind busy so I wouldn’t just sit and dwell on what was really going on. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am thy God, I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Keep telling yourself throughout your journey, “I Am a Survivor!” Q: What would you say to someone who has a friend or relative being treated for breast cancer? How can they help? What should they keep in mind? I know from experience that it is hard to understand exactly how someone feels who is being treated with cancer unless you have lived it. The important thing you can do is pray for them! Send them a card. I received many cards that lifted my spirits. If they are an independent person like me, they will not ask for help. I had to learn to just let people help. I had friends and
See SURVIVAL, Page 6
Franklin County Times
October 10, 2018
• THINK PINK • 3
Russellville surgeon shares words of wisdom By Alison James alison.james@franklincountytimes.com
Belinda Johnson
Anna Duncan
REACHING TO RECOVERY ACS program connects cancer patients with survivors By Alison James alison.james@ franklincountytimes.com When Belinda Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, she received lots of support from family and friends. But she also received a unique kind of support from a woman she didn’t even know – a Reach to Recovery volunteer. “A Reach to Recovery lady contacted me in the first month after my diagnosis,� Johnson said. From there the new friends had several conversations, and Johnson took advantage of her new support system. “Even though I was a nurse, it’s very different when it hits personally. It was definitely hard to discuss with any family members because it was too emotional, and I didn’t want to scare my family members.� Johnson found it easier, she said, to talk with strangers – and in her Reach to Recovery volunteer, she found the emotional support she needed. After Johnson came through her own cancer journey to survival, she became involved in the American Cancer Society’s Action Network – and soon became a Reach to Recovery volunteer herself. “Being a nurse and having someone contact me, it was a good fit for me to be a volunteer with that program to help others,� Johnson said. “I truly do believe in the program. What made me want to be involved was that a lot of times when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they might not have any friends or family who have been through it, or it might be hard for them to talk to their friends and family about it. It gives them somebody to talk to, vent to, to ask questions, someone to direct them places for help if they need it. “It’s hard to talk about with the people you are closest to.� For more than 45 years, the American Cancer
“A
lot of times when someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they might not have any friends or family who have been through it, or it might be hard for them to talk to their friends and family about it. It gives them somebody to talk to, vent to, to ask questions, someone to direct them places for help if they need it.� — Belinda Johnson
“T
he unknown and unexpected are so scary, to actually speak to someone who has already come out the other side offers a whole lot of hope.� — Anna Duncan
Society Reach To Recovery program has been helping people cope with their breast cancer experience, according to www. cancer. org – as early as the first possibility of a diagnosis and continuing for as long as breast cancer remains a personal concern to them. “Finding out you have breast cancer can make you feel overwhelmed, vulnerable and alone,� the ACS website explains. “Suddenly having to learn about complex medical treatments and trying to choose the best one can also be stressful during this time. Our Reach To Recovery volunteers are specially trained to help people through their experience by offering a measure of comfort and an opportunity for emotional grounding and informed decision making. As breast cancer survivors, our volunteers give patients and family members an opportunity to express feelings, talk about fears and concerns and ask questions of someone who has been there. Most importantly, Reach To Recovery volun-
teers offer understanding, support and hope because they themselves have survived breast cancer and gone on to live productive lives.� Johnson said she learned from experience how helpful that could be. As someone who didn’t know many people who had gone through it – and those she did had lost their battles – she needed the encouragement from someone who could speak with the voice of experience. “That was the most helpful thing to me in the first month of my treatment – hearing from other survivors who had survived for many years,� she said. “If they did it, and they were healthy, then I could do it too.� Anna Duncan, ACS community development manager in Franklin County, said she hopes more people will feel comfortable taking advantage of the program “We want people to feel supported in every phase of the cancer journey,� Duncan said. “When you hear the words ‘You have cancer,’ we don’t want you
