Breast cancer heroes - Star

6E Sunday, October 14, 2012
Compiled by June Naylor and Caitlynn O’Hara
Special to the Star-Telegram
Strong supporters
Debbie Lenox, 57,
North Richland Hills
Nominated by: Her mother-in-law, Helen
Lenox, 82, Haltom City
My daughter-in-law, Debbie Lenox,
helped me so much during
the difficult time of my
breast-cancer journey. I
wondered about losing my
hair after surgery; it seemed
that this would be so hard to
face. When I mentioned this to Debbie, she
brought me a wig. Helping me with this
problem seemed so easy for her and she
made it easy for me.
My surgery was near Christmas and I
thought that this would be another problem;
that I would not be able to do my Christmas
shopping. Debbie assured me that I would.
She drove me to the Gainesville Outlet Mall,
and helped me do my shopping without a
problem.
In addition to taking care of me, Debbie
was working a full-time job. This had to have
been hard, but she never complained.
I am thankful to all of the blessings I received regarding my breast cancer. My cup is
full and overflowing with blessings and I am
so grateful that Debbie is and has been in my
life.
Dr. Robyn Young, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Gloria Stringer, 69, Granbury
In 2005, I lost my husband to cancer. In
2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Oddly, the only thing on my mind, other
than my children, was that I would die before
being able to reach my goals.
In the spring of 2008, my instructional
book and workbook for dyslexia were published. More than anything, I wanted to continue to tutor my students and I hoped to
train other parents and teachers to help dyslexic adults and children.
The real hero in my story is my oncologist, Dr. Robyn Young. She cared for me
through four surgeries, and, what was to me,
a lot of chemotherapy, in a manner that allowed me to function. I didn’t experience
any nausea, diarrhea or the other horrible
things that most fear when they hear that
they have cancer. I wish all patients could
have the quality of care that I received. The
nurses in her clinic were warm and very professional. They helped to ease my fears and I
looked forward to seeing them.
Vicki Mitchell, 48, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Morreen A. Singleton, 73,
Fort Worth
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer
in October of 1999, Vicki was working for
Alcon on the graveyard shift. She went to the
doctor with me for my last exam before my
surgery. On our way home, we talked about
my aftercare. My husband worked days; he
left early for work and most days worked
overtime.
Vicki thought about it, and then said that
she would be putting all her things in storage
and moving in with me so that she could care
for me. And she did. When she got off work,
she came home and lay down in the bed with
me to get a little bit of sleep. Every time I
would move, she would ask me what was
wrong. She took me to my chemotherapy
treatments and all of my doctor appointments.
She took every step with me; no matter
how hard things got, she was there; she held
my hands through it all. She never let me feel
sorry for myself. When I lost all of my hair,
she bought me a pair of big earrings and told
me how beautiful I looked. I will always be
proud of her for what she did for me. It takes
a special kind of person to walk that walk and
Vicki was and still is that special kind of person.
Tim Halperin, 25, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Ann Louden, 56, Fort
Worth
A talented singer/songwriter and finalist
on American Idol, Tim Halperin has become
an inspiration to breast-cancer survivors
across the country. With two original songs
dedicated to those in the cancer fight, Tim
has contributed his time, talent and personal
resources to give back.
It all began just two months after Tim’s
2010 graduation from TCU. As a longtime
TCU administrator and breast-cancer survivor, I approached Tim to write the first of
two breast-cancer tribute songs. We Fight
Back was immediately embraced by Komen
officials, including founder Nancy Brinker,
who praised the song as an anthem of hope.
Komen National selected the song for its
promotional video, which has been distributed around the world.
And after appearing at TCU’s Frogs for
the Cure games, Tim has been inundated
with performance opportunities at Komen
Race for the Cure events around the country.
From the largest race in St. Louis, to singing
in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall,
to performing at halftime of the NFL breast
cancer Panthers vs. Saints game in 2011, Tim
toured the country for the cause last year.
Tim’s second original cancer song, Cross
That Line, is a poignant pledge to reach for
the finish line in a race that cancer patients
never choose to run. More than 1,500 TCU
students, faculty and staff, survivors and
community leaders will join Tim in the filming of the 2012 music video for the Frogs for
M
Breast cancer heroes
the Cure.
Glen B. Pittman, 83, Hurst
At every turn in these last two years, I Nominated by: His daughter, Michele Stehave been touched by Tim’s commitment to vens-Willett, 55, Grapevine
the cause. He has gone out of his way to get
In the spring of 2004, my parents, then 73
to know survivors, to offer them encourageand 75, moved from their
ment, and to give his time whenever he is
longtime home in Brownasked.
wood to Hurst with the idea
that as they aged, I would be
close by to help them. Ironically, I was diagnosed in August of that year with breast cancer. At age
47 with a full-time job, a 10-year-old son
and a totally non-supportive husband, the
timing was especially bad.
City of Hurst Firefighters
My mom and dad began by taking me to
Nominated by: Pat Gurley, 56, Hurst
M.D.
Anderson in Houston. In the car on the
On Dec. 21, 2007, I received the phone
call. The biopsy was malignant; I had Stage II way to Houston, I asked my mom, who had
breast cancer. I sent a text to my family and one breast removed from breast cancer at age
tried to end on a light note: “Boobs are really 42, when she had her last mammogram on
overrated.” My family is small, a sweet hus- her remaining breast. She replied, “Oh, my
band, three daughters and 56 sons. Fifty-six doctor told me I don’t have to have mammoboys is not a misprint. My official title is Ad- grams anymore.” I was horrified and told her
ministrative Assistant of the Hurst Fire De- that was not true and asked her to please
partment, but in reality, I am the mother to schedule a mammogram ASAP.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in
56 firefighters.
The word cancer is scary. However, these October and my dad became our rock. He did
men rush into situations that are scary for everything for both of us for months, drove
the rest of us — and this one was no differ- us back and forth to Houston and went from
appointment to appointment, back and
ent.
Early January was spent having tests, forth while Mom received chemo treatments
surgery, a port installed, prescriptions filled, in one room at the same time as I received my
the first chemo and a wig bought. Just prior chemo in another room. He never comto chemo Chief Brown brought me a card plained. He always smiled and encouraged
filled with several thousand dollars that the us and said prayer after prayer for us.
Just when we thought we were about out
firemen had donated with a note saying they
of
the
woods, in August 2005, I was diagwished to “invest” in my cure. With all these
medical expenses occurring in January, I had nosed with a totally different type of breast
deductibles to meet and co-pays to pay. The cancer in my other breast, followed this time
amount they gave me exactly covered my en- by a lumpectomy and radiation treatments.
tire out-of-pocket costs for the biopsy, Back to Houston, more appointments, more
scans, tests and surgery. I was able to begin tears, more prayers. I recovered and finally
began to get my health back around the
chemo without a medical bill.
They cooked meals and drove me to che- spring of 2006.
Sadly, my Mom’s cancer came back in the
mo. They checked on me, hugged, kidded
summer
of 2007 and this time it had metasabout my hair — or lack of. Every day, they
did something funny (or stupid) that would tasized in her jaw. Back to Houston for surmake me laugh till I cried. The boys knew gery and six weeks of intense radiation.
when you can laugh at cancer, cancer loses Again, my Dad stayed by her side and was her
24/7 personal nurse. She came home in Noits power over you.
The bottom line is these strong men vember, but just never regained her strength
loaned me their strength when I had none. and passed away in December.
Dad is now 83 and still lives alone, drives a
When I couldn’t fight, they fought. They
carried me to safety out of a fire that was too car, mows his lawn, gardens, babysits his
neighbors’ two young sons and walks his
hot to survive.
faithful companion, Buddy, every day.
Barbara Smith, 64; Maryellen Hicks,
Congregation of First United
64; Kathleen Hicks, 39; Linda
Pavlik, 60+; Betty Brown, 65+; and Methodist Church, Grapevine
Alainia Hearne, 72, all of Fort Worth Nominated by: Pastor and members of the
Nominated by: Charlotte Ann Evans, 59,
Fort Worth
I would like to nominate six special angels
God sent to aid me in my recovery and survival of my breast-cancer surgery in September 2011. These ladies have been with me
every step of the way, be it cleaning my
house, bringing me groceries, sending get
well & encouragement cards, calling often to
see how I was doing or if I needed anything.
God has shown me that I can always
count on them, when I need love, strength to
keep going, positive energy and prayers. I’ve
had texts from others to show that they care
and I am grateful for them.
Ms. Alzinia Hearne, Ms. Barbara Smith
and Ms. Betty Brown were at the hospital before and after the surgery to hear the results
from the doctor, and they have been caring
for me ever since then. Judge Maryellen
Hicks, Kathleen Hicks and Ms. Linda Pavlik
have sent cards of get well and encouragement, to let me know that they are with me
and thinking of me.
Doctors, family and Mary Moore
Elementary School, Arlington
Nominated by: Kathy Woods, 58, Arlington
It feels like breast cancer has always been
around me. My mother was diagnosed when
I was in elementary
school.
Her
treatments of
surgery and
harsh cobalt
radiation
helped
her
survive, but
not without
severely alterNominator Kathy Woods, ing her body.
left, and her daughter Kelly She was my
Beatty, right
hero. Breast
cancer reappeared in my life in 1995 when it was discovered during my mammogram at age 41.
Luckily, my PCP, Dr. George, fought to get
me mammograms beginning at 35. Dr. Allen,
my surgeon, agreed to perform a mastectomy instead of the recommended lumpectomy. My oncologist, Dr. Deur, provided chemotherapy. Those same doctors treated me
when I was diagnosed with breast cancer
again in 2005. Dr. John oversaw my radiation
this time.
But while fighting both of my breast cancers, I taught third grade at Mary Moore Elementary. The Moore students, parents and
staff were so supportive. They accepted my
wigs, absences and lack of energy. When I
went without my wig on Crazy Hair Day, my
students thought it was “cool.” My fellow
teachers, staff and administrators provided
me with at least three meals a week, a chemo
blanket, and an iPod for support during my
journeys. Moore even formed a team called
“Walk Moore” to walk with me in the Komen
Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk in October 2006.
We raised over $20,000, partly funded by the
sale of pickles and pink wrist bands at
school. It was a therapeutic walk and a
memory I’ll never forget.
Finally, my family played a huge role. My
loving husband, Mike, has been there every
step of the way, along with his workplace,
Apex Capital. My children, Michael and
Kelly, supported me through it all. Now we
support Kelly, who was diagnosed with
breast cancer in January at the age of 31. I’m
only one of her many angels that surround
her now on her journey. She’s my hero, too.
church
In the few months between August 2011
and January
2012, three
members of
a local United Methodist Church
and one of
their pastors
were all diagnosed
with breast
Cindy Ryan, Rhonda Hill, Anita cancer.
Dr. Cindy
Mullins and Robin Blankenship
Ryan,
assoof First United Methodist
ciate pastor,
Church
received her
diagnosis in August, and Rhonda Hill, Anita
Mullins and Robin Blankenship found out
just after the holidays. “Each of us was
shocked and rocked by our diagnosis. But it
sure helped to know we weren’t alone.
Through our different connections in the
church, we kept up with each other and encouraged each other. We coached one another a bit on what was next. We cheered one
another along and celebrated even little
milestones,” said Ryan.
She continues, “Our faith in God and the
power of prayer was something we each relied on and our congregation was just great,
supporting us with meals, gifts, prayers and
cards. Now, we are soul sisters in this journey. In October, our congregation will have
Pink Sunday to highlight breast cancer
awareness. Men, women and children will
wear pink to church to show our commitment to fight this disease which has touched
so many of us.”
Donna Guest, 65, Weatherford
Nominated by: Rhonda Morton, 43,
Weatherford
Having lost my mom three years earlier,
reading the words “abnormal mammogram”
and subsequently hearing “we need to do a biopsy” rocked my world.
At that moment, there
wasn’t anything I wanted more than the comforting words of my mom and a “mommy
hug.”
Just days before my biopsy, I visited my
mom’s closest friend to give her a small
birthday present. During my visit, I shared
my news with her. Without any hesitation,
Donna took on the role of “my other mom”
and now six months later she continues her
role as my guardian angel on earth. Donna
was with me on the day of my biopsy and she
has been to all of my doctor appointments,
including the breast surgeon, the plastic
surgeon, the oncologist and the surgeon who
placed my port.
In addition, Donna has bathed and
dressed me as you would a 2-year-old, ensured that I have eaten well and taken my
medication as needed, attended appointments with a nutritionist, my wig fitting,
and a “look good, feel good” program, and
she sat with me during all of my chemo
treatments, as well as the days that I received
blood transfusions, platelet transfusions
and all other necessary scans and tests. I
have some of the most amazing headwear to
cover my bald head, thanks to Donna! There
is not a moment that Donna has not been
here for me as I walk this breast cancer journey.
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Dr. Sumeet Teotia, Dallas
Nominated by: Janet Hankammer, 60,
Bedford
The hero in my breast cancer story is my
wonderful plastic surgeon, Dr. Sumeet Teotia,
and his team of great
nurses. I never expected
a plastic surgeon to be so
comforting and approachable. When he released me from the hospital after my double mastectomy, Dr. Teotia
gave me his cellphone number and told me to
call or text him any time, day or night, if I
needed him, and he would meet me at the
hospital. Fortunately, I never had an emergency, but whenever I had a question or concern, he would answer my text immediately.
His nurses were also caring, compassionate
and gentle. During my many doctor visits,
they were always upbeat and reassuring.
When I look back on the events of three years
ago, I don’t focus on the shock and pain of
having breast cancer. Instead, I remember
the doctor and nurses whose skill and compassion enabled me to go forward with my
life.
Lauren Rego, 22, Arlington
Nominated by: Her sister, Andrea Rego,
Arlington
My eldest sister Lauren Rego is a cancer
hero. She bicycled more than
4,000 miles from Austin to
Anchorage for 70 days this
summer through the desert
and over mountains to raise
money for the cancer charity
Texas 4000. My sister raised nearly $5,000,
and took more than a year to prepare for the
ride that consumed most of her free time
during her junior and senior years at the
University of Texas at Austin.
She spent time speaking to organizations,
writing letters, and making calls to raise
money. The ride was challenging and grueling. She told us of the pain in her knees and
ankles, burned and chapped skin because of
the heat and wind, but she never complained. She used ice to soothe the aches and
be ready for the ride early the next morning.
Why? This pain is nothing compared to what
a cancer patient and their families have to go
through, she would say. On the ride, they solicited food, water and money to cover their
needs and expenses so that all the money
they raised would benefit the charity and not
be spent on them. She endured no sleeping
quarters and bathroom facilities, wore unlaundered and sweaty clothing, but did not
complain. Only a person who is so deeply
genuine, caring and concerned would take
on a challenge like that. Only a selfless and
passionate person, only a person who wants
to make a difference in other people’s lives.
My sister is that person. She is riding for a
cure.
Steffanie Johnson, 42, Burleson
Nominated by: Kaye Kauffman, 55, Burleson
“If I find out you needed something and
you didn’t call me, I’m
going to be mad.” Those
were the words from my
friend within days of my
diagnosis of breast cancer. I didn’t need to call.
Steffanie, anticipating
my needs, didn’t wait for
calls. Everybody says, “Let me know what I
can do,” but Steffanie stepped in and took
action. When my oncologist told me yes, I
would lose my hair, she located a highly recommended wig shop and went with me to
try wigs before my chemotherapy began.
The first wigs just weren’t right; when I tried
on the final one, her reassurance gave me
confidence I would be OK in a wig.
What I dreaded most about my treatment
was losing my hair, so this was big. When I
was newly bald and sporting the wig, Steffanie went with me to the American Cancer
Society’s Look Good, Feel Better program.
Having a friend enter a room of strangers
with me enabled me to relax, enjoy and appreciate this wonderful program.
Not only did Steffanie check on me regularly, she would call and say, “I’m cooking
and I’m bringing you supper.” At a time when
favorite foods didn’t taste good anymore,
she would show up with the most delicious
meals that would last me most of the week.
To this day, her kind words echo in my head
and her expressions of love reverberate in my
heart.
Ken Evans, 54, Crowley
Nominated by: His wife, Kristi Evans, 53, a
survivor
“Hero” doesn’t begin to describe the person who walked with me
every single step of my
breast cancer healing
adventure. Angel, best
friend, cook, cleaner,
driver,
encourager,
shoulder-rubber, teardryer, smile-giver . . .
this list could go on forever. He has been by
my side at every turn of this journey from the
second-look mammogram, biopsy and having my diagnosis explained at the Joan Katz
Breast Center, to the many doctor appointments, surgery, chemotherapy, more surgery
and more appointments. He gave me his
shoulder when I cried and couldn’t stop. He
listened patiently when I was mad. He held
me tightly and did not let go when I was so
scared I didn’t know whether to scream, cry
or run. He was my relentless prayer warrior.
He laughed hysterically with me when I described what I thought I would look like with
a bald head . . . did anyone see the movie
Paul about an alien — well that’s what I
looked like. He is the person who emphatically told me that I was beautiful with no
hair. When chemo was over and my hair
started to grow back, he encouraged me to
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ditch my wig and be proud of the minuscule
bit of hair I had covering my head. He helped
me to see my altered looks as a badge of
courage for what I had fought so hard to be —
a survivor. This amazing man is my husband
of 34 years.
Damon Warren, 62, Fort Worth
M
Breast cancer heroes
had to hear those dreaded words again! I was
diagnosed with metastatic disease in May of
this year. The breast cancer returned and
has spread to the lung and bone areas. I cannot imagine trying to navigate through the
maze of diagnostics and treatments again by
myself.
My heroes are the Joan Katz Breast Center; the nurse navigators Sherree Bennett,
Director, and Maureen Madewell; the lay
navigators Kristi Evans and Sue Cook; Mae
Fowler, financial and social navigator; Glenda Brooks, psych/mental health counselor;
and volunteers Toni Geren, Terry Stanford
and Gayle Wood. They offer understanding,
compassion, hope; they are our angels on
earth!
Nominated by: His wife, Linda Warren, 62,
Fort Worth
My hero is my husband. When I was diagnosed, he was my strength. He told me how
much he loved me and always told me how Tony Bocks, 49, Fort Worth
beautiful I was, even when I had no hair. He Nominated by: His wife, Samantha Bocks,
helped me fight every step of the way. When 46, Fort Worth
My hero is a man I met at age 16, he was a
I cried, he held me and said, “I love you.”
mature 19 … an unlikely
That took away so much worry. I have always
couple, a British girl and
felt special with him. On Oct. 30, I will be a
a true Texan. Now, 30
14-year survivor. That day is also our 41years, three children and
year anniversary. I love him more than the
two grandchildren later,
day that we got married.
this man, my husband,
Tony Bocks, is my breast
Dr. Jill Coleman Chilcoat, 45, Fort
cancer hero.
