Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I was determined to not allow cancer rob me of my smile. I encourage you to keep smiling... come what may, keep smiling.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I had found out about my diagnosis before Memorial Day but didn't want to tell my adult children till I could tell them in person (not by phone).  My son and daughter (in-law) said "we'll help you make a plan".  When I told my daughter, she said, "You've got this Mom!  You made it through having your knee replaced!  This will be a piece of cake!".  I knew my family, and especially my wonderful husband, Dick, we with me on this journey.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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Shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, I was in the OBX. While walking on the beach in the morning and thinking about everything I came to the conclusion that I could fight this battle. Being alone on the beach at sunrise and listening to the waves is very peaceful for me. 

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I was 9 years old when I was diagnosed with cancer.  It was a terrifying time, as you can imagine.  I remember being admitted immediately to the ICU from the emergency room, to a room full of machines and scary looking equipment.  The nurse looked at my scared eyes and told me that I didn't have to worry, that they wouldn't be using any of those for me.  An hour later, I was hooked up to half a dozen of them.  This was the moment that I realized just how serious it was, and that if I was to pull through to the other side I had to embrace the situation for what it was and fight with all I had.  My mother was there with me for every infusion, every surgery and procedure, every hospitalization.  She fought for me when I was too weak to fight for myself.  We never gave up, and 22 months later, we got to hear those magical words - "you won".

