HEALTH & WELLNESS

Sentara Susan Leaves a Legacy of Love and Laughter

By Rebecca Barnes

If you have been a longtime reader of Prince William Living, you know that the health and wellness of our community is part of our mission statement. In addition, we believe that health education is paramount to all the other quality of life pieces we support because, without your health, everything else suffers. To that end, we deeply value our wellness sponsors and the relationships built from our common goal. One such relationship was with Susan Bahorich, Community Advisor at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center. Susan was a former TV journalist; she and I had a lot in common and had fun collaborating on ideas to improve our community's overall health education. As an ovarian cancer survivor, Susan, also know as "Sentara Susan," had a particular passion for cancer awareness, helping those with cancer and celebrating cancer survivors. So when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, Susan was right there. Giving me advice and support, she partnered with me to get the word out about screenings, monthly self-exams, and encouraging women to take charge of their health.

In 2020, after 7+ years of being cancer-free, Susan discovered that cancer had returned. She fought it, just as she had before, and always used her hardship to help others. With a sunny disposition, she reminded us, "Tomorrow is not promised. Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present! Take time for you!" while promoting health and wellness information and sharing her journey. Susan finished chemo in 2020 and (cautiously) appeared to be able to close this second chapter with cancer. The last time I spoke with Susan was in February of 2022. She was spunky, engaging, and cheerful as always. Unfortunately, on July 8, Susan passed, surrounded by her mother and sister.

I struggled while writing this. But in the end, I know Susan would want us all to remember her as the bright, vibrant spirit that she was and honor her by taking care of our own health and the health of those we love. For more information about cancer prevention and screenings, please visit sentara.com/medicalservices/services/cancer/ prevention-and-screening.aspx. To donate in Susan's name, visit Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at give.ocrahope.org/fundraiser/3996884.

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