Worth
Tony has worked hard since he was 15,
Nominated by: Jane Lawrence, 57, Fort
and though he has been blessed in many
Worth
ways, he has also experienced hardships in
Dr. Chilcoat joined Radiology Associates
his life. However, he always remains an upof North Texas in 2000. We
beat, positive, glass-half-full, encouraging,
are currently celebrating our
motivating, strong, loving and funny man.
75th year and are the largest
Now I, his wife of 27 years, am “fighting like
(121 strong) radiology praca girl” and aiming to beat this ugly cancer.
tice in Texas. Part of the reaHow could I ever survive without this
son for our success is due to
man? Every single day he makes me smile
our continuous improvements and commitand laugh. Among the other stresses in our
ment to excellence in patient care.
lives he is forever optimistic. Tony listens to
For the patient, what sets Radiology Asdoctors, asks the right questions, lets me
sociates apart is the compassion and respect
sleep but makes me gets up to walk at the
they are shown by our accredited staff,
park. He distracted me during nausea, made
where Dr. Chilcoat leads the way. She is
anything I could or would eat and he still
committed to always getting a patient in
smiles during my hot flashes! He encourag“today” if the patient or their physician has a
es me to leave everything to him (cooking,
concern. She has come in outside of normal
cleaning, bill paying ) while I read a book, go
business hours rather than have patients
to yoga or a support group, or to meet a
wait angst-ridden weeks for follow-up imfriend for lunch. Never does he complain
aging, praying right along with them for a
and he encourages me not to … his love is
good result.
unconditional.
I have gone with Dr. Chilcoat to speak to
some of our referring physicians at their offices, where it is amazing to watch her go Julie Wilson, 36, Decatur
from being a down-to-earth mother of four Nominated by: Her husband, Rodney Wilboys to a physician who believes in what she son, 40, Decatur
Over four years ago, my wife’s sister was
is doing. She will often call physicians regarding patients where there is concern and diagnosed with breast cancer. For the first
couple of years, Julie, my wife, was traveling
is always accessible to them.
to Waco from our home in Midlothian to be
with and support her sister. As her sister’s
Dr Robyn Young, Helena
cancer progressed and spread, the hospital
Iannaccone, Pam Crisp and the
visits increased and so did my wife’s travel to
entire staff at the Center for Cancer Waco.
and Blood Disorders, Fort Worth
Her sister’s oncologist in Waco gave the
Nominated by: Roxanne Martinez, 30, Fort diagnosis that all those who fight breast
Worth
cancer dread — he was running out of opWhen I was diagnosed with breast cancer tions. The option that gave her sister the
in November 2010, just weeks into my preg- best chance was experimental treatment in
nancy, Dr. Young was the first person to tell Dallas. For two years, my wife gave selflessly
me that I could receive lifesaving cancer traveling back and forth to Waco to transtreatment while bringing a new life to the port her sister to her treatments.
world. Dr. Young prayed with me and my
The true measure of a hero is how they
family during our very first visit and educat- act when all hope is gone. My wife’s world
ed me about the disease and treatment op- for two years revolved around getting her
tions. Dr. Young, along with her team, made sister the experimental treatment she needme feel very much involved in my treatment ed and giving her two more precious years of
plan and always provided compassionate life. My wife was there with her sister, as all
cancer care. Everyone at The Center made a big sisters should be, in life and when her
very difficult journey much easier. Now can- sister went to be with our Lord and Savior.
cer-free, I am proud to be a volunteer at The
Center, spreading hope and giving support Patti Derdowski Merryman, Keller
to others through the Simply the Breast sup- Nominated by: Her husband, Bill Merryport network.
man, Keller
Marissa Ford, 29, North Richland
Hills
Nominated by: Her mother, Sharon Crowder, Euless
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer
after a routine mammogram, we discovered that I
would need several surgeries, chemotherapy and
a year of ongoing treatment. This meant more
than 50 medical appointments in less than a year.
Marissa, my daughter, was attending college
as well as working full time, but she insisted
that she be the person to attend each doctor
visit, be present during all surgeries and not
only take me to every chemotherapy and immune therapy appointment but stay the several hours each procedure required. She
arranged her work schedule as well as her
classes to ensure she would be able to be fully
present for me.
Despite the stress, my memories of chemotherapy are of joy, laughter and a wonderful time of sharing the special bond that
mothers and daughters can have. As I drifted
off to sleep during these sessions I would see
the look of intense love shining on her face as
she held my hand, and the peace that gave
me is hard to describe.
Joan Katz staff
Joan Katz Breast Center and Staff
Nominated by: Robin Kresge, 49, Keller
In 1995, I was diagnosed with breast cancer; I was 32. Had it not been for my primary-care physician, I don’t think I would’ve
found the right doctors. There were plenty of
doctors; however, there were no fellowshiptrained surgeons in the Fort Worth area. I
wish there had been breast centers, nurse
navigators, fellowship-trained surgeons, everything you can now find at the Joan Katz
Breast Center in Fort Worth.
I am now 17 years into survivorship and I
My wife, Patti Merryman, is not a survivor, but a hero nonetheless. She walks the
three-day, 60-mile Susan G. Komen walk.
She has completed eight and will complete
her ninth this fall in Dallas. Through her involvement she has inspired so many others
to walk and raise money. She would never
take credit nor should she, but through her
example and her connections, the number
of dollars raised since she started this crusade is well beyond multiple six figures. She
wears a shirt with the names of all those affected by breast cancer that are associated
with her team. It affects everyone.
Dr. Frank E. Brown Jr., Fort Worth
Nominated by: Tom Dowler, 82, Fort
Worth
On Oct. 1, 2009, my wife went to her gynecologist for a routine annual checkup and
routine annual mammogram. The gynecologist performed the expected manipulation
of the breast but found no anomalies. The
mammogram technologist said they would
notify us of the results.
The notification was to the effect,
“Come in Tuesday for a sonogram. The doctor would like to verify something.” The
doctor was Dr. Frank E. Brown Jr., at Harris
Methodist Southwest hospital. The sonogram results confirmed that “a lump” was in
my wife’s breast, but it appeared to Dr.
Brown to be benign, as did the spot in the
mammogram that had led to our return. But
Dr. Brown nevertheless recommended that
my wife get a surgical biopsy.
The gynecologist recommended a leading breast surgeon, and in due time that surgeon performed another sonogram. The
nurse said it looked benign. The surgeon
said it looked benign. “But do you want to
know for sure?” the surgeon asked. Remembering Dr. Brown’s recommendation, we
immediately said, “Yes!”
The biopsy doctor performed yet another
sonogram. Again, the nurse said it looked
benign. But the biopsy doctor, handling the
tissue removed from the lump, had “a bad
feeling,” and pathology determined that the
tissue came from an invasive ductal carcinoma.
Would we have settled for the “benign”
judgments of four highly trained medical
specialists without Dr. Brown’s recommendation? Maybe, maybe not. But following
his conservative recommendation, the cancer was identified while it was still too small
to be detected by manipulation of the breast,
so early that it did not look like a cancer in a
sonogram, and promptly enough that my
wife was able to undergo a successful lumpectomy with no after-effects or post-surgery treatment. Others played their roles,
but I believe that Dr. Brown is responsible for
saving my wife’s life.
Members of Christine’s Rack Pack,
about 39, Flower Mound
Nominated by: Mike North, 72, West Hill,
Calif.
In March of 2008, our 39-year-old
daughter Christine found a lump in her left
breast. She made an appointment to see her
OB/GYN when they returned from a family
ski vacation. On Monday after they returned, she noticed an e-mail from a friend
inviting her to join her on a 60-mile 3-Day
Breast Cancer Walk. She thought she would
in honor of her mother, a two-time breast
cancer survivor, but she did not immediately
respond.
The next day, her OB/GYN felt the lump
and sent Christine straight to the radiologist. The radiologist confirmed that it was
cancer in her left breast, and attempted to
biopsy the right. An MRI confirmed a tumor
in each breast. By now, several of Christine’s
friends knew about Christine’s cancer and
the invitation to do a breast cancer walk. The
following week Christine received a dozen
yellow roses with a note from a number of
her friends saying that they would walk the
60 miles with her. They soon had a team of
14 girls signed up to do the Dallas/Fort
Worth area 3-Day walk. Their team name:
“Christine’s Rack Pack.”
All 14 members completed the 3-day 60mile walk, raising over $35,000 to fight
breast cancer. Christine started the walk just
16 days after completing chemotherapy,
with chemo in her veins, expanders in her
chest and no hair.
Sunday, October 14, 2012 7E
play and he was “my rock.” He prayed with
me and he went to every doctor appointment
with me. He nursed me through my surgeries
and reconstruction, getting up in the night
to give me medication, changing bandages,
clearing drain tubes and holding my hand
when the pain seemed unbearable.
Evelyn Tinney, 71, Azle
Nominated by: Genelle Dunaway, 72, Azle
Three years ago I was diagnosed with
Stage II triple-negative breast cancer. I was
devastated and terrified. I did not want to
tell my friend of 55 years what was happening. I did tell her, of course, and started my
journey. I had a mastectomy and chemo every three weeks for four months. I lost my
hair, my appetite, nothing tasted right and
there were so many other side effects.
My friend knew just when to call, just
when to drop by and on occasion she brought
little gifts to lift my spirits. What makes her
a standout? While she was keeping tabs on
me, she was diagnosed with early stages of
Alzheimer’s and did not want to tell me.
Sharon Reese, 62, Hurst
Nominated by: Her sister, Patricia Frost,
69, Bedford
Along with her military duties, she has
carried me through three
battles with breast cancer
every step of the way.
From 2005 until today,
she has taken me to doctors, chemotherapy infusion, hospitals and slept
near me after surgeries. She changed bandages, emptied drain tubes and made sure I
took my medications when I was in chemo
fog or too weak to bother. During the first
round of breast cancer, she was here in Fort
Worth. During second and third battles, she
was stationed at Fort Hood and traveled the 2
1
⁄2- to 3-hour drive every weekend and often
during the week, too, driving late at night to
be at her post the next morning.
She is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War,
was at the White House during 9-11 and is a
shining example of “Army Strong.”
Dr. Fred Duffy, Dallas
Nominated by: Lisa Lingenfelter, 59, Arlington
I met Dr. Fred Duffy in 2008 when my
sister, Renee, traveled
from Albuquerque to
Dallas for post-mastectomy
reconstruction
surgery. I had no idea in
2008 that I would be returning to his office in
2012, myself a breastcancer patient.
Because of family history, I determined at
the time of my diagnosis that I would opt for
bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction at
the conclusion of chemotherapy. When the
time came, I contacted Dr. Duffy’s office and
from that first contact was met with compassion and kindness.
This spring, my sister lost her life to
breast cancer just weeks before my surgical
consult with Dr. Duffy. He and his staff were
all sensitive to how tender I was, battling a
disease that had just taken the life of my only
sister.
Dr. Duffy and his partner, Dr. McKane,
are skilled surgeons and take great pride in
their work, and women travel across the
country seeking their services. But their
pride is not limited to the outcome of a breast
surgically restored. They also take great
pride in the difference they make in the lives
of their patients as they give back to a woman something very precious that breast cancer has taken away.
D’Anne Carson, 62, Euless
Nominated by: Debbie Barnett, 55, Southlake
At the time of my diagnosis, I barely knew
Dr. D’Anne Carson, as she was a co-worker
of my husband whom I had spoken to only
briefly a few times at various company functions. But, boy, did she respond when she
learned about my diagnosis. Immediately,
she reached out to me, insisting that we have
lunch together. Her secret plan, of course,
was to calm my fears by sharing her personal
journey with breast cancer, just one year
earlier.
Because D’Anne had experienced everything I was about to experience, I trusted
her. She inspired me to stretch my arms farther during my surgical rehab when it hurt,
challenged me to go for walks when I felt too
tired, and made me laugh when I wanted to
cry. She was there for me every step of my
journey with texts, e-mails, phone calls and
well wishes via my husband.
Penny Hines, 50, Mansfield
Nominated by: Jim Lane, 68, Fort Worth
The phone rang; “Meet me at the house,”
Janet said. I was afraid of what she was going
to tell me. I was shocked, frozen with fear,
confused, not willing to accept this news of
breast cancer. Not Janet, not this healthy,
beautiful woman, my wife, and the mother
of a baby boy. After I gathered my emotions,
we made a plan. We will fight cancer.
Within a week Janet and I were sitting in a
surgeon’s office. The doctor began to explain
the treatment options and each consequence. I was once again confused, speechless. I knew that I could not help Janet make
these life-changing decisions. Janet needed
someone smart, compassionate, understanding and a real female friend. I told Janet
to call Penny Hines.
Penny is a successful businesswoman,
mother, wife and a beautiful woman on the
outside and inside. Janet called Penny and
Penny stepped in and took over. Penny went
with Janet to every appointment. She researched treatment options with Janet and
helped in Janet’s decisions. If Janet had to be
at the hospital at 6 a.m., Penny was at our
house ready to go at 5 a.m. Penny helped in
every way, every day. She never failed us.
The NEAT Ladies, Hurst, Euless,
Bedford, Fort Worth, Arlington,
Richland Hills and North Richland
Hills
Nominated by: Wendy A. Tilley, over 40,
Fort Worth
The NEAT Ladies represent Nutrition,
Exercise, Attitude, and Treatment. They’re
more than my heroes but are one another’s
heroes, supporting the communities in
which they live in Tarrant County. They are
professional women with their own survival
and recovery as they help other survivors
through the journey. The NEAT Ladies support the American Cancer Society with
Strides for Breast Cancer Walk, Relay for
Life, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
They are guided by Cheryl Dale of Hurst, and
the group includes Brenda Stoll, Francis Bobo, Lynda Koziatek, Pat Peters, Polly Post,
Jan Yockey, Bettye Collette, Donna Olson,
Philip O’Rear, 71, Weatherford
Nominated by: His wife, Laurel O’Rear, 71, Barbara Chambers, Connie Fletcher, Susie
Floyd, Cherie Prewitt, Debbie Gerwick, BarWeatherford
In April 2009, I had been diagnosed with bara Chavez, Betty Alderette, Donna Shaw,
invasive carcinoma, a Joyce Sharp and Barb Viragh.
form of breast cancer
where the cancer grows
like cobwebs, surround- See more stories of strong survivors, tireless
ing healthy tissue like a caregivers, compassionate healthcare providcarnivorous mutation on ers and angels who won’t soon be forgotten.
the loose. Philip, my hus- Section J
band of 47 years, looked
devastated as I shared my news. I started to
quietly cry and he walked over to me,
wrapped his arms around me and said, “We
will get through this!” His words were that
we are going down this road together, whatever it takes.
All of the wonderful and loving traits that
he so quietly possesses quickly came into
www.star-telegram.com
M
Survivors
lowed by 14 months of chemo and 37 radiation treatments.
I don’t think it surprised anyone to see
her back at work 10 days after surgery. She
rarely allows herself the luxury of slipping
into moods of resignation or defeat.
Throughout it all, she has retained her contagious smile, sense of humor and neverending concern for her family, friends and
co-workers. She is uplifting to be around.
Nancy made a conscious effort to consider
herself cancer-free from the day she had
surgery. She also attributes her ability to
keep a positive attitude to her faith, her huge
support system of family, friends and her
awesome medical care team.
Tamiko Robinson, 43, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her sister Bridgette Davis,
Fort Worth
Tamiko is my baby sister who, two years
ago, I took to the ER because
she was having breast pain.
We went to her family doctor
for more testing and learned
she had Stage III inflammatory breast cancer. All of this
while she was helping me
care for an uncle who was dying of stomach
cancer.
Tamiko wouldn’t give up, even when the
Fort Worth doctors said there is nothing else
we could do. At M.D. Anderson in Houston,
she went through tests and then chemo. I’ve
seen my sister weak, fatigued, with cancer in
her blood. She still made it to church on
Sunday and to all family functions, while
caring for her 15-year-old daughter and
helping her son, who became the father of
twins. My sister is my rock; even when she is
in pain, she takes it with a smile.
Jan Adams Tobey, 74, Haltom City
Cathy Walkinshaw, Arlington
Nominated by: Her husband, John Walkinshaw, Arlington
Cathy is my spouse and best friend of 40
years. For better or worse — how easily those
words came in 1972. After a breast biopsy the
surgeon gave the grim news in 2005; it was
surely cancerous. A single mastectomy was
performed and 29 lymph nodules removed.
Reconstruction with an expander began,
with an implant later.
We entered into the endless visits for
medical procedures, chemo, baldness, scans
and hot flashes. A mother dead of breast
cancer was Cathy’s motivation to see future
grandchildren. At Komen walks, we could
see where each family was in the process,
denial or victory, supported or alone.
Returning to teaching took her mind off
health issues, allowing her to value herself
and move forward. She would later go
through a number of medical hardships, including carpal tunnel surgery, a hysterectomy, lymphedema and open heart surgery.
I can say she is my hero for sheer endurance, gratefulness to those who lift her up in
prayers, her Bosom Buddies cancer support
group and the blessing of the Lord for being
so good.
Claude Leis, 74, Arlington
Nominated by: His wife, Barbara Leis, 72,
Arlington
Claude was diagnosed with breast cancer
at the age of 73 in December 2010. The following year saw a series of over 140 appointments with doctors, hospitals, the cancer center and
home healthcare. Following
his mastectomy he had six
chemotherapy treatments
and then some severe problems in the ensuing months. July was another challenge when his heart pulse was over
150 a minute and he needed to be hospitalized to have cardioversion (his heart
shocked). This was a success due to another
series of a wonderful doctor, nurses and hospital staff.
Kim Thrasher, 30, Palestine
Nikki Tidwell, 21, Arlington
Nominated by: Their grandmother, Wanda
Tidwell, Arlington
In1993,
the sisters
lost
their
mom
to
breast cancer; she was
only 30. At
the
time,
Kim was 12
and
Nikki
was almost
Nikki Tidwell and Kim Thrasher 2. They have
done
very
well and I’m proud of both of them.