to feel alone. We are ready and willing to be there with you, whether it’s 2 o’clock in the morning or 2 o’clock in the afternoon.� Duncan said although some cancer patients are comfortable sharing their fears and concerns with family and friends, “when you’re going through the chemo and radiation, and your hair is falling out and your body is changing, it helps to talk to somebody who has been there – who has actually been through it. They can offer them insight and comfort. “The unknown and unexpected are so scary, to actually speak to someone who has already come out the other side offers a whole lot of hope.� Duncan said people in need of support can make contact with volunteers in person, over the phone or even virtually – day or night. “They are not going to care if you call crying or mad. These are people who are trained and who deal with all emotions,� Duncan said. “It’s there for you, and you can talk as long as you need to.� Johnson said the free program can be a key source of support, for those who take advantage of it. “I knew how important that was – to hear somebody say, “I’m on the other side, and I’m OK,� she said. “Your attitude and your outlook are a big percentage of your recovery. Something like Reach to Recovery helps that – your attitude and that part of your treatment.�
When a woman over 40 comes to visit Dr. Jeffrey Manord, no matter what procedure she is pursuing, he always has an additional focus: breast health. “Our office does a lot of screenings,� said Manord, a general surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Manord who opened his Russellville practice in 2017. “All of our patients that come to see us, no matter what they come to see us for, when they are 40 years old, we start doing mammograms at least every year� – or, for some stubborn patients, at least every other year. Manord said although just the thoughts of a mammogram can make some women nervous, patients should remember that abnormalities are not always cancer. Additional imaging through compression or magnification views can often reveal that they are no problem. “I reassure them that most likely it’s not going to be a breast cancer, but if it is, they are doing the right things, doing the things to protect themselves, in getting a mammogram,� Manord said. With the increase in survival rate when breast cancer is detected early, getting a mammogram can be one of the most important things she does for herself. “They’re not doing themselves any favors by not checking. Not checking is not going to make it not happen. If they want to take care of their body, if they want to do a service to themselves and their family – you know, it’s a family disease as well – they need to get a mammogram, and if they have an issue, they can get it taken care of early.� When an abnormality does seem to be a cause for concern, Manord can perform a biopsy in house – and even those results that require a biopsy might ultimately be benign. For those who results show cancer in the breast tissue, Manord’s office is prepared to be with patients every step of the way – down whichever of many treatment paths a woman might choose. “Those are the ones who are going to need aggressive treatment,� said Manord. “It can depend on the tumor. Certain tumors, the best option is mastectomy. Generally, the first thing a women has to decide is whether she wants to do breast conservation therapy.� The alternative to mastectomy would be a “breast conservation treatment,� such as a lumpectomy. “Most of the time we do breast conservation. We take out the breast cancer with some normal tissue that surrounds it, so all the tumor is gone, and then they have to have radiation� – for which Manord can provide a referral to a radiation oncologist. “Hopefully we get cures,� Manord added. The smaller a breast cancer is, the more likely we are to cure it.� Surgery is the first step “Once the surgery part is over, the next part is, What kind of treatment are they going to have going forward?� Manord said. Chemotherapy and radiation are two options, with determining factors including the presence of tumor genes or estrogen/progesterone receptors. Women might also make different choices based on their age. Manord said another option for some women might be anti-hormone treatment, as well – decisions that can all be made with the help of a woman’s surgeon and other physicians involved in her care. Manord said sometimes a family history of breast cancer will prompt women to take their breast health more seriously – “Sometimes mom or aunt had it, and those are things that should prompt people to be more concerned, if they have a family history� – but 90 percent of women diagnosed have no family history of the disease. In any case, women should be diligent about their annual screenings, despite the fear of negative results or the fear of the mammogram itself. “Even though it’s scary and emotional to go through, they are doing the right thing,� Manord said. “It’s painful to have to go through having a mammogram – the nervousness, the emotions, those things are real – but they are doing the things they need to do to take care of their bodies.�
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October 10, 2018
LET'S GET THIS OFF OUR CHEST By Northwest Alabama Cancer Center Not every female diagnosed with breast cancer has to have a mastectomy, that is, have a breast removed. One in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their life time. While these statistics might seem high, thanks to the recent advances in t e c h n o l o g y, these numbers are declining. When you
RISK FACTOR Family History Smoking Alcohol Lack of Exercise Overweight
think of breast cancer, you usually don't think of a male being diagnosed, but they do account for less than 1 percent of diagnoses. Like many other medical diagnoses, early detection is the key to fighting breast cancer. "Mammograms alone are not enough to screen for breast cancer. Everyone should have routine breast exams performed by their physician, according to Dr. Hemant Patel of Northwest Alabama Cancer Center. Let's look at some of the risk factors, screenings and treatment options for breast cancer in the chart below.