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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My cancer journey has been aided by all the professionals at the Hawthorne team I met along the way, including the radiologist, surgeon, oncologist, radiation team, nutritionist, support services, and counseling with an introduction to yoga, self-care, and mindfulness--all masterful in their fields and compassionate. My faith and personal resilience have increased as I learned I do not walk alone here or anywhere.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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On April 1 I got diagnosed with breast cancer. I would numb they tell me about the Sarah Cannon breast Center support group on the first floor. I went down there the following day on April 2 and saw Ms. Rosa, who was in the reception area doing some kind of craft she was calm and she told me she was a breast cancer survivor. In a calm and reassuring way, she told me it was going to be OK that I would make it through the fog that I was currently feeling and I could survive this, just take a deep breath and keep moving forward and ask lots of questions along my journey. The following Wednesday I went to the support group meeting with a bunch of women I had never met before saying all these things that I couldn’t hear or comprehend yet because I was still in a fog but they were calm and that’s all I could hear was their kind gentle caring voices. I didn’t hear what they were saying but I did hear the kindness and warmth in their voices which was a relief for me that others that I could touch and feel were going to be there for me.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I was diagnosed with breast cancer 20+ yeas ago, it was exactly 3 days before my retirement from a major fortune 500 company. Which was one of the darkest days of my life. After the initial shock I was referred to a team of doctors who helped me fight the battle, because I always thought that cancer was a death sentence. After the process of facing this disease and completing all my surgery, radiation, 5year therapy medication treatment, life had  a new meaning to me. I attended support groups where I became close friends with others who also helped me along my journey. I felt I could contribute more to others that were recently diagnosed.  So volunteered at the Hawthorne Resource Center where I have met many friends and learned to appreciate each day as a special gift.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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Prior to both of my diagnoses, God revealed to me in dreams what would be later confirmed by my surgeon that I had cancer and that it was in more than one place. But in another dream, He revealed that I would have ‘new breasts’.This was all before a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. In the midst of my journey, I adopted the mantra, “Fight2Win”. This mantra became my guiding force against all odds(and there were quite a few odds along this journey ). As a result of my faith and belief in my had a peace in my spirit that I would win in my fight against cancer because I knew that God was my healer.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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It was a routine check-up for me when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.I was called back because they said the image didn't come out clear. I knew it didn't sound right because they had just started the 3-D image was what we called it then. Fast forward walking in the fog being. You dare not say the whole word only the Big C and the first thing was it's going take me out. Playing this big hero but in the inside I was falling about.The crying wouldn't stop.I had a Great team of doctors who recommend that I join the support group. So many times I passed the door of the Hawthorne Center. Then one day Robin was standing outside in the hall immediately I pour my heart out crying some more. The invitation was extended to come join and be apart of the groupI am Grateful and Thankful that I saw her on that day.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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While going through my treatments, I had a dream; upon waking; I knew that my job on earth was not finished.  This was the moment I had to stay the course and believe. My gratitude to all medical staff overseeing my treatment and recovery.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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My most emotional moment was at the Relay for Life survivor's walk. My family was there and we all shared a happy cry for making it through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. My hair was even starting to grow back in. Great memories.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I found out I had breast cancer on a Saturday morning. I received an email saying my pathology report is in My-Charts. I read the report and was devastated and scared. I honestly thought my world has ended. Thank God there was a doctor in family that read my pathology report and she able to calm me down. My mom died with breast cancer 23 years ago. The thought of having breast cancer was Horrific for me.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I was 36 years old with no risk factors for breast cancer, but for some reason, I felt like the biopsy results were not going to be good, so I asked a friend to go along to the appointment with me.  At 1:00 the radiologist told me I have cancer.  At 2:00 I was meeting with a surgeon.  Before I even left the hospital someone had offered to pray with me.  By 3:30 I was eating pizza outside at my favorite restaurant with the friend who had taken off work to go to a "quick appointment" with me.  We had planned to celebrate a negative biopsy.  Instead, we were celebrating that we'd caught the cancer when we did.  As I processed those very full 2.5 hours with my friend, I realized I could do this.  Not by myself, but with my friends and family and the Big Dude Upstairs.  Yes, I could do this.  I am doing this.  I had a double mastectomy 3 days after my 37th birthday and had my last chemotherapy treatment today!  Radiation is next.  And then 5-10 years of hormone therapy.  But I am alive.  I am loved.  I am okay.  And I am thankful.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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Being a three time cancer survivor I feel fortunate that today great advances have been made in cancer treatments.  When I think of the various treatments out there I have been able to put aside my anxiety.  In 2001 I started this journey and found myself at The Hawthorne.  Here is a place you experience great fellowship, have emotional support, and you can laugh as well as cry with those that are going through the same thing as you. During the times that I have been strong and well I have ventured away. Then when I am in need of emotional support I come back.  Over my 20 year journey Robin Yoder, our facilitator, has been here at The Hawthorne.  I doubt no other support group has had the same facilitator for this length of time.  It means a lot to me when I am in need that Robin is here.  She knows me.  She knows my history.  She knows the changes in care and treatment over the last 20 years.  I love the consistency that she brings to The Hawthorne.  I feel blessed that she and this support group are here for me.  Yes, here for me and all of this is available to anyone on this journey.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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Going to the Hawthorne Support Group Meeting was like coming to a new home. Unfamiliar yes until people started sharing. Then I could see that they could relate all too well to what I felt. And they could still laugh.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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The moment the radiologist gave me the diagnosis I asked the question: “Can I beat this?”  The nurse turned to me and said, “Definitely “.  I knew at that moment I had the faith, strength, and courage to fight the battle.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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I was Diagnosed with a rare soft tissue sarcoma in the bone and surrounding soft tissues of my right femur on July 19, 2010.  Three weeks later on August 5, 2010 my right leg was amputated high above my knee.  The picture above was taken on a Monday,  4 days before that life changing and life saving surgery.  I had just returned from the Medical College of Virginia after signing all the consent forms for that surgery to The Hawthorne to share in person the news and date of my decision to my Monday General Cancer Support. My husband was with me and we were only planning be be at The Hawthorne for a very brief  time.   What we didn't know as I very reluctantly and emotionally entered The Hawthorne, the center that I created and founded, were about 100+ people, patients, co-workers, physicians, community partners all gathered waiting to embrace me (us) with food and the same love and caring and support that I had given all of them.  I was immediately swaddled with that handmade whimsical blanket.  What you can't see is the underside of that blanket and all the beautiful caring handwritten messages to me on each quilted patch by those in attendance.   I knew in that exact moment, however way things were going to turn out for me in the days, weeks and months ahead, that I (and my family) were going to be OK.  The center and community that I had spent my whole career building to help people with cancer was now helping me!  I still have that blanket and during the cool winter months I lay it across my bed for a little extra warmth.  And though it has been used and laundered over these years, those very caring and sincere messages have not faded.  I always pause and read them never forgetting the profound power of caring and grace.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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Four weeks after my mastectomy, I was able to participate in my first cancer walk with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. At first I was a little scared because I thought it would be too soon after my surgery to accomplish such a feat, but it was personally important enough to me to participate. Although I moved a little slow and required assistance from family, I did it. I felt the strength and positive energy of fellow survivors and supporters which made me want to keep walking. If you’ve never participated in a walk before, it is truly inspiring. That mattered to me because I felt at that moment I could recover from this diagnosis, and that I would be ok. I have been participating in the Cancer walks now for 10 years and I’ve even established my own team called “Breast Savers.” We now raise over $1000 almost every year to help others in their battle for survival.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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The moment that my medical team stated that they wanted to pray with my husband and I after giving me the news of mu diagnosis. This was when I knew I could do this.  YES; I cried but in that same moment I rose up within myself and felt comfort.  Receiving support from friends, neighbors, church and coworkers was very touching. So blessed with all the meals, yummy desserts and fellowship.  As for my amazing coworkers; the entire department had a prayer wall of pink hearts with words of encouragement and inspiration.  Another milestone was that the staff had PINK shirts made for everyone with my initials and on the back stating: No One Fights Alone.These shirts were a total surprise.  This year my crew surprised me again a with another encouraging slogan for the shirts: Fighting, Surviving and Thriving Together. Since 2019 we all wear our shirts every Wednesday.  Just know that you have support in all avenues of your life.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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After getting the bad diagnosis I was emotionally crushed. After doing some immediate research I reached out and joined a Prostate Cancer Support Group. . As that first meeting progressed  I was given SUPPORT, information and the flame of SURVIVAL was lit. I became that night determined to fight this dread enemy. I did a great deal of research in order to review thoroughly options that were then available back in the late 1990's. The expression "Knowledge is Power" is so true. Thus in these 25 years, I have had multiple recurrences which needed numerous different treatment modalities each with their costly side effects, but my will to live overcame these issues