At 22, Kim was pregnant when she was
diagnosed with breast cancer. She had chemotherapy and a double mastectomy right
after her son was born. She had implants but
her body rejected them and they had to be
removed. She is now 30 and a 911 operator in
Palestine, raising her son, and an 8-year survivor, doing great.
When Nikki was 18, she found out she has
the breast cancer gene, too, like her mom
and sister, and she’s being closely watched
by doctors. She’s a student at UTA, working
part-time. Even though they are hours away,
they stay in contact and are there for each
other every step of the way.
Eva Jean Fuqua, 80, Fort Worth
Sunday, October 14, 2012 1J
Continues to inspire.
Uplifting to be around.
Never let it get her down.
Hallelujah.
Strongest woman I know.
Courage and dignity.
I am in awe.
Grateful for every day.
Unyielding faith.
Resilience.
Shining spirit.
She’s a joy to all.
Thankfulness for life.
Grace and positivity.
Strength of a warrior.
Cancer didn’t beat her.
STORIES
OF
BREAST
CANCER
HEROES
We asked readers to nominate
their local breast cancer ‘heroes’
and were overwhelmed with the
responses. Stories poured in about
strong survivors, tireless caregivers,
compassionate healthcare providers
and angels who won’t soon be
forgotten. These are their stories
and their faces.
Nominated by: Her granddaughter, Heather Douglass, Carrollton
A loving heart filled with
family and faith. Smiling
eyes and giant laughter
abound. She’s Eva Jean Fuqua and she is my grandCompiled by June Naylor and Caitlynn O’Hara
mother and hero. She surSpecial to the Star-Telegram
vived a radical mastectomy 37 years ago
without the aid of chemotherapy or radiation. Her husband of 61 years, a Methodist
minister, led many a congregation to lift her
up in prayer and still continues to. Now 80
bravely faced not one, but
years young and still dancing through life, cancer. On Aug. 1, 2007, she had a mastectomy removing her left breast. After treatment
two life-threatening illnessshe’s a hero.
she now faced health problems with her 94es. Throughout it all, her optimistic outlook has never
Elizabeth Seeton Gill, 75, Fort Worth year-old mother, who later died on March
faltered and it continues to
Nominated by: Sam L. Gill, 76, her hus- 22, 2008. During the last few months she
made several trips a week to be with her
bring comfort and inspiraband, Fort Worth
In July 2006, word came that my wife’s mother in Mansfield at the same time she tion to others.
Nancy’s first brush with a life-threatenbrother living in Grove, Okla., was being was recovering from breast cancer. I am
treated for lung cancer. Before his death on pleased to say in August 2012 she is cancer- ing illness was in 1990, when she was only
40 years old and faced open heart surgery afJan. 6, 2007, she made nine trips covering free.
ter a diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.
10,000 miles to be with him during these last
Nancy Hale, 62, Burleson
Then a routine mammogram in 2010 refew months.
Nominated by: Roberta Bates, 66, Arling- vealed Stage III B breast cancer. Nancy had a
On a July day one year later in 2007, durton
breast and all lymph nodes removed, foling a routine exam, she found she had breast
Over the past 20 years, Nancy Hale has
Nominated by: Her sister, Jean Adams
Maddox, 68, Saginaw
She is the middle of three sisters and is
the most fearful person I have ever known.
Growing up, she was afraid of everything!
She never rode a tricycle or bicycle, and
could not learn to drive because she was so
afraid.
She grew up, got married and had four
children. Even as an adult she was terrified
of storms and of someone breaking into her
house. Things changed when both of her
twin daughters had to battle cancer. Her
world changed and she became the strongest
mom. God was preparing her for her breast
cancer they found in her left breast in 1991.
The fearful sister I grew up with became a
shining example of her faith in God and
keeping a positive attitude.
You would think this would be enough to
prove to her family she was a hero, but not
yet! In 1994 the left breast she had removed
had a growth on the breast wall. It was cancer again. We could not believe it; even the
doctor thought it was not cancer. We were in
shock and so afraid! She never let it get her
down. To me she is my hero, for her faith in
God, keeping a positive attitude and never
EVER giving up. She is cancer-free today.
Maxine Shipps, 82, Haltom City
Nominated by: Her granddaughter, Renee
Shipps, 28, Bedford
My grandmother was diagnosed at age
64. After getting over the initial shock she
took it very well. She would remind me and
my sister, Kelly, to be sure and get mammograms because our grandmothers on each
side of the family had mastectomies. I
watched her as she would do those funny exercises of standing an arm length away from
the wall and then walking her fingers up and
down it. She thought she would never be
able to raise her arm again. Then one day at
the store she couldn’t quite reach something
on the top shelf. Another customer helped
her by getting it down and then Me-Maw
laughed and asked her to put it back because
she had to do it herself. They both had a good
laugh. I think she has been heroic through
the whole ordeal. She preferred the mastectomy rather than having to take chemo if she
only had the knot removed.
Dorothy Head, 63, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Cynthia Weeks, 60, Fort
Worth
My best friend and sister survivor was
born in Glasgow, Scotland, and trained as a
RN, then came to work at
Harris Hospital for a year, 41
years ago. I met Dorothy in
2002 through a yoga class.
She was a three-year breast
cancer survivor and I was a
five-year breast cancer survivor. We have
shared many laughs and shed many tears over the years. Dorothy has been a source of inspiration to me and other survivors over the
years. After her diagnosis, she became aware
of resources in the area and the latest information about breast cancer. She found her
niche when she became a breast cancer patient navigator at the Center for Cancer and
Blood Disorders and for 6 1⁄2 years helped
women and men that were newly diagnosed
with cancer. She was a source of hope to
these patients and calmed their fears and
helped navigate them through the trials and
tribulations of breast cancer treatment.
With the help of the American Cancer
Society, she opened the first resource center
at “the Center.” Dorothy has been a proud
Komen supporter since her diagnosis and
has participated in runs, walks and sprint
triathlons over the past 13 years. Dorothy
continues to inspire and encourage others.
Amy Pitman, 47, Keller
Nominated by: Patti Page, 57, Fort Worth
I am nominating Amy because she is such an example
to me of how to really live
your life. Amy was diagnosed
with IBC in 2001. Inflammatory breast cancer is one of
the rarer breast cancers and very hard to
treat or beat. Most cases of IBC are fatal.
Amy never had medical insurance, going to
doctors, clinics at JPS over and over to get
the treatment needed. After several other
breast surgeries, she had a double mastectomy.
Amy has always been a single mom,
works full time, volunteers for a host of
Breast Cancer Awareness functions. She is
the first one there with food, a hug, big
smile, phone call, whatever you need, whenever you need it. Amy practices what she
preaches and lives life to the fullest making
sure everyone around her is able to do the
same.
Allison Morris Parkey, 36, Dallas
Nominated by: Her aunt, Lucille Henry
Helton, 70, Arlington; along with her mother, Martha Henry Troy; husband, Ben Parkey; brother, Ryan Morris; her uncle, Gordon
Clark Henry.
2J Sunday, October 14, 2012
Allison and her husband,
Ben, had so looked forward
to having a child. After going
through two rounds of in vitro fertilization, they got the
wonderful news that Allison was pregnant.
After a healthy pregnancy, baby Stella arrived five weeks premature. A month after
celebrating Stella’s first birthday, Allison
discovered a lump in her breast. Two days
following Christmas 2011, Allison learned
the tumor was malignant. She was frightened, confused at how this could happen at
the age of 35, and worried about being
around for her young daughter as well as her
husband, but she was determined to do everything she could to fight.
Further testing revealed that she had the
BRCA2 gene. This called for a very aggressive
treatment plan. Allison elected for a bilateral
mastectomy, along with the aggressive
course of 16 rounds of chemotherapy. She
started a blog (www.alliparkey.blogspot.com) to keep friends and family up to
date on her journey to beating breast cancer.
Allison decided at an early point in the process that if she had to go through this journey, she wanted to help as many other women (and men) as possible along the way.
Since January 2012, she has completed five
out of her six surgeries related to her breast
cancer, and 16 chemo treatments. Throughout this most challenging and difficult ordeal, Allison has been determined to complete her treatment plan. Her outlook has
remained positive despite the difficult circumstances.
Angela Sherman, 49 Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her son, Antone McCray,
26, Fort Worth
When Angela Sherman
was diagnosed with breast
cancer in August 2011, she
was understandably fearful
and confused. She kept her
head up though and put forth
her best efforts to maintain strength even in
the face of death. She took on all of the tasks
that come with trying to beat breast cancer
(surgeries, chemotherapy) with unwavering
courage while at the same time continuing to
raise her 7-year-old son, as well as being the
grandmother to a 2-year-old.
She kept her head held high in the midst
of hair loss, fatigue, and the pain associated
with chemotherapy. She never looked defeated, and for the most part she carried herself as if she wasn’t sick at all. I believe she
taught people things on so many levels. She
taught fellow breast-cancer patients that
the diagnosis is not necessarily a death sentence. She’s encouraged the women in the
family to stay on top of their checkups as
well. She is my hero because of the fact that
she made what was such a scary, depressing
situation into one of positivity and I believe
everyone close to her took something away
from the experience as far as knowledge and
encouragement.
Eileen Richards, 76, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Sally Werst
McKeen, 78, Fort Worth
Eileen Richards, one of
the four original “Bosom
Buddies” of Fort Worth, coordinates a monthly gathering of breast-cancer survivors. This group,
under Eileen’s coordination and leadership,
has greatly enriched hundreds of lives in many ways.
The Bosom Buddies’ mission is to help
breast-cancer survivors have easier and
happier lives during their journeys with the
dreadful disease, knowing they are not
alone. Membership is offered to women in all
stages of breast cancer.
In her role, Eileen plans programs on
health issues, sends countless e-mails to
members on the latest findings in breast
cancer and health, handles publicity, luncheon locations and menus. As of August
2012, Bosom Buddies had 206 members.
Lori Walker Lopez, 52, Coppell
Nominated by: Tracy Casto, 52, Arlington
Lori had been on my mind, along with a
nagging sense that something wasn’t right, when I
opened an e-mail from her
one night in October 2010.
The only words I saw were
“breast cancer.” Lori — incredibly fit, tennis player and marathoner,
mom to two sons, and now, cancer patient.
After Nov. 24, 2010, when a physician
told her “incurable” and “Stage IV,” Lori’s
perspective on life changed and her faith
M
deepened. Although the thought of if or
when the cancer will return remains in the
back of her mind, she’s learning to no longer
hold her breath from scan to scan, but instead to live life fully and appreciate each
day.
Lori has defied the odds. While recovering from biopsies, chemo, infusions, hysterectomy and a double mastectomy, she kept
running.
When her doctor gave her the OK in January 2011 to start running again, he said to use
common sense and to pace herself. So, while
her friends ran the Houston Marathon, she
ran the half marathon. This run was different
from her dozen other half marathons; it
proved to cancer that it did not have control
over her life!
In April 2011, scans showed that the tumors in her femurs were microscopic and in
remission, and the breast tumor activity had
slowed. Now she could undergo the double
mastectomy. A few days after the surgery,
her son graduated from high school. His
mom was there, on pain meds and with three
drains hidden under her jacket.
The incredible news came, again by email, on June 12, 2012. Again, it brought
tears. “Great news! My latest pet scan is
clear!”
Nanette York, 48, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Kaminka N. Kelley, 36, Fort
Worth
When she first told me
she had breast cancer she
told me in a text message. I
called her back and attempted to encourage her, but instead, she ended up encouraging me.
When she first told her daughter that she
had breast cancer, her daughter, who was 11,
said a little prayer and asked God for a sign of
rain that everything would be OK. The next
day it rained and rained and rained.
During the time of her battle, a co-worker had just lost her mother to breast cancer
and a co-worker had died of cancer. Nanette
said that she was fighting this fight not only
for herself, but for her friend that lost her
mother. She has just completed six weeks of
radiation and did it with joy. Although the
breast cancer caused her to have to have a
complete mastectomy, she found joy and
welcomed the reconstruction surgery. During her treatment when they told her she was
going to go bald, she shaved her head, on her
own terms. Nannette had a child that was in
his last year of college and he was about to
make the decision to come home and help
her through this. She told him to stay and
finish what he started. She did not think
about herself at all, but always considered
others.
Pat Mahanay, 78, Burleson
Nominated by: Her daughter, Pam Toole,
55, Burleson
When I think what my life would be without her then I am humbled to call her Mom.
She is a survivor because her cancer was
caught at the first sign. I believe that was
probably about 25 years ago. She never focused on her cancer but moved forward with
the cure to continue her life. It was an inconvenience but she never wavered in her
endeavor to put others first.
My mom has taken so many risks. She is
the mother of six children and only one was
born to her. She never hesitates to truly love
her neighbor. She lived her life frugally so
that she could be home with her children. All
six children were afforded a paid college education if they desired. She worked from her
home for about 20 years doing income tax for
people in our community. She has taught Bible classes for many years.
Karen Kuczek, 50, Arlington
Nominated by: Rayma Hawkins, 47, Arlington
Karen was diagnosed with Stage III breast
cancer in June 2000. From the first day, there
was only one option: FIGHT, with a great attitude! Karen immediately began to educate
herself on her disease, treatment options
and her strategic plan for survival. She knew
she was facing a huge battle but she never
spent one day complaining or questioning
why. She just went to war. And through it all,
she was still the same Karen she had always
been … always putting everyone else first,
always concerned about taking care of others
and making sure her friends and family were
OK.
At the time of her diagnosis she was a
mother to two young girls, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a best friend to too many to
count. Karen is so loved and each and every
one of us are so thankful that she won her
battle with breast cancer. But for Karen there
is still a war to be won. Even though Karen is
now cancer-free she continues to be a major
support for others diagnosed with the same
disease and many other forms of cancer.
Overwhelming compassion and empathy
show on her face each time she learns that
someone new has been given the same
dreadful news she heard back in June 2000.
Cheryl Ann Tanferno, 45, Flower
Mound
Nominated by: Her husband, Bob Tanferno, 55, Flower Mound
Cheryl was notified in January shortly after her annual mammogram
of an abnormality that was
present from the test results
and a biopsy was quickly
scheduled; this wasn’t the
first time so we weren’t terribly worried. Things changed quickly and
dramatically during the appointment with
her general surgeon, who informed us that
the biopsy revealed DCIS and he recommended a lumpectomy to remove a mass of
breast tissue the size of a nickel.
Day surgery was quickly scheduled and
upon completion, the follow-up visit was a
frightening event. We were informed the
cancer was “invasive” and the new diagnosis
was full blown “Stage I” breast cancer. The
treatment plan, which included reconstructive surgery, chemo Herceptin and Tamoxifen, were at the time overwhelming even for
the strongest person. Cheryl has endured
the mastectomy surgery and as of Aug. 17 has
completed her chemotherapy, as we wait for
her immune system to recover and her hair to
grow back she is actually looking forward to
the next surgery as it marks another milestone and one step closer to considering herself a true breast-cancer survivor.
Through all of this, Cheryl has faced this
diagnosis with much courage and dignity
and I only hope should I ever face a diagnosis
of similar magnitude, I demonstrate the
same strength and humility.
Alea Pena, 47, Decatur
Nominated by: Marty Sherman, 50, Decatur
Alea was diagnosed with breast cancer
last spring, after having
missed a couple of the
dreaded yearly screenings.
She had no family history of
breast cancer, led the active
life of today’s “supermom,”
ate right, and followed the doctor’s orders
for health and wellness so she had no cause
for worry.
While Alea’s cancer was considered noninvasive and she was deemed ‘lucky’ that it
was confined to a duct and could be ‘easily’
removed, there were still the questions
about what the future might bring, what
Alea’s children might face, and how her
family would adjust to whatever decision
was made.
Alea has spent the summer recovering
from surgery and is still undergoing radiation treatments. She has kept her graceful
composure, her sense of humor through all
of it and has managed to still be there for her
family, her friends, her co-workers and her
students; comforting and reassuring them
through every step of her journey. Her latest
e-mail stated, “While my journey has had its
share of challenges, I realize how “easy” I
have had it. I am reminded every day when I
go to treatment and wait with other cancer
patients. I know this experience has also given me more patience, understanding and
clarity than I could have ever imagined. It’s
already afforded me some wonderful opportunities to encourage others.”
www.star-telegram.com
Tonya G. Mayes, 52, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Arlene Scott, 55, and their
RSBC Sunday school class
Tonya promised God, that when he
healed her, she would in turn dedicate her
life to helping others and doing his will. She
goes over and beyond.
She is a Christian, a friend, a counselor, a
listener, an encourager, and much, much
more. She freely shares her story, the ups
and downs. She is dedicated to her family,
friends and co workers. She is a hard worker,
and a major supporter of breast-cancer
awareness. She leads a team every year for
the walk, she emphasizes the importance of
mammograms, and all good health precautions. She is an avid youth leader, and Sunday school teacher at church, and is dedicated to helping the senior church members any
way she can.
Marian L. Hargis, 63, Forest Hill
Nominated by: Her husband, Willie R.
Hargis, 68, Forest Hill
During the latter part of 2009, my wife
was diagnosed with breast
cancer. We had a family
meeting to discuss the diagnosis and suggested treatment with our three boys.
This was not an easy task,
but this was when I first saw my wife handle
the meeting in such a manner that the boys
were assured she would be all right. We decided to have the surgery immediately after
Christmas. The surgery went well and we
celebrated the new year in the hospital. My
wife always had a beautiful head of hair.
However, when she began the chemotherapy
she began to lose her hair. She decided to
have her hair cut and went to her beautician
and was informed that all her hair had to be
cut off. She admitted to me that when she
left the beautician she pulled over and cried.
I kept the appearance situation light,
however. On one occasion, she was talking
with another lady about the hair lost and I
interjected my “two cents” into their conversation. I told them that I did not know
why they were feeling badly about their hair
loss, because (being bald), no one felt sorry
for me when I lost my hair. I believe they appreciated the light moment under serious
circumstances. The thing I love the most
about my wife is that I never saw her feeling
sorry for herself or acting in a way that
would bring pity to her from others. She just
recently had her yearly check-up and she is
cancer-free and continues to be an example
for others.
Judge Sherry Hill, 65, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her husband, Dr. Lee S.