SCREENING PROCESS
We'll stand by you! "Breast Cancer diagnosis and treatment are rapidly changing,” explained Dr. James P. Daugherty, Northwest Alabama Cancer Center. “The diagnosis used to be made by looking at a slide with the microscope, and treatment was surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. We now have immune therapy, targeted therapy, risk assessment and genetic analysis, which all help to individualize treatment and to minimize unnecessary or noneffective ones. “We are proud to bring these new treatment modalities to the Shoals area.”
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Mammogram Scans Lab workup Breast Exam by Physicians
Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation Hormone Therapy Targeted Therapy
WAYS TO LOWER RISK Exercise Avoid Alcohol Routine Breast Exams
BOOK LOVERS HOST WALKING THE ROAD TO WELLNESS By Staff Reports Book Lovers Study Club will sponsor a Breast Cancer Awareness and Fundraiser Walk Oct. 27 at the RHS Field House Touchdown Club Room. Registration is from 8:309 a.m., with the Walk beginning at 9 a.m. The
registration is $20, which includes a T-shirt for the first 200 to register, postwalk refreshments and goody bag. The Walking the Road to Wellness Organization was initiated by Dr. Andref Forero of UAB. Russellville’s Maudie Bedford and her sisters
became active in this organization through Forero, one of the foremost cancer research physicians in the nation. As cancer survivors, they have been supportive of this organization. GFWC Alabama and Book Lovers Study Club support Breast Cancer
Awareness and contribute to cancer research. The Walk will benefit the Walking the Road to Wellness Organization as well as help women locally on their journey to wellness and recovery. This Walk is also being supported by CB&S Bank, First Metro,
Alabama Central Credit Union, State FarmLanny Norris, Roger Bedford and Associates, Pilg rim's, Family Phar macy Group, Community Spirit, Sunshine Mills, Grissom Cleaners, Perception Bags, Valley State Bank and Bank Independent.
Registration forms can be picked up at any sponsor location. For more information call 256-332-4761.
At Colbert OB-GYN, our goal is to provide every patient with outstanding services without sacrificing warmth or personal attention. We strive to provide the very best care for everyone who comes to our office, from young patients to expectant mothers to women passing through the changes of menopause.
Larry yC C.. Stu Stutts, utts,, MD, MD, FACOG FACOG Steven Snyder, MD, FACOG Mandy Murner, MSN, CRNP
Colbert OB-GYN | 1120 Jackson Hwy., Suite 104 | Sheffield, AL 35660 | 1.256.386.0855
A Foundation of Care for Your Lifetime
Franklin County Times
October 10, 2018
• THINK PINK • 5
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: BREAST CANCER FOCUSED WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER • Breast cancer affect so many, both directly and indirectly. In fact, nearly one in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This year alone, an estimated 3,760 Alabama women will be diagnosed. • The earlier breast cancer is found, the better chances for successful treatment. The good news is that the breast cancer death rate has decreased by 39 percent since 1989. We’re making progress, but there is still a lot of work to do to save more lives. • Breast cancer develops from cells in the breast. The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, but most are benign. Other signs include a generalized swelling of part of a breast even if no lump is felt, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction, redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin or a spontaneous discharge other than breast milk. • The early detection of breast cancer is one of the greatest impacts we can make on saving lives from the disease. Your American Cancer Society reminds women about what steps they can take to lower the chances of getting breast cancer. Getting regular screening tests is the best way to find breast cancer early. • Regular mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most successful. A mammogram can find breast changes that could be cancer years before physical symptoms develop. • Some things that may help reduce a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer include being physically active, staying at a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use.