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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Being a military wife and away from our home state and family, my husband and I were at a loss as to how to come to terms with and cope with my diagnosis.  Being greeted by a warm and positive group leader, and group members at The Hawthorne support group was our aha moment.  It did and still does give us comfort, hope, and appreciation for each day.  As a bonus, we have made wonderful new friends!!

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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My mom is a two-time breast cancer survivor. Because of this, I think that I've always thought that I would eventually be diagnosed. That did not make the diagnosis any easier. Following an abnormal mammogram and biopsy in November, I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with lobular features on December 2, 2020. My world immediately shifted. A low hum began in my ears and I felt scared and overwhelmed. I had so many thoughts swirling around in my head that it was hard to focus on any one thing. I was worried about my children, my husband and parents, money, and surgery/treatment. These feelings of fear and worry have receded and returned multiple times throughout this journey.

Many things have helped me manage the negative feelings, including practicing deep breathing, positive self-talk, grounding exercises, and other mindfulness activities, but it's the people in my life that have made all of the difference. Throughout the early days of diagnosis and treatment plans, through two surgeries (a lumpectomy and a re-excision to get clear margins), and now in the beginning days of radiation, my tribe has rallied around me. They have sent countless cards, emails, and texts to check in on me. They have called and understood when I didn't want to talk or when all I wanted to do was whine. They have sent meals, cleaners, treats, gifts, and wine. They have gone to doctor's appointments with me so that I had an extra set of ears in the room. They are an amazing group of kind, strong, fabulous humans and I'm lucky to have them in my life.