Anderson, 64, Fort Worth
We had only been married for two years
when we received the diagnosis of breast cancer Stage
IV in October 2011. We had
shared a whirlwind romance
of four years prior to that
with trips, friends, and new
adventures. Being a physician myself, I was
terrified for her. I went with her to her appointments and she always made everyone
else comfortable! She made new friends at
chemotherapy and radiation, which lasted
nine months. After her hair, lashes and
brows fell out, she made the best of it with
wigs so no one actually could tell how truly
different in appearance she was. Our greatest moment, however, was after two months
of the six months of chemo, we walked the
Komen race at Ridgmar mall. It was a cloudy,
humid day. After 1⁄2 mile of the 3-mile walk,
she said her wig was too hot to wear! I jokingly said, “Well, just take it off” and she
did! Off we went, talking and enjoying the
walk and her with her totally bald head! The
bystanders cheered and it was just a joyful,
Dolores A. Bland, 73, Boyd
Nominated by: Her husband, Donald liberating day! She has been an inspiration to
others and comfort to many during this very
Bland, 78, Boyd
Dolores is a mother of three, a grand- long ordeal.
mother of six and great grandmother of one, Kay Dahms, 64, Arlington
with one on the way. Very well loved by all, Nominated by: Joyce Holden, 65, Fort
including in-laws, and was like a daughter Worth
with my mother and between them kept me
Kay Dahms will celebrate her 65th birthpretty well in line. Her battle with cancer
day on Oct. 27. Ten years ago
started 17 years ago in the breast and in the
this October, she was diagfirst four years looked like a win but it came
nosed with breast cancer,
back in her lungs and liver. These, of course,
which spread to her bones.
led to more than 10 surgeries, not counting
At Kay’s two-year check
radiation, and about 15 stays in a hospital,
up, her doctor informed her
where she is right now.
that when he first saw her she had Stage IV
This woman who worked hard all her life, cancer and he did not expect her to live over
learned to snow ski at 50 and only gave it up six months. The doctor told her a higher
after lung surgery took half of one plus the power was taking care of her. Kay told him it
outer sack is, without a doubt, a real hero in was the prayers of her family, her church and
the eyes of those who know her well.
More on SURVIVORS, 4J
www.star-telegram.com
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Sunday, October 14, 2012 3J
4J Sunday, October 14, 2012
her friends in the small
group from her church. After
taking chemo, Kay continues
to take treatments for cancer
every week. They give her
medication to keep her from
getting sick, which usually
makes her sleep the rest of
the day and evening. She is
also an inspiration to other
patients getting treatment.
Through all of this, Kay’s
faith in God had continued to
grow. She is always willing to
help anyone who is diagnosed with cancer. If there is
a need, Kay is always ready
and willing to help, all while
she has to walk with a cane or
use her motorized scooter.
Kay does more for others
with her physical limitations
than many who enjoy perfect
health.
Linda Storer, 59,
Bedford
Nominated by: Debbie
Tribble, 59, of North Richland Hills
Linda
Storer is a
wife of over
35 years, the
mother
of
two wonderful adult children, an executive assistant
for the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district, a talented decorator/designer with
taste and style, an author
who writes with several of
her closest friends, and a
breast-cancer survivor. She
battled through chemotherapy, loss of her hair and eyelashes, and a double mastectomy to emerge as more than
a survivor, but a lover of life,
grateful to be able to use her
experience to counsel other
women in HEB ISD. Many
women feel less alone because Linda prepares them
for what lies ahead, and because she is so lovely, they
know that there is beauty on
the other side of breast cancer.
On one occasion I heard
her speaking on the phone to
a parent who was complaining that her son’s principal
made him remove his “I love
boobies” bracelet. According to the mom, he was
wearing it because he was
concerned about breast cancer, although he was using it
to disrupt a junior high class.
With quiet dignity Linda told
www.star-telegram.com
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the parent that she was a
cancer survivor herself, and
if the young man really
cared, he wouldn’t wear an
attention-getting accessory,
but instead would do chores
to raise money to find a cure.
Linda exemplifies the words
of Mother Teresa, “You can
do no great things ... only
small things with great love.”
Maxine Shipps, 82,
Haltom City
Nominated by: herself!
I was 64 at the time of my
mastectomy. I can’t help but
name all the women (and a
few men) who have gone
through breast cancer as heroes. It is a terrifying experience for them and their family and friends. I salute them
all and since I am a survivor
myself. I wrote a poem you
might enjoy.
I Am a Survivor
I consider myself blessed
That I found the lump
when I did
I found it very early
It wasn’t deeply hid
I confess it gave me quite a
fight
But friends and family
prayed
That God would give me
all His strength
and take the fear away
He will also give you the
strength to fight
and give you an inner
peace
If you’ll just go to Him in
prayer
and all your fears release
It pains me that some are
not so lucky
by not finding it in time
So won’t you PLEASE get
those mammograms
and self exams are fine
You can see why I feel so
lucky
and very truly blessed
I still have my life, I only
lost a breast
Dorothy (Dottie)
Wofford Corbin, 75,
Stephenville
The late Dr. Robert S.
Sparkman
Nominated
by: Dottie’s
husband, Bill
Corbin, 76,
Stephenville
Dottie
was
diagnosed with
breast cancer when she was
37 years old; and Dr. Robert
S. Sparkman, chief of surgery at Baylor, was her doctor. We celebrated our 54th
wedding anniversary this
year. Dr. Sparkman saved her
life.
When she was 37 years
old, Dottie was diagnosed
with breast cancer and surgery was recommended. Dr.
Sparkman performed a Halsted radical mastectomy,
which is very invasive.
Dottie still has Dr. Sparkman’s hand-written note
addressed to her and his picture hanging in our bedroom. She says he was the
kindest, gentlest and most
trusted doctor she has ever
known. It could have been a
very devastating surgery for
Dottie and her family but she
didn’t let that happen. As I
recall, she was taking business calls the same day or the
next day of the surgery and
was back in the office that
same week.
Dottie is my hero because, although she went
through a very traumatic experience, she didn’t let it interfere with raising two sons,
managing a successful career and marriage, and remaining a very active and
positive influence on those
around her.
She has now had 39 annual breast exams. These are
always stressful for her.
However, she has remained
cancer-free for 39 years.
Marilyn St. Clair, 64,
Weatherford
Nominated by: Dr. Sue Casey, 65, North Richland Hills
Marilyn
St. Clair, department
chair
of
Business and
Computer
Information Systems at
Weatherford College, was
diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2007. Since
Marilyn has no family other
than 92-year old parents
who live in Hurst, the
Weatherford College family
immediately stepped in to be
with Marilyn during what
could be a trying time in her
life. Marilyn accepted this
WC family with a smile on
her face, a never-ending
positive attitude and a steely
determination to keep on
with her life during this
time. Faculty and staff
signed up to be there for surgery, bring food, exercise
with her daily, go to appointments, and run errands. In fact, people started
exercising with her the first
day she was home from the
hospital in early June 2007.
Marilyn never felt sorry for
herself. She attacked this as
something to overcome and
get behind her as soon as
possible. She pressured the
doctors to give her approval
to go to work and to continue
with an acceptable exercise
program. When school
started in August, Marilyn
was there with her jaunty,
stylish cap on that “chemo
head” and a smile on her
face. She made everyone
around her proud and happy.
Enedina M. (Nina)
Sánchez, 67,
Grand Prairie
Nominated by: Her sister,
Silvia M. Briceño, 57, Arlington
After
having
fought a victorious battle
against
breast cancer with the grace
of God and the help of our
beloved mother (now deceased) and her husband,
Tony, Nina’s cancer has been
in remission for 26 years.
Even though the chemotherapy treatments made her very ill along with the loss of
her beautiful hair, Nina
emerged an even more beautiful, stronger, busier and
generous role model. She is a
very active member of St.
Michael’s Catholic Church
in Grand Prairie.
Nina is grandmother to
nine children. Five of those
grandchildren are special
needs boys. Nina makes herself available to be there for
her four children but especially for the mothers (her
two daughters) of these boys.
Her calendar, which hangs
on her kitchen wall, is available for noting the dates
when she will be needed to
watch one or two or all five of
the boys. To my knowledge,
she has never said no to any
request. She does it without
complaint and watches the
boys with so much love. Her
grandsons know, in spite of
their mental challenges, that
they are loved very much.
Since two of her children live
out of town, she frequently
travels to be with them in
times of illness and celebrations. In addition, Nina’s
home is open to all her
brothers and sisters and their
families whenever they are in
town. She is a fantastic hostess and a much sought-after
cook.
Alice Bennett, 56,
Arlington
Nominated by: Her daughter, Angela Bennett Redman,
28, Arlington
My
mom
Alice is
a
breastcancer hero, though perhaps
an unconventional one. She
is my hero because she battled through her diagnosis,
treatment, surgeries and recovery quietly and with such
grace and patience that it
was barely a blip on my radar
as I completed my senior
year of high school and began college. Rather than
miss out on my senior year,
Mom put on a brave face and
attended a Top 40 banquet,
band banquet, baccalaureate, graduation, then TCU
orientation … the list goes
on. While I was aware of her
battle and concerned about
the future, I now see that my
mother gave me an incredible gift — she did not allow
breast cancer to overshadow
one of the most exciting
times of my life. Looking
back, I realize how much
pain she was in, how frustrated she was, how many
major decisions she was
making, and how worried
she must have been, but
Mom kept all of these things
to herself and continued to
smile, encouraging my sister
and me to live in the moment. Mom has now been
cancer-free for over 10 years,
and writing this for her is a
small way to thank her for
being my hero.
age 30 and
while
she
was
pregnant,
she
fought
for
her life and
her daughter’s life. She was
determined to fight breast
cancer with a baby on the
way. Despite enduring surgeries and chemotherapy
while pregnant, she gave
birth to my beautiful,
healthy granddaughter, Serenity Milagros Shelbon, last
year. She has embraced
motherhood, fought the
cancer and is now cancerfree.
She has inspired me and
her family and friends to get
educated about this disease
and to do something about
it. She’s not only a mother
now, but she’s also a breastcancer awareness advocate
and gives hope and encouragement to other women.
Through her organization,
Team Roxy, she helps other
women battling breast cancer by making survivor baskets for them, comforting
them and letting them know
that they are not alone.
Roxanne shows everyone
that there is life after cancer
and doesn’t take it for granted. She has always been the
strong one and a leader in
our family. Despite the fears
she might have had during
treatment, she kept her faith
and fought hard. Thanks to
her great doctors at the Center for Cancer and Blood
Disorders, Roxanne became
educated on breast cancer
and pregnancy and now
serves as a support woman
for other women battling
cancer while pregnant. Roxanne’s story of hope is published in the Chicken Soup
for the Soul: Hope and Healing for Your Breast Cancer
Journey book. To learn more
about her story, visit
www.team-roxy.com.
Charlotte Minor
Walton, 57, Cresson
Nominated by: Her sisterin-law,
Debby
Walton
Qualls, 61, Littleton, Colo.
Charlotte has spent her
life helping others as a nurse
and is currently
a
nursing supervisor at
Texas Health
Harris Methodist Fort Worth where she
has spent the last 25 years. In
March 1998, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Even though she had a partial mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, she
continued to work helping
patients at Harris. Charlotte
encouraged other family
members to begin medical
careers. While she was still
in treatment and undergoing
therapy, she attended her
stepson’s white coat ceremony when he was admitted
to UT Houston Medical
School. She encouraged her
niece to become a registered
nurse and was able to attend
her graduation from nursing
school.
In November 2011, she
found the disease had returned. This time, as metastatic breast cancer in her
lungs, bone and lymphatic
system. She continues to
work helping others and remains on a second round of
therapy and treatment.
Many people might let all
of this affect their spirit, but
not Charlotte. She continues
to fight this disease with true
courage and a positive attitude.
Cyndi Sekerke, 55,
Mansfield
Nominated by: Her husband, Wayne Sekerke, 56,
Mansfield
My wife was a child cancer survivor
(Hodgkin’s)
while in high
school. The
treatment
back in the
’70s was radiation. During
that time, the amount of radiation was not documented
like it is today. When her
breast cancer was diagnosed
in 2007, the only option was
surgery and chemotherapy.
After her initial surgery, she
had to undergo yet another
surgery, a lymph node dissection. We felt God was
leading us to another surgeon to perform this. That’s
where we met Dr. Sam Buchanan. After our initial visit, we were sure he was the
surgeon we wanted. This is
Roxanne Martinez, 32, how God works: Soon after
Fort Worth
we met Dr. Buchanan, I was
Nominated by: Her moth- attending my regular Moner, Patricia Martinez, 50, day night Bible Study FelFort Worth
lowship (BSF) class in Fort
Diagnosed with breast Worth with 700 men. Who
cancer in October 2010, at
do I run into for the very first
time, but Dr. Buchanan? I
could not wait to get home
and tell Cyndi, who was
overjoyed.
Cyndi is the most dedicated teacher I know. She
made sure to schedule her
surgery during a break at the
college she teaches at
(Northwood University) and
the BSF children’s class she
also teaches in Mansfield.
Additionally, she was one of
the dedicated moms at the
Texas Girls’ Choir helping
out in the kitchen. Cyndi
made sure to schedule her
chemotherapy on Fridays so
she could recover during the
weekend and try to gain her
strength early in the week.
Also, as a result of the Hodgkin’s, Cyndi had to undergo
open heart surgery to replace
a valve and a bypass in May
of this year. One of Cyndi’s
many gifts is to reach out by
sending a personal card to
friends or family who need
some encouraging or comforting words.
Elizabeth Edmonson,
45, Azle
Nominated by: Yvonne
Rose, 73, Weatherford
Diagnosed with
breast cancer
at the age of
38, Elizabeth
had surgery, chemo, radiation and reconstruction with
courage and dignity. She has
gone on to run in the Komen
Race for the Cure each year.
She is also a spokesperson
for ladies groups on the disease as she shares her experiences and provides comfort to many women. Elizabeth is now a professional
singer, a minister’s wife and
a student in counseling at
Texas Wesleyan University,
with a 4.0 grade point average.
Patricia Earley, 58,
Arlington
Nominated by: Her husband, John Earley, 58, Arlington
Tricia finished her last
radiation treatment last
month,
which ended
our
eightmonth journey through
breast-cancer treatment. Thousands of
women go through breastcancer treatment every year.
The whole time, she always
thought of others before she
thought of herself, especially
me. From the time she first
suspected to when she knew
for sure, she did not tell me
or anyone else. My mom became gravely ill and died on
Dec. 1. When she told me, on
Dec. 8, she insisted on not
telling anyone, even our
daughter until after the holidays so as not to ruin the
special days.
She sailed through the
chemo, through the surgery
and through the radiation,
never really feeling bad or
not being able to do the
things she normally does.
Even the doctors were
amazed at her fortitude. As I
think about how she handled
herself from the time she felt
the lump until we walked out
the door from the last radiation treatment, I am in awe.
Sheri Sterling, 44,
Mansfield
Nominated by: Her sister,
Kristi Canon, 35, Grand Prairie
In June, Sheri was diagnosed with breast cancer and
had a mastectomy. Sheri was
also
diagnosed with
paraneoplastic
syndrome, a rare
disorder that
is triggered by an abnormal
immune system response to
a cancerous tumor. The cancer-fighting antibodies were
mistakenly attacking normal
cells in the nervous system,
thus causing the significant
decline in her motor skills.
By August, tests showed the
cancer was gone and her antibody level had returned to
normal, but still. her motor
skills were deteriorated.
Sheri is confined to a wheelchair and can only stand or
walk with significant assistance. When she speaks, we
can only understand some of
her words and she often has
to repeat her words several
times for anyone to understand. She is unable to write
or use her hands. Sheri is
working hard to restore some
sort of normalcy to her life
and currently goes to three
hours of physical, occupational and speech therapy
three times a week.
www.star-telegram.com
With God’s grace and love, Sheri’s determination, and the love and support of family
and friends, we feel certain that Sheri will
someday be able to return to family responsibilities in the home which she so dearly
loves and is looking forward to doing again.
Dr. Christine Banner, 51, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Barbara Schoen Johnson,
66, Southlake
In July 2001, just as the
love of her life, Steve Banner,
was moving to Fort Worth to
be close to her, Christi, a
child psychologist, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She was 40. She underwent chemo and surgery but continued to work. Once while discussing a child we were both treating, I remember thinking, “When will your eyelashes grow back?” But she wore her superb wig
and treated her patients faithfully. One day
she told me that she and Steve had discussed
marriage, but that she did not want to be
married until she had hair again.
On April 12, 2003, the day she calls the
“happiest day of my life,” Christi married
Steve and became Dr. Banner. She remains
devoted to our child and adolescent patients
and their families. When a co-worker, patient or family member, friend, or acquaintance is diagnosed with cancer, she is right
there to encourage and lend her wisdom to
their journey.
Lewis Paulk Jr., 49, Fort Worth
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surgeries: once in 1994, when there was not
much awareness of cancer as today, and
again in 2007. In 1994 you could see the fear
in her eyes; she had surgery and did well. She
had lots of family support, one would never
hear her complain or dwell on anything. I
would say she is a trooper, but more beautiful, elegant and graceful.
In 2007, cancer was back in her other
breast. Her first doctor had done a lot of unnecessary cutting on her, and it took 13 years
for me to find this out. She had surgery and
again it was successful and a much better
job. I have had problems this year with my
breast. My mom and I both go for mammograms now. I need not complain, because my
hero never did. I know she has stayed calm
and strong through the grace of God.
Glenda Kay Easter, 65, Crowley
Lisa Kay Prescher, 43, Burleson
Nominated by:
Her sister, Linda
Ray Freeman, 65,
Crowley
My twin sister
is my hero —
Glenda Kay Easter,
who had breast
cancer in 1982,
and again in 1987.
Linda Freeman, Lisa
She had chemo
Prescher and Glenda
and radiation. I
Easter
was told I was a
walking
time
bomb waiting to explode. In 1988, I did have
breast cancer and within six months I had it
on the other side. I also went through chemo.
In 2007 we heard the dreaded news that
my niece, Glenda’s daughter, Lisa Prescher,
had breast cancer, she was devastated. Lisa
decided, having a daughter herself, that she
wanted to know if she was a carrier of the
disease. She was tested for the BRCA gene
and found out that she was a carrier and opted to have both breasts removed and a hysterectomy because, with the BRCA gene, you
have a greater risk to get ovarian cancer.
Then, her mother, my twin sister, decided to
be tested for the BRCA gene and she, too,
was a carrier. My sister decided to have a
hysterectomy, and she told me that I should.
After the surgery I thought everything was
fine, but a week later I received a call from
my doctor that I had cancer in my left fallopian tube. The doctor said that I should send
my sister roses because if I had waited, within six months, I would have been dead. That
is why my sister is my hero, as well as Lisa,
too, because if she had not been tested for
the BRCA gene, we would not have known
that we are carriers and needed to have the
hysterectomy.