By American Cancer Society October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is the only organization fighting the disease on all fronts. We provide education and guidance to help people reduce their risk of getting breast cancer; offer comprehensive support to individuals facing the disease; fund innovative breast cancer research; and take action to help make breast cancer a national priority through our nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN. This year alone, an estimated 266,120 women are expected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and about 40,920 will die from it. Additionally, we are committed to saving more lives from breast cancer by ensuring everyone has equal access to critical breast cancer education, screening resources and follow-up care. In collaboration with community and corporate partners, we are working to help women who experience barriers to care, including the uninsured and underinsured, get access to potentially life-saving breast cancer screenings and care. Our business goals are to: • Increase breast cancer screenings to achieve greatest impact. • Ensure adults are wellinformed about the importance of regular breast cancer screenings and follow-up care. • Increase breast cancer education, outreach, and access to screening resources for women in underserved communities. • Support nationwide efforts to increase participation in and revenue through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events, the Real Men Wear Pink campaign, and our breast cancer cause marketing relationships. (A separate story on just this will be coming soon!) During the month, it is important for everyone to understand our screening guideline for the early detection of breast cancer. Starting at age 40, women should begin having a conversation with their doctor about the breast cancer screening plan that's best for them. Once they have their initial mammogram, it's important for them to have ongoing conversations with their doctor about regular, follow-up care. The ACS currently invests $60.2 million in breast cancer research. We are funding scientists and medical profes-
sionals through 155 multi-year grants that focus on prevention, screening, and treatment advances. We have played a key role in many of the scientific advances against breast cancer, including funding early work that eventually led to the development of life-saving therapies like tamoxifen and Herceptin. Since 1991, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program – a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program – has provided more than 12.8 million breast and cervical cancer screening exams to more than 5.3 million women, detecting nearly 65,000 invasive breast cancers, nearly 4,500 invasive cervical cancers and more than 204,000 premalignant cervical lesions. Ensuring adequate funding for the NBCCEDP will preserve a critical safety net for women who continue to lack access to lifesaving screening, diagnostic and treatment services. ACS CAN is working in all 50 states to protect funding for breast and cervical cancer screening programs, which provide screening, prevention and early detection services to low-income, uninsured women. Supporters are encouraged to ask Congress to prioritize funding for these lifesaving cancer screenings, and they can learn more at f i g h t c a n c e r. o r g / m a k i n g strides. Despite advances in access to care and cancer prevention, screening and treatment, significant disparities remain. Together, with partners like the National Football League, ACS is addressing this by supporting access to important screening tests and other prevention and early detection activities in underserved communities. Thanks to funding from the NFL, through our CHANGE grant program, we have awarded $3.2 million to 32 health systems across the country to address disparities in breast cancer mortality that exist among women of color. Funding for these grants is made possible through the League's Crucial Catch campaign. If you or someone you love is concerned about developing breast cancer, has been recently diagnosed, is going through treatment or is trying to stay well after treatment, the American Cancer Society can help you find the answers you need. Contact us any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or via cancer.org.
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6 • Franklin County Times • THINK PINK
October 10, 2018
Lighting for Your Home & Outdoor Space
Community
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Our showroom is the place to start when it comes to lighting your home!
Shoals Lighting 2308 Woodward Ave., Muscle Shoals • 256-383-1437 Monday-Friday 8 to 5 - Saturday 9 to 2
PHOTOS BY ALISON JAMES
ABOVE: Each year the RFD presents a check to Russellville Hospital following its annual T-shirt sale for breast cancer awareness. BELOW: Pam Welborn oversees mammography and radiology at Russellville Hospital. The hospital boasts a new digital mammography unit, purchased in 2016, that provides clearer imaging and easier to read, more accurate results. Patients can be in and out in no more than an hour from the time they walk in the door to the time they leave, with about 20 minutes for the actual mammogram. Welborn said more than 100 people a month take advantage of having their mammogram at Russellville Hospital. “We really appreciate what the fire department does for the hospital and the community,” Moody said. “It’s a very worthy cause.”
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family that helped with food or helped my husband clean house and do clothes. Keep in mind that there are what we called the worst days that a person might not feel like company, but other days they will. My journey through cancer treatment has been the toughest battle of my life! I have so many terrible memories from being so sick and hurting so bad, but I also have good memories of how friends and family came together to support me. I remember days and dates vividly. There are so many having to deal with cancer every day. My heart hurts for those suffering. I was blessed to have extensive support from friends and family and good insurance coverage. Some cancer patients need help with transportation to treatment, housing dur-
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“M
y journey through cancer treatment has been the toughest battle of my life! I have so many terrible memories from being so sick and hurting so bad, but I also have good memories of how friends and family came together to support me.”
ing treatment and other assistance. During treatment I had the opportunity to learn about all that the American Cancer Society does. Upon returning back to teaching in 2016, I had the desire to give back to help find a cure and help those in need of assistance. Anna Duncan with the
ACS got together a fundraising project within the Franklin County Schools system, and it was a success. I want to continue to raise awareness for those in need. I hope and pray for a cure for all cancers. I am so blessed to be a survivor, and every day is a blessing from God!