One of my aha moments happened on the day before my initial surgery. I was scared and overwhelmed at the thought of surgery. I was afraid of the pain and scared of what I would look like afterward. Pretty much everything about it, from the IV to the guidewire placement to the general anesthesia, made me afraid and anxious.

On the morning before my surgery, I woke to find the fig tree in our front yard decorated with cards. A group of my girlfriends had gathered cards from my friends, neighbors, and colleagues, and with my daughter's help, had decorated my tree. It was a tangible message that I was not alone, that I was surrounded by love and prayers and people who truly believed that I could beat this cancer. It was truly beautiful! On the hard days, the days when I want to spend my time wallowing, I think about that tree and my tribe and it lifts me up. It helps me remember that I am strong, that I can do this, and that I have a whole lot of people supporting me along the way. It helps me remember that I am loved and blessed with beautiful relationships. It reminds me to lean into my faith. It reminds me of what is important.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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When I went for my yearly mammogram and got a call that I needed to come back for a 2nd reading.  I did my self breast exam before going back to get the 2nd reading and there it was a small lump.  A lump with a very different feeling to it that I had never felt before.  It was different and I knew it wasn't good.  But I was praying that the 2nd mammogram would come back showing that there was nothing to worry about.  I got me 2nd results back and I was told that there was nothing to worry about.  There is no cancer they said to come back in 6 months just to be rechecked.  I should have been happy you think.  However, the Lord placed in my Spirit that the lump in my breast was not good.  So I left that client and made a call to my primary doctor and got a referral to see Doctor Felsen.  She did a biopsy the next week.  And I was still praying that this lump would turn out not to be cancer.  When I went back to see Doctor Felsen for the biopsy results and the nurse took me back to the consultation room my heart dropped to my knees.  It took everything in me to walk into that room because I knew what the results was.  It seemed like I was waiting for hours for the doctor to come in but it was only a few minutes.  When she said you have breast cancer I did not hear anything else.  I let out a very loud piercing scream. Now no one heard that scream because it was a scream deep down inside of me.  My whole world turned upside down.  I felt so alone, so hurt, so much sorrow, so much disbelief, and had no clue about what I was entering into.  But when I got home The Lord dropped in my spirit this Scripture: Romans 8:11.  This is what I stand on and believe in with all of my heart.  And I am grateful for the young lady at the Genetic Testing unit who introduced me to Robin.  And Robin invited me to attend the online group.  And I am so glad that I attend this group because it helped me to realize that I am not alone in this. And being able to listen to others who have been where I am right now has lifted a big burden for me.  Because I am at the beginning stage of breast cancer.  and I have a lot to learn.

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

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My aha moment has been a process in the making. From my initial diagnosis my mind kicked into gear as to what’s next?? I found a support group right away and I educated myself as much as possible. My mind was going a mile a minute as I moved through the process: my surgery, my treatment and finally ringing the bell. On April 7th... this was a Yahoo and dancing in the streets moment for me. An exact week after my ringing the bell, on April 10th, I watched my house burn down before my eyes. I stood there in disbelief, it was  unbelievable. I lost EVERYTHING! I only had the clothes on my back. This was my aha moment... I was still standing, with my family safe and my health. I knew then , that I had more of my  life to give...

Statement 1: With regard to your cancer journey, share a moment that mattered.

There are so many moments that mattered in the big and small things during this journey that I find it very hard to put into words but this picture says it all, HOPE. In the beginning of 2015 shortly after I was diagnosed with my first breast cancer I began attending the Hawthorne’s Wednesday night breast cancer support group facilitated by Robin Yoder. In this group, I found so much support, understanding, love, and practical advice to manage the emotional and physical side effects of treatment. This group became a second family to me and we often did (and still do) social outings together. Then in 2017 when I told the group about my second diagnosis, I was enfolded in even more love, hugs, and support. It was in that profound moment that I knew there was hope and I would be okay to face whatever I had to. Join a support group. The understanding, support, and practical advice is invaluable. Also, allow others to help you. It is truly humbling to allow your family and friends to help care for you by cooking meals, being chemo buddies, or whatever supports you.