Nominated by: His mother, Patty Paulk,
68, Fort Worth
No parent can describe the shock of
learning that their son has
“breast cancer” because this
disease is often considered a
woman’s illness. However,
our shock transitioned to inner-strength because of our
son’s attitude. He is our hero because he
faced overwhelming news by unyielding
faith, encouraging others, and continuing a
positive outlook on life.
He feared that after surgery some cancerous cells might remain. However, his courage to defeat cancer overrode his fears. Although weary, his faith remained. He often
reminded us: “Cancer cannot take my soul
or faith.” Cancer weakened his body but
strengthened his spirit.
The strength he possesses uplifted all his
family. He reminded us that love conquers
all, including cancer.
His strong faith and continuous support
for others increased his positive outlook on
life. He taught all who knew him that life is
about others, not material possessions or
career. Even in “remission,” he reaches out to
others who fight cancers, seek cures or battle
Karen Osborne, 49, Westlake
life-altering experiences.
Nominated by: Her sister-in-law, Anne
Osborne Gifford, 63, Colleyville
Shirley Coxsey, 73, Watauga
More than 25 years have passed since
Nominated by: Her daughter, Lori Barringmedical student John Osborne woke up from
ton, 50, Paradise
I was with my mom through both of her a brain surgery and proposed to Karen Lynn.
She turned to me and said, “Do you think it is
love or the drugs?” For the next 12 years they
privately carried the gnawing fear that
John’s tumor would recur. Then it happened.
However, this time it wasn’t John. Instead, it
was Karen who faced surgery — for breast
cancer. For the entire year of 2002, Karen
endured chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, more chemotherapy, radiation and additional surgeries. Nine years later as survivors, Karen and John celebrated their miracle
stories with their church. Unfortunately,
Karen received the news that her cancer had
returned and metastasized. If that wasn’t
enough, her sister, Kathy, was diagnosed
with breast cancer. Not wanting to frighten
her sister with her own potentially dismal
outcome, Karen set her own grief aside to remain courageously strong and upbeat as she
cared for Kathy during her surgeries. Later,
as Karen’s cancer progressed and Kathy recovered, she broke the news of her own diagnosis.
What makes her my “hero”? It is her sacrificial love and strength despite adversity. I
also love her sense of humor. She once told
me, “Think about it. If I don’t live very long,
I won’t have to deal with my children’s obnoxious teen years.”
Sondra Johnston, 70, Benbrook
Sunday, October 14, 2012 5J
Denise came close to losing her faith in God,
and who could blame her? But again, she
worked her way through it and now has a
lovely goddaughter to pamper.
Denise has a beautiful sustaining spirit, a
wonderfully wicked, self-deprecating sense
of humor, and a twinkle in her eye. She is a
talented interior designer who also creates
vignettes in her own back yard. Her sad story
might make you cry, but her sweet nature
will make you smile, and her sense of humor
will probably make you laugh out loud.
Lora Crews, 60, Mansfield
Nominated by: Her daughter, Rae Lynn
Fisher, 41, Arlington
I will never forget the sinking feeling in
my stomach the day my mother called me to
tell me the word we
had all feared: malignant. I was at her
house. She was at
work. I remember
being specifically irritated that they
called her at work. I planned to go get her, as
I did not think she would be able to drive
home. Even then, her positive attitude came
through. She said, “I can drive myself home.
I’m not dying, Rae. I just have breast cancer.”
That was 16 years ago, and my mom and
her positive attitude are alive and well today.
She had recently experienced (recent, as in a
week before) a marital separation from her
husband of 26 years. I was already out of the
house, but she still had my two little brothers, ages 16 and 12 at home. She told me,
“Rae. I am not going to die. I am going to live
long enough for my kids to graduate from
high school.” She never showed to us that she
ever had any doubts that she would make it.
She met every adversity with a positive attitude and a smile.
My mom still greets everyone with a
smile. Despite adversity, she keeps her chin
up. Sometimes, when I have a little pity party for myself, I think of everything my mother went through — cancer, raising her children on her own, conquering her fears of
death — I realize that my problems are not so
bad.
Nominated by: Ann Freeman, 70, Fort
Worth
Sondra, who was diagnosed at 66, has endured
many trials and she is absolutely an angel, never complaining and always smiling.
She had a double mastectomy, and has been receiving treatments since
then. If all continues to go well she will be off
treatments after next year. Throughout this,
even with the loss of her blond hair (which
came back in black), she has continued to
participate in many activities such as attending her church, playing bridge, volunteering at Harris Southwest at the front
desk. Sondra loves seeing her six grandchildren and taking them on fun trips.
Many friends helped her through these
hard times, but the best friend she had was
her husband, Glynne Johnston. Sondra has
not missed a race, with her buddies helping Beverly Windsor, 69, Arlington
her for the “Race for the Cure.” I must men- Nominated by: Ann Rinella-Kelly, 71, Artion four couples with whom they go to din- lington
ner every Friday night and how much they
Bev is a 25-year survivor of breast cancer.
have done for her. She is amazing!
I met her in
1984 when I
moved to ArDenise Brookman, late 50s,
lington.
She
Fort Worth
was an active
Nominated by: Kathy Rice, 61, Fort Worth
member of the
Denise’s bout with breast cancer was
University
sandwiched between the devastating losses
Catholic Comof both of her children. When she lost
munity. On a
Thomas in his late teens, we all wondered
how she would go on. Go on, she did, but weekly basis she provided goodies for the
only to face the breast-cancer diagnosis. UTA students who participated in our proWith the support of family, friends, volun- grams and helped with the youth program. A
teers and doctors, she survived with a lovely year later she was diagnosed with breast
new breast. A few years later, Denise lost cancer and subsequently had radiation
newly-engaged Sarah in a boating accident. treatment. Over the years she has participated in many Komen Races for the Cure. She
6J Sunday, October 14, 2012
unfailing captains a team of 20 family and
friends who participate in the local race. She
also took part in two Three Day events.
While she remained a friend, I only spoke
with her a few times a year until I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and called
her for support. She went with me to meet
with the oncologist, came to my first chemo
treatment and some subsequent sessions in
the eight months of my treatment. Since
2005 I have been a team member of her Komen team, Grandma’s Blessings.
Throughout all the years she has remained a positive, happy, and very giving
individual. She is enthusiastic and untiring
in support of breast-cancer survivors and is
a wonderful example to all of us.
Clare Davis, Keller
Nominated by: her husband, John Davis
My wife, Clare, found a lump in her right
breast in January of 2011. She wanted to believe it was a pulled muscle
or some other anomaly — she
had been working with a personal trainer in preparation
for a cruise. Unfortunately,
she got the call on Feb. 16,
2011, that it was indeed breast cancer. We
sought a second opinion as we prepared for
the fight. She also had to cancel her cruise
amid all the doubt of surgical options.
Clare decided to attack the disease very
aggressively, and opted to have a double
mastectomy with reconstruction. She underwent four months of chemotherapy to
(hopefully) eliminate any cancer cells that
might have strayed undetected. The chemo
was hell but Clare kept her head held high
during the ordeal. She lost all her hair but remained as beautiful as ever. In fact, I believe I
saw new beauty — both physical and emotional — in her that I didn’t realize she had.
Her final chemo treatment was Aug. 5,
2011. She had her reconstruction surgery on
Nov. 11, 2011, and looks as beautiful as ever. I
am in awe of her resilience and courage during this journey.
Nicole Chase-Morgan, 35, Fort
Worth
Nominated by: Her mother, Twila Burleson, 57, Fort Worth
In September 2010, one month after my
daughter’s 33rd birthday, she
was diagnosed with Stage III
breast cancer. She is also
BRCA 2 positive. This was a
devastating blow to our family. Here was this young
mother of five children (ages 17 to 5), and
facing the most challenging battle anyone
could imagine.
As we rallied prayer warriors nationwide,
Nicole entered into 24 weeks of chemotherapy and two months of intense radiation.
Through it all, she still worked full time; and
her responsibilities of being a wife, mother,
daughter, sister and friend. She did not complain and was more concerned about us than
herself. After the treatments, she had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction.
In July 2012, at the insistence of her husband, due to pain that she wouldn’t mention
to family, an MRI confirmed the source:
Stage IV metastasis to the ribs, pelvic bone
and lower spine. Further infusion to
strengthen bones, radiation and a lifetime of
oral chemo was the “cocktail” of choice. She
still works full time, maintains her responsibilities as wife, mother, sister, daughter and
friend. My daughter is a Mighty Warrior and
I salute her. Her steadfast faith in God and
her concern for her loved ones keep me smiling and fighting the good fight of faith.
Carrie Adams, 46, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her husband, Kent Adams,
Fort Worth
Carrie was diagnosed with breast cancer
April 11, 2011, and her first example of heroism came during the long period of diagnosis, tests, praying, and waiting. Through fortuitous planning, she had a
girls’ trip to Carmel, Calif.,
on the calendar. It was great
timing as it allowed her to get
her mind off of the diagnosis
and relax with friends. During the weekend, she made all of them (plus
an occasional stranger) feel a real live breast
cancer lump so that they would have firsthand knowledge of what one felt like.
Another act of heroism came a couple of
weeks prior to her mastectomy. Our good
friend, Marcus Cannon, was diagnosed with
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while he was
participating in the NFL draft. Carrie’s giving spirit immediately kicked in as she put
her situation aside and organized meals
three days a week for Marcus and his very
large roommates. Carrie and Marcus underwent chemo during the same time period
and I venture to guess that Marcus, as tough
as he is, was glad she was there for him.
Carrie is still giving. She is a rock of support for old friends, new friends, and friends
she has yet to meet that are fighting this
dreaded disease. She is a sympathetic ear, a
purveyor of “been there” advice and a living
testament that you can fight the battle
against breast cancer with a positive attitude
and courage.
Betty White, 57, DeSoto
Nominated by: Susan Blair, 62, North
Richland Hills
As a nurse and teacher, Betty has spent a
lifetime giving back through her numerous
responsibilities and service. Diagnosed in
2010 she courageously continued working
through the grueling treatments. Suddenly
this year her beloved husband, the father of their two
daughters, passed away. I
add this to say that she never
missed a lick. She is committed to her fellow workers and
students. She is my hero because through all
this adversity she comes to work with a wonderful sense of humor, a smile and kind disposition. Betty is an exceptional woman and
an inspiration to her fellow professors, students, daughters and church family. Betty
has a zest for life. She gives her all to all
around her. Her passion is nursing, which
M
working tirelessly to raise money for the outstanding choral group Schola Cantorum.
This as she recently was told by her doctor
that one of the tumor has started to grow
again. Tammy recently started yet another
new chemotherapy treatment. Realizing she
will need chemo the rest of her life has never
Cheryl Caudill, 40, Weatherford
Nominated by: Linda Currier, 65, Fort dimmed my hero’s shining spirit.
Worth
At the time Cheryl was preparing for a Clarice Clark, 79, Fort Worth
shopping trip to France and Italy in May
Nominated by: Her grand2007, her doctor found a
daughter Tracy McDaniel,
lump in her breast. Being a
41, fort Worth
self-professed shopaholic,
My grandmother, “Big
she promised to follow-up
Mama,” was diagnosed with
after her shopping trip. breast cancer at the age of 77, in the summer
Cheryl’s closest cousin, Ja- of 2010. My grandmother immediately
tonne Caudill Adcox was already battling the started the process to have the cancer redisease. Now the cousins had even more in moved. In October that year, my grandcommon. They both were fighting breast mother underwent a mastectomy and it was
cancer.
a success. Two years prior she had also surThey cooked and cared for each other, as vived colon cancer. She stills baby-sits her
best they could, until Jatonne passed away great-grand kids, drives around town, does
Oct. 9, 2008. That is when Cheryl’s personal yard work, works at the food bank and more.
mission began, after recovering from a dou- She has not missed a beat since her mastecble radical mastectomy herself.
tomy. As far as her doctor’s report, everyShe thought of creative ways to raise thing is just fine.
funds for research and treatment services,
Once I found out my grandmother was
and she has already raised thousands of dol- diagnosed with breast cancer, I started planlars. And, she is not finished yet. To honor ning to participate in the Susan G. Komen
Jatonne’s memory, Cheryl compiled a Race for the Cure. I got together a team
185-page recipe book, 3 Chilies and a Bean. called “Stump the Lump,” which included 47
Hundreds of the books are being sold with all family and friends. My grandmother was not
proceeds going to support breast cancer re- just on the team — she also participated in
search. Her beauty and inner qualities shine the one-mile run. Her motto is “I can do all
through and inspire others, to help them things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
fight their own battles, breast cancer included.
But Cheryl designs and markets beauti- Cheryl Ball
ful, unique aprons. She personally has raised Nominated by: Her mother, Carole Murray,
thousands of dollars in door prizes for a ben- Fort Worth
I’d like to tell you about Cheryl Ball.
efit golf tournament this month. Cheryl’s
fundraising goes to the Careity Foundation, When she got diagnosed with breast cancer,
guess what she did? She planned a wig party!
for breast-cancer research and treatment.
She invited friends to come to the cancer
center
and help her pick out a wig. There was
Bonnie Renegar, 68
Nominated by: Debbie Sheffield, North much laughing and joking during that, then
we all went for lunch. What an upbeat perRichland Hills
Bonnie Renegar epitomizes the word son Cheryl is and never wavering in her faith.
She’s such a joy to all, and I should know
“survivor” to me. Bonnie has survived both
because
I’m her mother.
the dreaded disease breast
she knew she would be in sixth grade. I think
this alone tells you the character of this
woman She is very excited to spend her
birthday in September as a two-year survivor of breast cancer and our hero.
cancer and also the devastation it has brought into her
world by taking both family
and friends from her. It’s bad
enough to have to go through
the diagnosis, treatment and all the uncertainty this brings to you and your family ... then to lose so many that are near and
dear to you just doesn’t seem fair, does it?
Yet no one ever said that this life would be
fair.
Bonnie is also a teacher. She also embodies this role like she does everything,
wholeheartedly. She is retired, but remains
in her chosen role as a teacher in her church’s
Sunday school department. Her “girls” (ladies of varying ages from early 30s to 86) are
her dear friends and she is their confidante
and mentor.
She is truly an inspiration to all who know
her. She is one of the greatest advocates that
breast-cancer research could ever have, doing the walks both here and out-of-state,
even when her feet become blistered terribly
with the effort. Her fundraising and spirit
know no bounds.
Joyce Nell Mitchell, 67, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her sister, Rebecca Dawn
Trammell, 70, Granbury
My baby sister was diagnosed in spring 1994 at the
young age of 38 after finding
a lump under her left armpit.
This was the exact location
of the cancer that took the life of our mother
in 1981 after she suffered for 4 1⁄2 years. You
can only imagine the panic that struck our
family. My mother had a radical mastectomy
with lymph node involvement that metastasized and ultimately spread to her liver.
After undergoing a partial mastectomy
and beginning radiation, Joyce made the difficult decision to cease further manmade
plans and depend on God for her subsequent
healing. She and I, along with several Christian friends took our Bibles and marked every Scripture pertaining to physical and
spiritual healing that is still a gift from God
today for all believers.
Joyce had a difficult time finding a physician that would monitor her condition since
she had refused further treatment. Today
she is cancer-free; an 18-year cancer survivor. She is a healthy woman, mother of two
children, grandmother to four, and greatgrandmother of three, with no other diseases. She runs her own accounting firm with
more customers than she can process alone.
Additionally, she has a ministry among
churches and women’s groups as a living
testimony to the mighty exhibition of power
and healing through the Lord.
Tammy Strobel, 49, Keller
Nominated by: Jolene Mattison, Fort
Worth
I have known my friend, Tammy Strobel,
for the past 8 years. She is battling Stage IV
for the second time but continues to be positive, directing all of her energies toward
nurturing the people that
surround her.
Shortly after I met Tammy, she broke the news that she had been diagnosed with a fierce breast cancer. I’m sure
her positive outlook and faith helped her to
win that battle for the next five years. She
showed her true selfless nature while still
battling this first round of cancer. I received
news of my own Stage I breast cancer at that
time. While fighting for her very life, she
proved to be the most loyal of friends, supporting me while I went through surgeries
and radiation.
Two and a half years ago, Tammy received
the news that there were new tumors on her
liver. Yet she once again remained fiercely
optimistic to beat the odds. It seemed the
more cancer there was to fight, the more of a
blessing she became to everyone and everything in her path.
Tammy is a singer as well, and has been
Stacia Imhoff, 52, Arlington
Nominated by: her mother, Sharon Clements, Arlington
I will never forget the day
that she told me, and after,
how we both cried. Finally,
she said, “We can cry now,
mom, but no more.” I promised her that I would follow
her request, but when I was alone in the next
months, I cried a lot.
After the mastectomy, she received news
that the cancer had spread to several lymph
nodes, so it was time for some decisions.
Stacia’s biggest concern was her four children, especially Olivia, who was only 6. She
decided to go with the most aggressive treatment the doctors recommended.
Of course, Stacia lost her hair soon after
she started chemo. She took that in stride,
along with everything else that was going
on. During all of this, I saw a brave woman
who faced every challenge with courage and
a smile.
One thing that really stands out as an example of her courage concerned one of her
children. Her son, Jordan, was a senior at
Martin High School and was playing on their
varsity baseball team. During the entire season and playoffs, Stacia never missed a
game. Sometimes she couldn’t hide how bad
she felt, but she was always there, cheering
Jordan on.
Cheryl Green, 45, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her aunt, Mary Sutter,
Mansfield
Cheryl was taking a
shower when she detected a
hard lump about the size of a
pistachio in her breast. Her
doctor’s appointment confirmed the worst — it was
cancer.
She quickly accepted the fact that she had
cancer and then set out to fix it. She never
once thought that she was going to die.
The doctors said that she had found it
early, which was encouraging. Soon after
surgery, she started chemo and radiation.
Her supporters started pouring in: one
church gave her a hat party and another
prayed for her every day for a year. Her supporters were many.
When she started losing her hair, she had
her whole head shaved. Her 8-year-old son,
Travis, did the same. Cheryl says that she
met so many wonderful people that gave her
hope, faith, courage and love that, when I
asked her about her overall experience, she
said, “Some people might not understand,
but to me, the cancer was a blessing.”
Tricia Collum, 68, Arlington
Nominated by: Her husband, Robert Wimberly, 75, Arlington
At 49 years old, Tricia Collum was driving from her home in Arlington to her job in
Dallas at 6 a.m. every morning while holding
a barf bag and trying to ignore the pain of the
long tube that was connected from her heart
area to a medical bag that pumped medication into her bloodstream. When asked why
she chose to go to work in this condition
rather than stay at home as her boss requested, she simply told everyone that she could
feel lousy at home or feel lousy at work, surrounded by all her friends. This was only a
part of what made her the special person
that she is behind a constant facade of bright
smiles and happy faces.
This all began in 1994 when I took her to
the doctor for a routine breast lump removal.
During the process at the hospital, I was
thinking about where to take her for lunch
when the doctor came in and, with a quiver
in his voice, told me that he found that the
tumor was cancerous and had spread to her
lymph glands. He wanted to remove it now
instead of waiting.
After months of my nightmares and her
bravery, dismissing the whole ordeal as
though it were nothing more than the com-
www.star-telegram.com
mon cold, her happy face and bright smiles
were still there, only real.
The man upstairs definitely answered all
of our prayers. I think he thought her too
special and brave for there to be any other
outcome.
Betty Davis Brown, 68, Justin
Nominated by: Her husband, Jack T.
Brown, Justin
My wife received the
breast cancer diagnosis on
March 3, 2006 — on her 62nd
birthday. Her first concern
was for our daughter and for
me. She prayed as she made her decisions
about doctors, hospitals, treatment centers.
She did not want us to hover, nor change our
lifestyles any more than necessary.
During this whole period of time and even
today, she visits others with cancer and
heart attack, stroke and accident victims, as
well as mourning families. She prays with
them, hugs and encourages them; prepares
food, drives others to doctors appointments
and any other place they may need to go. She
finds those who need help, love, encouragement, kind words, hugs, a friend — she is
there, day or night.
Ginny Lyn Charles, 51, Celina
Nominated by: Her mother, Betty J. Miller, Fort Worth
She has always been a very health conscious mother,
and she never missed her annual screenings. But on one
of those trips, she was shocked to find out
that cancer treatments were in her future.
Rarely in the long ordeal of her treatments did she ever miss a day of work, but
there were times when it took a great effort
for her to get there. Never did she give in to
self-pity or despondency.
Later, her sense of humor rang out
through a T-shirt she sometimes wore that
proclaimed, “Sure, these are fake. My real
ones tried to kill me!” She is now past the
five-year mark, and we are all celebrating.
Zonia Milan, 57, North Richland Hills
Nominated by: Her sister, Maria Rougeau,
North Richland Hills
My story about my sister starts with me
finding a lump in my breast about 12 years
ago. In the process, she went to get checked
and found that she had one as well. Mine
turned out to be OK, but hers was malignant.
Even though she had to have a mastectomy, she was able to get three chemo treatments while she was forced to raise five
grandkids that her oldest daughter dumped
at her door. Then, she had to have both hips
replaced due to arthritis, and then replaced
again. I don’t know how or where she gets
her strength to go on. My sister has been
through hell and back at 57 years old and she
still has the job of raising those kids; the
youngest just started second grade, and one
is a teen.
Rachel Barriga, 50, Burleson
Nominated by: Her mother-in-law, Anita
Barriga, 72, Mansfield
In July of 1988, she married my youngest
son Michael, who since childhood was battling cystic fibrosis. At just 30 years old, she
was diagnosed with breast
cancer. I will never forget
seeing Michael in the driveway, leaning against the cab
of his truck, crying like a baby. After approaching him
and asking what was wrong, he told me
about Rachel’s diagnosis and that she would
have to undergo a double mastectomy as well
as chemotherapy.
She exercised such strength and courage
during such a difficult time though, that
many didn’t even know of her illness. After a
successful surgery and rounds of chemo, Rachel went back to work. She continued her
chemo by administering her doses to herself
by use of a small machine that she hid in her
pocket.
Rachel was sick from the treatments but
she never missed work. She would simply
rest her head on the desk until the wave of
nausea subsided. She went through so many
doctors visits and reconstructive surgeries
that I will never understand how such a tiny
person could survive it all, but she did.
In 1995, Michael and Rachel went
through the process of adopting a child.
Welcoming a handsome baby boy, Mickey,
made their family complete. They were the
picture of happiness until Rachel had to
demonstrate her strength once more at the
passing of her husband Michael, my son, in
April 1997, when he finally succumbed to CF.
It encourages me to witness her deal with
the hardships of life with such grace and
positivity. She is a very strong and beautiful,
inside and out.
Emma Penny Tapp, 73, Azle
Nominated by: Her daughter, Tina Nelson, 50, Mechanicsville, Va.
My mother is my hero because at age 58, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She had a total mastectomy of her right
breast, went through five treatments of chemotherapy; lost all of her hair and, very sick,
she had a final mastectomy of her left breast.
At age 71, cancer spread to all of her bones.
She had 13 radiation treatments to her lower
back and hips and 10 treatments to her right
shoulder. At 72, the cancer spread to her liver. She now takes oral chemotherapy medicine. She has a portable catheter in her chest
and receives monthly treatments to help
keep her bones strong.
My mother is my hero. She never gives up
and is always strong and happy. Her motto in
life is, “Every day is a blessed day.”
Cynthia Ann Teezar, 69, Arlington
Nominated by: Brenda
Hall, Arlington
Cynthia is recovering
breast cancer hero while at
the same time struggling
www.star-telegram.com
with multiple sclerosis. I have never heard
her complain about how she feels, or see her
miss work. She is more concerned about
others and giving of herself.
Cindy has taught me to see the glass half
full instead of half empty, as I am prone to
doing.
Cindy went through chemo and lost her
hair, even while hurting from MS — in her
hands especially. To relieve the numbness of
her hands, she would put them in hot water,
all the while smiling and getting back to
work.
After about five years in remission, her
husband of 43 years was diagnosed with
stomach cancer. She worked two, sometimes
three, jobs and was a caregiver to her husband. Never once did I hear complaints
about her feeling sorry for herself.
She lost him within a year of his battle
with cancer. It has been a year that Cindy
has been widowed, and she still works and
lives an active life of concerts, theater, trips
and cruises.
Sue Hightower 69, Bedford
Nominated by: Her mother,
Margie Wooley, 90, Fort
Worth
Sue, my only child, always came to me every Sunday. One Sunday, she was
sitting on the sofa beside me and she said,
“Mother, I have some bad news. I have cancer.”
I thought my world had ended. She had to
have her left breast removed. Everything is
going OK so far.
Laurie Jones, 48, Keller
Nominated by: Her sister, Amy Avery; and
her nieces, Maggie Avery, 12; and Jordan
Avery, 10; all of Tyler
Laurie’s battle with cancer began nine
years ago at the age of 39 when she detected
a lump in her breast during
her self-examination. She
underwent a lumpectomy
and so started her long bout
of chemo treatment after
chemo treatment and multiple radiation treatments. The cancer eventually spread to her liver, vertebrae, pelvis
and then to her brain. During all of this, she
continues to remain optimistic with an unwavering faith in God and her doctors.
Her life these past years has definitely
been a roller coaster ride of highs and lows.
Through it all, we have never seen her cry or
become emotional. She worries more about
her family and how they will handle the bad
news versus how she will handle it.
Though all of this, she continues her passion of caring for abused, abandoned and
neglected dogs. She has fostered many fortunate, loveable dogs and worked to find
them wonderful homes. During her own
battle, she assisted our mother in her cancer
treatments and in our mother’s care as her
battle ended.
She continues to fight this long, hard
fight with the strength and courage of a warrior.
Robyn Zumar, 48, Weatherford
Nominated by: Her mother, Emory Farrell,
69, Aledo
Robyn Zumar, 48, of Weatherford was diagnosed with breast cancer in fall 2011. She
underwent two major surgeries for breast
cancer. It was going to be a hard struggle.She
set herself a goal. After her second chemo
treatment, she said she was going to fight
harder because she needed to stay on top.
Her goal was to make the World Palomino
Horse Show in July 2012 in Tulsa. She has an
outstanding horse/companion and she
wanted him to compete for his last year as a
junior horse. She struggled with harsh chemotherapy and radiation treatments over 10
months. She managed to keep Indy ridden
and fit in order to fulfill the biggest dream in
her life; to win a world champion title only
nine days after completing radiation treatment. At this time, Robyn should be cancerfree.
Beverly Van Scotter, 61, Arlington
Nominated by: Her husband, Al Van Scotter, 68
The real hero is my wife,
Beverly Van Scotter. If I recall, it was a bright and sunny day in early March of
2007 when Beverly got word
from her OB-GYN that a very tiny lump
showed up on her mammogram and it should
probably be checked out soon. We held
hands in Dr. Mary Brian’s office as she told
Beverly that indeed the node in her left
breast was cancerous (Stage II). From that
moment on, I swear it was Beverly’s will to
survive along with her strong belief in God
that got her through to this point; to survive
the seven chemo sessions (and the second
day thereafter of being sick and often being
bed-ridden), the 32 radiation treatments
that burned and blistered her skin so bad
that she couldn’t sleep many nights along
with the constant fear that the big “C” might
one day return.
Unfortunately, the medicine that she had
to take for five years to keep the cancer at bay
has severely aggravated her arthritis to the
point that her hands are so gnarled that she
can no longer even take injections to relieve
the pain. Yet, every day, she goes to work and
thanks God for being alive.
Shelley Peiffer, 59, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her sister, Marianne Hess,
Fort Worth
She doesn’t know she is my – our family’s
– hero, because we haven’t said it enough.
Shelley’s “health journey” began at age 35
when she had to undergo a hysterectomy after never bearing children. Then, at age 42,
she suffered her first heart attack. She was
not overweight, had never smoked nor
drank, and her symptoms were at first ignored before she underwent open-heart bypass surgery. Two years later, after another
heart attack, she underwent her second.
Several years later, after retiring in Colorado,
her husband of just five years died suddenly
of cardiac arrest. Over the next six years,
Shelley would move from Colorado to Ten-
M
nessee to Fort Worth to care for our aging
parent.
After our mother’s death, Shelley was diagnosed with an advanced form of breast
cancer. What followed was a yearlong journey of the usual breast surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and countless doctor visits and
hospitalizations. In addition, she lives alone
and had to face many days of weakness, pain
and nausea on her own.
It has only been a year since Shelley completed her treatments and she remains cancer-free today.
Karen McBroom, 62, Mineral Wells
treatment. I am now cancer-free, and my
hero was my support system.
Recently, after two years of ongoing
breast reconstruction, Carey was told that
her reconstruction would need to be redone.
She was also diagnosed with lymphedema,
and incurable swelling in the arm due to removal of the lymph nodes, requiring her to
wear a pressure sleeve and glove to control
the swelling. This month, she will have a
complete reconstruction of both breasts.
The best victory for this hero is that she is
still cancer-free.
My friend, Susan, better
known as SuSu by her
grandchildren, was diagnosed with breast cancer in
February of 2011. SuSu has
undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatments
over the past year. During this ordeal, she
has remained positive and encouraging to
women who have been diagnosed with
breast cancer, putting their needs before her
own. Easter of 2011, I had finished cooking
dinner and wanted to take her dessert, just to
let her know that I was thinking of her. I had
Mary Jo McCoy, 70, Arlington
just showered, dried my hair and ran over to
Nominated by: Herself
her place, fuzzy hair and all. Here she was,
I am a 32-year breast can- sick, and looking better than me on my best
cer survivor.
day. I told her that she always looks great,
I had two biopsies in my even on her worst day.
left breast and had several
small cystic lumps in my Karen Cichocki, 50, Aledo
right breast. Dr. Jerry Bane, a Nominated by: Her mother, Rosemary
general surgeon in Arlington, recommended
Holliday, 72, Fort Worth
bilateral mastectomies to reduce the risk of
Karen was diagnosed
breast cancer, but first he wanted me to have
with Stage III breast cancer
a mammogram. The mammogram indicated
in October of 2009. Her
three areas in my right breast that were mamastectomy was performed
lignant. I had a right radical mastectomy folthe following November.
lowed by simple left mastectomy five weeks One week after this surgery, she returned to
later. The reason for radical surgery and bi- work in her husband’s ophthalmology office.
lateral mastectomies was that I was premeHer surgery was followed by 16 chemonopausal. I did not have lymph node in- therapy treatments. Several once-a-week
volvement and did not require chemothera- radiation treatments followed the chemo.
py or radiation. It has been 32 years, and Karen also had a hysterectomy due to her
there is life after breast cancer. My husband cancer being hormonal, and another surgery
and I have been married 53 years and have for breast reconstruction.
seven grandchildren and 2 great-grandchilOne of the most traumatic things was
dren.
losing her beautiful red hair. She takes time
Nominated by: Debbie McDougall, 53,
Mineral Wells
One definition of a hero is
a person distinguished by
exceptional courage and
strength.
I would like to nominate
my neighbor, Karen McBroom of Mineral
Wells. She discovered that she had breast
cancer at age 58. She had surgery and still
takes her chemotherapy meds daily. She is
now 62 years old.
Karen is a special needs teacher for 3- and
4-year-olds at Lamar Elementary in Mineral
Wells. She had several careers in her life, but
decided to teach and returned to college to
pursue a degree in special education. Not
only did she continue to teach after the discovery and treatment of cancer, but she still
teaches today. Karen loves and nurtures her
children and grandchildren, including providing college tuition for them. She cares for
her elderly mother and father-in-law. Cancer didn’t beat her; it made her stronger.
When I think of a person with courage and Linda Ellis Parris, 62, North
strength, it would be my hero, Karen.
Richland Hills
Peg Dansereau, 68, Bedford
Nominated by: Her husband, Dan Dansereau, 69, Bedford
My wife, Peg, doesn’t often wear a cape or jetpack,
but make no mistake, she is a
genuine, 68-year-old superhero.
She lost her hearing over a 15-year period
and since 2004 has been “virtually deaf”
without hearing aids. Even with them she
often struggles with communication. Of
course Super Peg has refused to be deterred.
She continued to provide academic counseling to medical students and loving care to
our three grandkids.
In 1974, nine years after our marriage, my
mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She
died in 1976. Fortunately, by the time Peg
was diagnosed, heroic researchers and practitioners had greatly improved breast-cancer treatment outcomes. Peg summoned her
superpowers and dealt with the diagnosis,
mastectomy, and six months’ recovery with
style and grace, even while coping with her
hearing impairment and a sometimes panicked husband. When we finally got the “all
clear,” Peg did her “happy dance” for the oncologist. I don’t know whose smile was bigger.
Rebecca Cyphers, 45, Benbrook
Sunday, October 14, 2012 7J
Nominated by: Carol Mudry, 54, North
Richland Hills
In 1999, Linda Parris had to bury her husband because of cancer. Nine years later, my
hero had to bury her second husband because of cancer. The following year, my hero’s only child succumbed to cancer. All
three times, my hero stayed home from work
and became their nursemaid, hoping to
lengthen their lives through endless doctor
appointments, radiation and chemo treatments, but mostly with her unconditional,
unwavering care giving, love and support. In
2011, my hero was diagnosed with breast
cancer. Within a short time of the diagnosis,
my hero underwent a mastectomy. Two days
later, my hero went home from the hospital.
Never once did my hero ask for help; she
never complained. We have been friends for
36 years. We have been through marriages,
births, divorces, deaths and yes, even cancer
survival together.
Kathy Lynn Henderson, 46,
Burleson
Nominated by: Her mother, Peggy McElvoy, 80, Mansfield
My breast-cancer hero is
our daughter, Kathy Lynn
Henderson. Kathy was 43
years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. At first,
she
was
misdiagnosed.
When it was finally diagnosed a month later,
the tumor had grown quite a bit. Kathy is a
home health nurse and she continued seeing
her patients throughout her treatments.
Kathy is a wife to Ron and a mother to Josh,
who was 13, and Meghan, who was 11 at the
time. She always had the time to attend all of
the children’s activities and was able to keep
the house running smoothly. She had a double mastectomy in August 2010 and then had
to have more chemo as well as radiation, but
she was still able to keep up her heavy schedule.
Nominated by: Her mother-in-law, Martha Cyphers, 80, Aledo
About five years ago, at age 45, Rebecca
discovered a lump. To her, it was just a hiccup in the road of life. She investigated all of
her options and was determined to go
through the treatment once. She had both
breasts removed. She never complained
about the chemo and radiation treatments,
any discomfort, or being sick; not even when
she found out that the chemo had not been
kind to her female organs.
When her hair came out, she got a wig.
She went through the reconstruction — the
stretching of the skin, the discomfort, more
stretching — and finally, the results were in Barbara Brockman Lind, 76, Fort
and the tattooing was finished. She’s my he- Worth
Nominated by: Her husband, Don Lind, 79,
ro — and that was quite a hiccup.
Fort Worth
In September of 1998, we
Alan Johns, 64, Fort Worth
planned the trip of a lifetime
Nominated by: Jenny Johns, 64, Fort
with three other couples —
Worth
19 days in Africa on a photo
Dr. Alan Johns is a 64-year-old Fort
safari. The key to the plan
Worth gynecologist. Our daughters, Julie
was to time the trip for the
Schmidt, Jessica Johns, and I wish to nominate Alan. First, Alan displayed amazing middle of May. The money was paid and we
courage and determination were ready to go. However, that January my
during his diagnosis and wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with breast
treatment. Second, Alan’s cancer. February was surgery with some indiagnosis has had a positive vasion in the lymph glands with chemo in
impact on our community the April-May horizon. When Barbara exwith the establishment of plained our plans to her oncologist, he
looked at the scheduled chemo and decided
the Joan Katz Breast Center.
Alan is a 14-year breast cancer survivor. he could make some adjustments that would
For a male, a breast cancer diagnosis adds make the trip possible. First was to have her
confusion and disbelief to an already con- white cell count the highest when we left to
fusing and frightening process. Alan became counter the unknown diseases in Africa and
the patient who received the mammogram. an immediate treatment on the arrival home.
Alan’s treatment regimen began with a mas- Barbara, chemo-bald, covered her head in a
tectomy followed by chemotherapy and con- baseball cap for the entire trip. The trip was
cluded with five years of Tamoxifen. wonderful; from the huge elephants in BoThroughout his treatment, Alan continued tswana to the little penguins in the south of
to see his patients. Caring for them lifted and South Africa.
She has now been cancer-free 14 1⁄2 years.
buoyed Alan’s spirits. His patients’ concern
for him was very comforting and humbling.
The girls and I know Alan as a husband, faCarolyn Atkins, Fort Worth
ther, and grandfather. His peers know him as
Nominated by: Helga Gerlinger, Fort
a dedicated physician. His patients know
Worth
him as their advocate and friend. Most imI am a 40-plus year friend of Mrs. Caroportantly though, Alan is known as a breastlyn Atkins, who is a 30-plus
cancer survivor with a grand vision that
year breast-cancer survivor.
came true. He is our hero.
Mrs. Atkins is a caring
woman
who doesn’t put her
Carey Hensley Peterson, 50,
own worries about her breast
Saginaw
cancer (which reappeared
Nominated by: Her mother, Jean Hensley,
about five years ago) over those women who
73, Mineral Wells
are currently dealing with their breast canI am nominating Carey.
cer. Mrs. Atkins has been working as a social
Her cancer came as a surworker at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort
prise in 2010 following a long
Worth in the past and is currently working
delayed mammogram. Only
for US Oncology in Fort Worth, where she is
three weeks after the masadvising new breast-cancer patients on how
tectomy of one breast, she required back
best to deal with their cancer nightmares
surgery as she was unable to walk due to an
daily. It is my feeling that Mrs. Carolyn Atearlier injury. She remained strong and posikins has a soothing effect on those who come
tive despite a long and painful recovery from
to her with worries, giving them hope beboth surgeries.
cause of her own experience.
-An unexpected development in this story occurred in 2011, when I was diagnosed
with the same kind of breast cancer she had. Susan Buchanan, North Richland
Despite her continuing problems, she was Hills
there for me — preparing, encouraging, and Nominated by: Sheila Carter, North Richassuring me as I went through surgery and land Hills
to send encouraging notes to other women
going through this dreaded disease or battling other forms of cancer. Her journey has
been difficult, not only for her but her mom.
To see your child fighting breast cancer,
never complaining and having that “I can do
this” attitude has certainly made her my
special hero. Karen is now a three-year survivor.
Louise Gidden Jones, 87, Fort Worth
Nominated by: Her husband, Jack P. Jones
My wife was 54 years old and we were
preparing for a very special vacation trip.
She had a history of benign cysts in her
breasts and was going to her physician for a
routine check-up before leaving. Dr. Burgess
Sealy found a lump and asked her to have a
mammogram. Everything was OK, but Dr.
Sealy wasn’t satisfied. He said, “Go on your
trip, but let’s take another look when you return.”
He was right. It was malignant. She had a
modified radical mastectomy followed by 37
radiation treatments.
The corporation I worked for here was
being acquired by another and I was offered
the opportunity to become an officer of the
acquiring corporation, which would mean a
move to their headquarters in Jacksonville,
Fla. She was in a delicate period of her recovery, was under excellent care, and I decided
to decline the offer. But being the trooper
that she is, her response was: “This is a good
opportunity, let’s go!”
We did. Dr. Sealy recommended a physician there, but she also continued to fly back
to Fort Worth regularly for checkups. She
knew no one there but soon volunteered for
the auxiliary at the large medical center and
became president and was eventually appointed to the hospital board.
Upon retirement, we moved back to the
city. Louise, upon learning of someone’s diagnosis of breast cancer, still continues to
offer her message of hope and encouragement.
It hasn’t always been easy. About 12 years
after her surgery she began to feel numbness
in her hand and arm, and, finally the loss of
much of the use of them, which was finally
diagnosed as radiation plexitus.
Charlotte Walker, 81,
North Richland Hills
Nominated by: Maxine Shipps, 82, Haltom
City
Charlotte’s cancer was diagnosed when
she was in her 50s. She went through chemo
at Harris Hospital since there were so few
places giving treatments at that time. Never
once did I hear her complain nor did I ever
see her without a smile on her face, even after having a double mastectomy. She knew
God was with her through her pain and fear
each step of the way. She has had no reoccurrences since, although approximately 25
years later she noticed a mole on her leg
which was unfortunately a sarcoma. She lost
the leg up to her hip. She uses a walker now
but hasn’t let that hinder her. She is an active
member at North Richland Hills Senior Center, playing bridge and learning new tips in
sewing and embroidering. She drives herself
wherever she needs to go and also is involved
in lots of church work at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church.
Tymissha L. Butler-Steptoe
Nominated by: Donita Caldwell
A breast cancer diagnosis
can be many things for a patient. For one of my true besties, as a patient she saw it as
another challenge to conquer
in life. From the day she was
diagnosed almost 14 months ago she has
been my inspiration. I have seen her not only
continue to be a strong single mother to two
adorable angels (Tyler, age 10, and TaNiya, 4)
but have seen her tirelessly continue through
life while battling a fight for her life. My
friend wears several hats: mom, daughter,
sister, aunt, best friend, classmate and many
more. But to me, she wears the hat of a hero.
She has completed a journey of chemotherapy, a mastectomy, loss of hair, doctor visits
after doctor visits while maintaining a “normal” life with her kids and a “This is not
going to beat me attitude.” She has shown
me, not only does breast cancer not discriminate but it can also be beat with a smile on
your face.
Nancy Wilson-Webb, 80, Fort Worth
Nominated by: herself
I’ve had cancer since 1994, when I found
8J Sunday, October 14, 2012
M
www.star-telegram.com
a large tumor in my breast,
just 14 months after a mammogram. Scans revealed surgery was necessary, as the
cancer had spread to 23
lymph nodes. As a Fort
Worth ISD school administrator, I was passionate to get back to my job within 10 days.
Then I lost my mother. As my father had
Alzheimer’s and I’m an only child, my tasks
were many. Three years into cancer therapies, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease,
five macular whole eye surgeries and major
neuropathy foot problems. Losing one eye
and breast, I continued working for six years
longer before retiring with 47 years in education. My parents left a cattle ranch to me.
For the last 12 years, I’ve managed and
worked my cattle, never having been a
rancher. Managing the side effects of illness
with work-related activities, as well as re- cer. But progress was made in those 22 years
maining on numerous community boards, and there is now gene testing. When this is
has kept me active.
found, it is recommended that in addition to
a mastectomy, a hysterectomy is advised.
Leslie has two daughters. The older girl
Leslie Steele, 59, Arlington
Nominated by: Adell Campbell, 89, Ar- was tested and had a radical mastectomy in
2011. The younger daughter has no sign of
lington
Leslie was diagnosed with cancer in 1988. the infamous gene. However, Les’ husband
She had a radical mastectomy, followed by a had gall bladder surgery in 2012 and Les herfull course of chemo and radiation. Her em- self had gall bladder surgery in 2011. And
ployer at that time cut her salary because she now she has an added burden of caring for
was not performing well. Les would drive to me.
her cancer treatments at lunchtime, eating
Marilyn Wallace Bohannan, 68,
her sandwich while she drove, but she was
Grandview
discharged from her job because her emNominated by: Marie Gatlin, 68, and Molly
ployer couldn’t depend on what time she
Milner, 68, Burleson
would return from lunch! Then, 22 years latPolio struck Marilyn at age 2, leaving her
er, the cancer was back. I was devastated, as
unable to walk without the aid of braces and
both my grandmother and mother had cancrutches. By the time she started school in
1950, she had the admiration
of everyone in the small
community of Grandview.
She never complained about
her struggles as she kept up
with her classsmates, though
every task was a major endeavor for her.
After teaching school on an Indian reservation in New Mexico, she returned to
Grandview, married and taught school until
she retired in 2002. She continued to walk
with crutches and a brace. And if life were
not tough enough, she was diagnosed with
breast cancer in October 2008. She never
said this wasn’t fair. She pushed onward
with chemo and radiation, never giving up.
After battling for over a year, losing both
breasts and all of her hair, she — with God’s
help — triumphed over the dreaded disease.
Angels
to address their needs — even during her
courageous eight-year war with breast cancer.
To her students at Keller High School —
28 years’ worth — she was the best teacher
most of them ever had. To her church family
members Debbie was the smiling face they
saw on every BBC mission endeavor — including one at home, where she helped Birdville’s children evolve into vibrant, young
Christian women.
To her friends she was, simply, the strongest person any of us ever knew. Her aforementioned “war” spanned five battles in all,
each more taxing than its predecessor. Never
once did we see Debbie let the cancer gain
the upper hand. Even when the war was over.
brain or liver. Her mind was as sharp at the
end as it was when she was young and she
never lost her courage or sense of humor.
When she would go to the cancer center for a
visit, she would carry a change purse with
her in her pocket, full of all the change she
could get, so she would weigh more when
they checked her weight.
The cancer did metastasize in her bones
the last year before she died, which caused
her a lot of pain, but she never complained
and would say she was fine even when she
wasn’t. She wanted to see her family, and she
never showed how bad she felt. The last nine
months of her life she lost her appetite, but
would eat something for me, because her
will to live was so strong.
Alden Summers, died November
2011
Nominated by: his partner, Barbara Sims,
80, Arlington
Sixteen years ago, my husband died of
prostate cancer. I immersed myself in my interior design business and my
work as a docent at the Kimbell Art Museum. Five years
later, I met a tall, handsome
man who also was a widower. I
took him to the Kimbell; his
in-depth knowledge of the stories behind
every painting floored me.
From that time on, he would help me give
more poignant facts on the tours that I led.
That night before he drove me home, he
kissed me outside in the moonlight.
A short time later, I found out that I had
breast cancer. I was in love and now devastated by this news. It was Stage IV cancer
with a tumor so big that it had to be shrunk
with chemo before the mastectomy. There
went my dream of a new love.
I didn’t expect him to tolerate a sick, mutilated woman. I told him to go away and find
someone else. But he stayed and stayed for
years.
Two years later, Al started getting backaches. The cancer was diagnosed as multiple
myeloma or bone cancer. Now, it was my
turn to be his guardian angel. By then, we
were so deeply in love, and together, that we
put ourselves in God’s lap. Alden died last
November.
Michelle Anne Hammell, died April
1997
Nominated by: her mother, Judy Steffans,
72, Arlington
Michelle was only 29
when diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer.
After the shock of the news
and after being told all of the
treatments that she would be
undergoing, she said, “Let’s go get our pictures taken before I lose my hair.”
She persevered for four years. Several
courses of chemotherapy, radiation, multiple transfusions, radium implants threaded
across her chest and every other treatment
that her doctor could find for her took place.
She never once said, “Why me?”
When she would be waiting to see the
doctor, she would go around the room and
speak to other patients, trying to give them
hope and encouragement. One day she said
to me, “When I recover from this disease I
would like to go back to school and get a degree in counseling so that I can help others
who find themselves in the position.” Sad to
say, that was not meant to be. She did, however, continue to fight until the end.
Debbie Gutierrez, died July 16, 2012
Nominated by: Peggy Rogers, 55, Haltom
City
There were all manner of moving words
spoken at the funeral of
Debbie Gutierrez. None presented as eloquent a eulogy as
the throng that attended the
service.
Roughly 1,000 pink-clad
friends and family members scooched into
pews. Those who didn’t arrive early enough
to scooch stood in the back. And they all —
the scoochers and the standers — spent more
than an hour paying tribute to a saint.
That’s what you call someone whose life
helps others see God more clearly. Debbie
did that — practically every day of her 50
years on this planet. To the members of her
family Debbie was a rock who never ceased
Paulette Ruffin Agnew, died in 1993
Nominated by: Cindy Wilson-Arrick, 63,
Fort Worth
Paulette was such a beautiful person both
inside and out, with such a
magnetic personality that
people were naturally drawn
to her. She was so talented in
so many ways, one being her
amazing voice. Many may remember her
from the Johnnie High Country Music Revue. At the age of 36, she received the devastating news she had breast cancer. She took
on a CAN DO attitude with such strength,
courage and grace. From radiation to chemo
to the latest techniques, ending with a stem
cell transplant.
Early on, she decided she would look
good and have a positive attitude. She didn’t
lose her sense of humor, either. She embraced her baldness, making a game of it so it
wouldn’t scare her young son. He thought
his mother was the coolest space alien ever.
Before going to the hospital for a stem cell
transplant, she went back to see her Johnnie
High family and friends. Though weak as a
kitten and at great risk, she went onstage and
performed magnificently.
Paulette also finished her gospel tape late
one Sunday evening before entering the hospital Monday. She wanted to impart her undying faith, spreading her ministry. The day
she died, she left so many of us without extra
special light in our lives.
Cheryl Mershon, Mansfield, died
Nov. 28, 2008
Nominated by: Judy Thompson, Burleson
This is the story of my best friend and hero to me, Cheryl Mershon. We met in 1976
when we became neighbors. We bonded
well, as did our children and husbands. We
vacationed together, partied together, went
on our girl trips, tried our yearly diets when
it came to swimsuit season and became one
big family.
In early 2001, Cheryl found “the lump”
and thus began her journey through the
world of surgeries, chemo, hair loss and everything the medical field could come up
with. When she had a really bad day or maybe she was just afraid, that was OK. I
couldn’t do this for her but I could and would
do it with her.
I saw a resolve and strength I never knew
she had — ever the lady, always of deep faith
while we traveled together through all of the
phases of this terrible disease. On Nov. 3,
2008, she came over to help me unpack, as
we had just moved into a new home. Instead
we sat all day just talking, laughing and enjoying the day. Cheryl passed on Nov. 28,
2008. I now know she was giving me that
one last day with just the two of us. We were
more than friends; we were “sisters.”
Leah discovered a lump in her breast at
Christmas 1994. She did not tell anyone except her husband, Gary, until after the
Christmas festivities. In January, she had a
biopsy that revealed cancer.
Leah called Dr. Marilyn
Leitch, oncology surgeon at
UT Southwestern Medical
Center and got almost an immediate appointment. This
was part of God’s protection as Dr. Leitch
had been in the same youth group with Leah
at Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort
Worth.
Tests showed that 16 of the 26 lymph
nodes tested after a mastectomy were malignant. Her cancer journey over seven years
included mastectomies, reconstruction, radiation, chemo, stem cell transplant and
many hospital stays.
Here’s why Leah was my hero: She was
strong-willed and a beautiful baby. When
the nurses brought her in the first time, they
had curled her hair on top. She always had a
drive for success, survival and achievement.
This was valuable to her when she was diagnosed with cancer. As her mother, I saw how
brave, optimistic and hopeful she always
was. I helped with her care through 12 days
of hospice at her home. I was amazed at her
strength and unwavering faith!
Bob D. Garrison, Arlington, died in
2006
Nominated by: His wife, Myrna Garrison,
82, Arlington
In 1994, long before we began hearing
about male breast cancer, it
hit Bob, then 67, big time.
Thirteen years before, Bob
had a severe heart attack necessitating open-heart surgery. During a heart checkup, the doctor discovered a lump. Of course,
Bob was sent immediately to a surgeon.
The surgeon was 99.9 percent sure the
tumor was malignant and asked permission
to do a mastectomy while Bob was on the operating table if the biopsy test showed positive. Of course, Bob’s reply was yes. Fifteen
lymph nodes were involved, and the report
returned Stage IV.
A second oncologist thought that with
more aggressive treatment the survival
chances could be 70 percent for five years.
Without hesitation, Bob said he was going to
fight. Chemo was started at 7:30 p.m. that
same day.
Bob had 18 months of aggressive treatment. This wonderful man kept a smile on
his face, never complained and never gave
up. We continued our passion of collecting,
researching and writing books about Imperial glass. Ten years of breast cancer treatment followed. Most unfortunately, a different cancer spread to his bones. He smiled for
two more years before losing his fight. He
never complained.
Imogene Henderson, Arlington,
died in 1984
Nominated by: Her daughter, Mary Roberts, 77, Arlington
My mother, Imogene
“Henny” Henderson, and I
were really close. At 62, she
discovered she had a knot in
her left breast, and immediately had a mammogram. Dr. Dale Rank
treated her, and she had a radical mastectomy to remove her breast and lymph nodes.
Then she had radiation for six months and
chemo started right after that.
Dr. Rank called her his “miracle” because
Leah Suzann Johnson Garmon, died she lived 10 years and went through so much.
Aug. 26, 2002
She had a really strong will to live and was
Nominated by: Her mother, Bettie John- fortunate that the cancer never went to her
son, 80, Fort Worth
Berthamae Dollar, Fort Worth, died
in 1979
Nominated by: Her daughter, Donna Dollar
Edwards, Colleyville
Eighteen months after my
father died from stomach
cancer, my mother and I
were just beginning to adjust
to the loss. It was the spring
of my senior year in high school. Mom and I
were finding some relief from our grief in the
excitement of planning for my freshman year
in college at Texas Tech University.
Then my mother was diagnosed with
breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy.
As the surgeon explained the advanced nature of her cancer, fear gripped me to the very core. How could I move to Lubbock and
leave her now? During one of our daily trips
to the Moncrief Radiation Center, I told
Mom of my decision to stay home during the
coming year. My mother wouldn’t hear of it!
She insisted that I go on to Tech, even though
she would be all alone.
Mom battled cancer successfully until
two months before my college graduation.
Following her second radical mastectomy,
Mom’s surgeon said that this cancer was
much worse.
Although weakened from chemotherapy
and with a bad case of shingles, Mom made it
through my wedding four months after her
surgery. She refused to give in to fear
throughout the amazing seven years that she
battled cancer. She never complained, even
during the last seven months of her life. She
was incredibly brave to the very end.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer
eight years ago, the memory of my mother’s
bravery and unselfishness inspired me to encourage our children to continue with their
plans in the same way.
Sharon Kay Hoffman, DeSoto, died
in January 2012
Nominated by: Her sister, Lisa Bolton, 45,
Bedford
This is my hero, my angel, my sister,
Sharon Kay. She left us this past January after fighting breast cancer for 18 years. Her
doctor said it best and I would like to quote,
“She loved her family and shared with them
her joy in living. I was always so impressed
by her resolution and cheerfulness in dealing
with her illness and with adversity. I view
Sharon as a wonderful role model and hope I
can keep her example always before me.”
I miss my sister every day. Please, every
woman, get your yearly mammograms and
continue to fight for a cure.
Brenda L. Robinson, Newark, died
in May 2012
Nominated by: Her sister-in-law, Helen L.
Hegwood, 65, Saginaw
After one outing with the family, Brenda
told me about a malignant lump in her left
breast. But at the time, my brother was to
undergo knee replacement and didn’t carry
www.star-telegram.com
insurance to cover Brenda and neither did
the shelter for women where she was employed. She looked for help everywhere, but
the doors seemed closed.
As time passed, Brenda kept growing
weak. She finally located a doctor in Decatur
who treated her, but by now it had spread too
far. She never lost her precious sweet spirit,
and continued to be optimistic throughout
the darkest periods of her life.
One week before her passing, Brenda personally delivered to me money toward a collection for a friend who’d been paralyzed.
That was the last time I saw my friend. I have
a picture of her that day in her wheelchair.
She loved the flowers and enjoyed our talk
that beautiful spring evening.
Sharon Boren Washburn,
died in 2011
Nominated by: Lynn Fraser, 51, Fort Worth
I am one of thousands Sharon touched.
Sharon blogged frequently about her cancer,
but mostly about her love for God through
her cancer. Sharon never blamed God, never
expressed bitterness, but spoke of her gratitude for all of the people she loved and the
blessings she had. She inspired hope in hundreds of cancer patients who read her blog
(“Sweets Surrender”) or met Sharon.
Even today, Sharon’s life inspired The
Sharon Washburn Center for Hope, a nonprofit Community Enrichment Center and
housing for women and their children who
are victims of abuse. Sharon told us, “The
Will of God will never take you where the
Grace of God will not protect you.” In her final weeks, she told me, “I feel sorry for you,
because this is going to be hard on you ... But
I’m not going to miss you at all!” and we
would both just laugh.
She wanted to live life and not die trying.
Months before her death, she asked me to
drive her to get her passport renewed. I
watched my friend shed her scarf for her
passport photo. “I can die anywhere,” she
said. “[Mike and I] might get to go to some
exotic place!”
She also wanted it to spur her husband
into renewing his passport so that he would
go visit missionaries after her death. Until
her death, she embraced others and gave out
God’s mercy and message of love and grace.
Evelyn Scott Meeks, Fort Worth,
died June 9, 2011
Nominated by: Her daughter, Jackie
Meeks, 47, Fort Worth
My
mother,
Evelyn
Meeks, is not only my hero
but a champion. She is a
champion not just as a noun
as in winner; as an active
verb, as to work for the betterment of others. She always was there for
everyone and worked tirelessly in the Fort
Worth ISD for 42 years. My mother loved me
without reserve; and she still had enough for
her family and friends, co-workers and
peers, students and care providers.
My mother’s cancer allowed us to spend
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five very close, wonderful years together as
she fought that very tricky, slick, meanspirited disease. Through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy she continued to live life with passion for the people
and causes she loved and compassion for
those suffering or in need.
Last month, over a year after my mother’s
death, I received an e-mail from a former
student of Morningside Middle School. He
loved her and thanked her for taking a
chance on him when no one saw his potential. That sums up my mother. Seeing the
potential in all. Nurturing through the ups
and downs. Loyal to her beliefs and loved
ones. Patient during times of trial. Shaping
the lives of all she touched for the better.
delighted in her scrapbooks during the precious days between treatments, but what
amazed me was her tenacity and dedication
to continue her projects when she was weakened by chemo and radiation treatments.
Her three children each received a beautifully embellished scrapbook in celebration of
their life, and friends and family members
received Melanie’s personalized calendars as
gifts.
From the first year of her cancer battle,
Melanie participated in Burleson’s Relay for
Life. Many photos I have of my brave friend
show her surrounded by family and friends
who attended the events in her honor.
The reason Melanie is my hero is that in
her efforts to record milestones in her children’s lives, she gave them more than just a
book of their mother’s treasured memories.
Sammie Wright, Fort Worth,
In the pages of her beautiful, creative scrapdied in 1984
Nominated by: Her daughters, Sherry Fer- books, my friend gave her children a preguson, 71, Aledo; and Becky Gibbs and cious gift: She showed them what a loving
mother truly values: every fleeting moment
Debbie Isaacs
Although she passed away 28 years ago in with her family.
1984 after battling breast cancer for 10 years,
she is and forever will be in Charline Joanne Nesky-Harrison,
our thoughts daily. Sammie Fort Worth, died Oct. 28, 1999
was a strong, brave woman Nominated by: Her husband, Cleadus Harwho was an inspiration to all rison, 61, Fort Worth
who knew her. She worked
Our lives tobeside Dad in their successgether began on
ful custom home building business for over
Aug. 21, 1971. She
30 years. She organized the subcontractors
was 18 and I, the
with grace, treating everyone with respect,
ripe old age of 20.
and she kept the books and financial side of
Back then, a man
their business perfectly, long before the age
of less than 21 had
of computers. They gave jobs to many young
to have parental
men on the east side of Fort Worth, teaching consent to marry; so we drove to Glen Rose,
them the ethic of hard work.
and I lied about my age. It became a 28-yearShe and our dad served together in our long joke that we were not legally married
church for over 40 years. Mother was the due to a lie.
treasurer for Camp Sagamore, the youth
In June of 1989, she had a lump diagnosed
camp at Sagamore Hill Baptist Church for all in her right breast. Cancer had already
those years, and it was one of the highlights spread to her lymph nodes. She was only 36
of her life each year. One of her last wishes years old, and we were in for the fight of our
was to go to camp one last time, but God took lives.
her the month before. She and Dad loved
Her attitude was always jovial. She never
young people and even to this day, adults said, “Why me?” We even made jokes about
still tell us that our mother was the best Sun- us combing out her hair and her looking a
day school teacher they ever had. She was a little like Bozo the clown with no hair on top,
mentor to other women who also contracted only the sides. We were blessed with two
breast cancer.
children. Our hero was lucky enough to see
The day we learned that our mother had all four of our grandchildren born.
breast cancer was so devastating. She was
In January 1999, she was diagnosed again
definitely the rock and the backbone of our with breast cancer and it had spread to her
family. She fought her battle with such grace uterus. She showed us how precious life is
and dignity, never wanting her family to and continued to battle. Oct. 11, 1999, I
worry about her.
turned 49 and as I blew out my candles, I
wished for her full recovery or for God to
come and get her. Two weeks later, she woke
me up and said, “I think I’m dying. Will you
Nominated by: Karen pray with me?”
Payne, 62, Burleson
We recited the Lord’s Prayer and she
My hero and dear friend, drifted off to an endless sleep without pain.
Melanie DeWitt, “scrapbooked” with the same in- Dixie Stoller, Fort Worth, died in
tensity with which she apMarch 2011
proached
her
eight-and-a-half-year
Nominated by: Her husbreast-cancer battle. Melanie found joy in
band Daniel Stoller, Fort
recording in great detail the memories she
Worth
attached to each treasured photograph. She
Dixie was a hero to me and
Melanie DeWitt, Burleson,
died Jan. 21, 2009
Sunday, October 14, 2012 9J
all who knew her during her 12-year struggle
to survive a diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer in May of 2000. Despite this tragic news,
Dixie was determined to at least see our
grandson, Trenton, graduate from high
school and spent the next 12 years relentlessly refusing to succumb to the cancer.
Dixie was employed as the executive secretary to the director of the Tarrant County
Health Department and continued her work
for 11 years after the diagnosis. Her determination and spirit during this time was an inspiration to many. She continued to enjoy
her passions: decorating, shopping, and
selling Southern Living items to simulate
others to dress stylishly and live well.
She endured many hardships along the
way, always with grit and grace. Dixie lived
over double her most optimistic prognosis
through superb scientific medical treatment
and by her indomitable will. Dixie fought on
after being told chemo would no longer
work, never acknowledging that the end was
near, and signed up with Season Hospice —
just to placate me, she told anyone who
asked. On Feb. 25, friends took Dixie on what
would be her last shopping trip, to Ikea, administering morphine as needed and pushing her in a wheelchair.
At noon March 1, 2011, in her own family
room surrounded by loved ones with her favorite gospel tunes playing on the radio, she
took her final breath, but her will to live and
vibrant spirit never died.
Pat Stevenson, Fort Worth,
died at 56
Nominated by: Her granddaughter, Tischa
Schroeder, 41, Crowley
My grandmother is my hero because of
the many life lessons she taught me. She
went through two mastectomies, a broken
hip, and, as the cancer metastasized, bone
and brain cancer, all with a smile on her face
and the knowledge that she was going home
to a better place.
Most of all, she taught me love; the unconditional kind that parents give to their
children. My grandmother opened her
home, not only to me, but all of my high
school friends as well. After I had left for
college, my best friends who stayed local
came to visit my grandmother as if she were
their own; she wouldn’t have wanted it any
other way.
One of my most cherished memories was
actually at my grandmother’s funeral. My
friends and I had formed a circle at the graveside and we held hands and prayed and
cried together. When I looked up from our
prayer, I saw a crowd of people just silently
watching this shared moment.
After that, someone said to me, “What a
special moment between you and your
friends. I’ve never had friendships that
close.” I smiled and thought to myself,
“These girls are so much more than just
friends; they’re family. I have my grandmother to thank for that.”
10J Sunday, October 14, 2012
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Strong
supporters
Sherree Bennett, 47,
Bedford
Nominated by: Joe and Sue
Cook, 70s, Granbury
Sherree Bennett is a hero
to over 3,000 breast cancer
survivors and their families.
These are the women who
have just started the journey,
or undergoing treatment,
and/or in survivorship.
Sherree is a Certified Breast
Health Nurse Navigator.
This remarkable young
lady is a 23-year registered
nurse and a 12-year breast
cancer survivor. Her journey
included breast conserving
surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Sherree’s career and life purpose
is to serve others who hear
those dreaded words, “You
have breast cancer.” She had
the medical knowledge to
help women and their loved
ones to understand their diagnosis in order to make informed choices. Most importantly, she has “walked
the walk.”
Marty Slaughter, 59,
Fort Woth
Nominated by: Susan Idelman, Fort Worth
Marty Slaughter is a kind
and caring wife and mother
of three and also a breast
cancer survivor. She is a
hero to many
but most significantly to
two individuals, Gail and Susan, who
were also diagnosed with
breast cancer. Marty unselfishly devoted time and energy to share her breast cancer
experience and ensure that
Gail and Susan had a “cancer
coach” at every stage of their
treatment.
Marty was diagnosed
with breast cancer almost
five years ago. Not having
cancer in her family or any
first-hand knowledge of
treatment plans for breast
cancer, she initially had difficulty, not only with the
trauma associated with the
diagnosis, but with finding
the proper route of care for
her somewhat rare form of
breast cancer. As a result of
her difficulty, she has
reached out to others who
have needed someone to
share the path.
Crowley, River Oaks, son of
survivor Wanda Crowley
When my 86-year-old
mother was diagnosed with
breast cancer and the biopsy
confirmed it, the next job
was finding a surgeon. So
many people gave glowing
endorsements of Dr. Bussey
that I kidded with my sister
that she seemed more like a
cult leader than a surgeon.
Our first meeting at her
office explained why she was
so valued. My mother used
to volunteer for hospice and
had many detailed questions
about various treatments
and procedures. Dr. Bussey
answered them all without
making us feel rushed or like
she had something more
pressing to attend to.
This ability to treat the
experience of the disease
with as much skill as the disease itself is why I think Dr.
Bussey is a hero. She treated
my mother as if she were her
own. Any surgeon could perform the surgery; fewer can
recognize that the explanation for the disease is different from the experience of
the disease; fewer still treat
the experience with the same
skill as the surgery. Trips to
Dr. Bussey’s office after the
surgery were more like trips
to a concerned friend or relative than that clinical sterility that is the norm in modern medicine.
Donald Boyd,
Fort Worth
Nominated by: His wife,
Shirley Boyd, Fort Worth
I am a two-time cancer
survivor; however, my doctor tells me I have not passed
the five-year mark.
I was first
diagnosed
with cancer a
few months
after I had a
heart attack
in 2009. The doctor said it
was cancer of the uterus. It is
a shock when you hear the
words, “it is cancer.” My
husband of 55 years immediately stepped up to the plate.
He loved me, uplifted me,
and went to all my doctor
visits. After my operation, he
was the best caregiver any
woman could ever ask for. He
even learned how to cook for
us.
The following year, 2010,
I went for my mammogram.
They called me back and I
got a sinking feeling when
they told me they were going
Archie Earle, 87,
to do a biopsy. The call came,
Arlington
“Shirley, you have breast
Nominated by: His wife, cancer, and you are going to
Marjorle H. Earle, Arlington have to find a surgeon right
My husband of 66 years away.” It took my breath
went with me to a specialist away, but again, Don was my
when I learned of the lump in
my breast. When he told me
that he was 95 percent sure
that I had cancer, we had him
do a biopsy the next day, verifying his claims. So, we had
him remove my right breast
and 18 lymph nodes. I went
for chemotherapy the next
day. Archie read and studied
all of the material of administering it so that he could do
it.
When they were going to
change the tube that first
time, he told the nurse that
he would like to change it,
under her supervision. He
did it and the nurse praised
him on his skill. The next
time, he asked to do it again.
The nurse allowed it and
brought in one of the student
nurses to observe. The nurse
told him that his procedures
were perfect.
I have now been cancer
free for 21 years. I don’t believe that I would be if it
hadn’t been for the wonderful care my husband gave
me.
Dr. Jane Bussey,
Fort Worth
Nominated
by:
Mike
Sunday, October 14, 2012 11J
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The Trimble Tech Class of ’86
rock. We found a surgeon,
and a nurse navigator. Together we learned all about
the options, and we decided
on a mastectomy. The operation was performed successfully, and the lymph nodes
were not affected.
Don tells me every day
that he loves me; that I am
precious to him, and I will always be the most beautiful
girl in the room.
Trimble Tech
Class of 1986
Nominated by: Themselves
In the summer of 2006,
Trimble Tech, class of 1986,
began their 20-year class reunion with a meet-andgreet in downtown Fort
Worth. A crowd of smiling
faces could be seen grouped
around two scarf-headed
women, LeShawn SpeightsRoss and Teresa LafeyetteCarter. Little did the classmates know, these two
would bring our individual
efforts of supporting them in
their battle together to form
a group of “Bulldogs,” our
school mascot, battling with
them and others in the fight
against breast cancer.
In 2005, LeShawn and
Teresa’s paths crossed during chemo treatments at the
Center for Cancer and Blood
Disorders. Initially, neither
was aware of the other’s diagnosis. LeShawn was engaged in her second battle
and Teresa, her first. They
forged a bond and vowed to
support one another in the
fight.
Heroes sometimes need
help and they seek others to
join the fight, like “The Super Friends.” When they
came together, they pulled
us all in for the fight. At first,
support was from individual
classmates who remained
close over the years. After
2006, they had the support
of the entire class. Support
was provided through phone
calls, hospital visits, overnight stays, running errands,
drives to therapy and monetary support when needed.
LeShawn passed away in
May of 2008 and Teresa in
April of 2011. The class of ’86
continues to fight and support breast-cancer survivors.
Sharon Holliday, 46,
Houston
Nominated by: Karen Cichocki, 50, Aledo
“You have cancer.” The
three words that no woman
ever wants to hear, I heard on
October 14, 2009. To make
matters worse, it was Stage
III. I will never forget that
day, or where I was when my
life changed and I began the
journey for breast cancer.
I have many breast cancer
heroes — my husband, my
children,
my parents —
but my
main hero is my
Sisters
Sharon sister,
Holliday, left, and Sharon,
who is 4
Karen Cichocki
years
younger than I and lives in
Houston. When she heard
that I would need chemotherapy and I would lose my
hair, she decided that she
was going on the “bald journey” with me. My sister is a
beautician by trade and on
Dec. 12, 2009, eight days after my first chemo session,
we had a head-shaving party.
Three years later, we both
have short hair, which neither one of us would have
had, and have a bond that is
unbreakable.
Albert Moser, 60,
Hurst
Nominated by: His wife,
Linda Moser, 55, Hurst
A little over 39 years ago,
we stood at the altar and took
our vows: for better or
worse, in sickness or in
health. We were a military
family, traveling where the
USAF sent us for 23 wonderful years. We stood together,
raising two wonderful sons,
seeing the world together.
We blinked our eyes and our
lives led us to
live in the
wonderful
city of Hurst,
where
we
had developed a great deal of friendships among our neighbors.
About two years ago, during the 4th of July weekend
in 2010, my husband took me
to San Antonio, so that I
could get my mind off of
what was to come. We had
received news of my breast
cancer and I made the decision to have a double mastectomy. This was when our
vows were truly tested and I
found out just how much my
husband loves me. He was
there for me in every possible way and more. I feel that
we grew together through
this journey and we are
stronger than ever.
In this past year, I have
lost my mom and aunt to
breast cancer. I am a fourthgeneration breast cancer patient and through everything, I’ve had a wonderful
support system. I owe so
much to everyone, but most
of all, my loving spouse, Al,
who has always been my
shining knight from the moment I married him.
Marc Johnson,
Granbury
happily and without complaints. When times were
tough for me, he was the one
that held me and reassured
me that everything was
going to be fine once again.
After the last surgery, I
was afraid to look at my body
for the first time, but we did
it together and he told me
that he would always love me
as a person, no matter what
the scars looked like. It made
me realize how thankful I
was to have someone like
him to encourage me and
make me feel whole.
Ralph Smith
Nominated by: His exwife, Juli Smith
It was April 2, the day after my 49th birthday. That
morning, I got my daughter
to school and returned home
to call my exhusband to
share with
him that I
was
really
sick. While
we had been divorced for
seven years, we had remained good friends. I explained my symptoms to him
and he drove me to the emergency room of Harris Southwest.
It was there that we were
told that I had Stage IV
breast cancer and it had
spread to my bones, liver and
lungs. We both started crying, hugging each other.
From that point on, he became one of the strongest
people I know. He asked me
who he needed to call and we
made a list. While it was hard
for him to make the calls, he
got it done. The whole time,
he was assuring me that he
would get me the best care
and that I would survive.
Since that day, he has
been there for me. Running
errands when I couldn’t
drive, cooking and cleaning,
doing laundry, and staying at
my house while I traveled to
Houston for my treatments.
He constantly tells me that
I’m beautiful, even when I
feel awful.
Nominated by: His wife,
Pat Johnson, Granbury
I am a two-time breastcancer survivor. After being
in remission for eight years, I
was recently diagnosed with
breast cancer again. I have
had many heroes in my
past and present
who
have gotten
me through
all the surgeries and treatments, but my biggest hero is
my husband, Marc.
Marc has been the one
who has sat or walked with
me during all the different Read more Strong
phases from diagnosis to re- Supporters stories in
mission. He has done things the Life & Arts section.
for me that I thought I would
never have to ask anyone to
do and he has done them
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