Cancer Survivors News Summaries by title
Cancer survivor Lester returns, will start Monday
Cancer survivor takes creative path to recovery
Cancer survivor ignores the odds
Koivu inspires cancer survivor
Cancer survivor positive Athlete proves life goes on after invasive surgery
Cancer survivor conquers Kilimanjaro
Real cancer battle may begin as treatment ends
Jane hits high point on epic ride
Payne’s courageous story an inspiration
Cancer survivors live in ‘full bloom’
Cancer survivors celebrate at Relay for Life
Bike rider offering hope for cancer victims
Smiling Through Tough Times: Cancer patient inspires family, friends
My brave girl beat cancer.. Now I will too
Cancer patient inspires caregivers with upbeat attitude to life
Cancer survivor moves forward
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Cancer survivor Lester returns, will start Monday
22nd July 2007
Published on Associated Press
Sports Illustrated described the imminent return of Red Sox rookie Jon Lester to Major League Baseball. Lester had his dreams shattered after his rookie season was cut short by an illness which proved to be cancer. Last August, Lester’s life seemed at the crossroads after he was diagnosed with lymphoma. Jon Lester has however been able to confront the illness and recapture his place in the Red Sox lineup. Lester told the reporter “I don’t think it has really sunken in yet, and I don’t think it will sink in until tomorrow when I get up on the mound”. He added “It’s definitely a lot more gratifying than last year, just for the simple fact of the road that I’ve been on coming back from last year”. The Red Sox management made clear in their intention that Lester was selected on performance rather than sympathy. Red Sox manager Terry Francona did acknowledge the importance of the occasion. “I can’t sit here and tell you there won’t be some emotion involved”.
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Cancer survivor takes a creative path to recovery
2nd May 2007
By Joel Jacobson
The Chronicle Herald interviewed Carolyn Fish, a remarkable cancer survivor and an emerging artist. The article describes how 62-year-old Fish has triumphed over a brain tumor as well as breast cancer. In 1996, Carolyn Fish was diagnosed with a brain tumor which required chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the following years. She was forced to give up her successful job as a store manager. The treatment resulted in some loss of vision and hearing. In 2006, Fish was diagnosed with early breast cancer which was also treated. Carolyn Fish decided to channel her energies into something positive. The story describes how Fish chose to develop her talent for art during the recovery from the brain tumor. Carolyn Fish enrolled in a course at NSCAD University. The first few terms were difficult since she was still recovering from the effects of her brain tumor treatment. Fish persisted with her studies and recently graduated. Not only did the course enhance her art skills, it also gave Fish the opportunity to travel internationally. Just as importantly, the studies provided a positive focus during her rehabilitation. “Painting, sculpture and art history, which I’ve loved, have been the best therapy for forgetting your troubles”. Fish added “I feel so lucky I’ve been able to do all this”.
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Cancer survivor ignores the odds
2nd February 2007
The Chicago Defender profiled resident Cathy Bernas who was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer 2 years ago but has continued to defy the odds. Cathy Bernas had developed lung cancer despite being a non-smoker and having limited exposure to passive smoke. A theme of the article is the improved survival of many forms of cancer. Cathy Bernas has required several courses of chemotherapy for her illness but remains alive. The writer of the article points out that improvements in therapy mean that the course of many cancers increasingly resembles the picture of chronic illness with relapses and remissions. Bernas described her personal experience to The Chicago Defender. “My lung cancer is basically a medical condition I have to live with for as long as I can”. She added, “It’s like diabetes or hypertension. I’ll be on some sort of chemo schedule for the rest of my life. You just keep a positive attitude and you keep going on”. The article also highlights the increasing number of cases of lung cancer being diagnosed in women. The five-year survival of lung cancer has slowly improved over the last few decades but we have has not yet seen the dramatic improvements in survival shown in some other malignancies such as breast and prostate cancer. A recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated dramatic improvement in lung cancer survival if the illness is diagnosed early and the appropriate treatment commenced.
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Koivu inspires cancer survivor
2nd December 2006
By Dave Stubbs (of The Gazette)
This article described a meeting between two non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivors. Lili Leger, aged 61, and NHL star Saku Koivu have both endured the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and the demands of the treatment. Recently Lili Leger had received an uplifting message of encouragement from the Canadiens captain. The message of support helped Lili through some of the most difficult days of her treatment program. Saka Kiovu told the reporter about the bond that often exists between cancer survivors as a result of their experiences. “You can relate to each other. You feel a closeness because you’ve gone through the same kind of battle”. Leger recently made a point of catching up with Kiovu and thanking him for his support at this difficult and uncertain time. Another key to Lili Leger’s recovery has been her attitude. “I nourished myself with positive thoughts every day, they were my favorite meal. Hope is bigger than fear and that kept me going. I told myself that I had to give tomorrow another chance”. Leger also told the reporter about the importance of the support she received from Serge, her husband and her family and friends. Lili was also quick to acknowledge the support from the inspirational NHL star. “It’s incredible, when you see someone who’s had the same sickness as you and see the way he’s turned out. He’s giving me such hope”.
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Cancer survivor positive Athlete proves life goes on after invasive surgery
11th October 2006
By Andrea Lavigne
The Victoria News profiled John O’Shaughnessy, a survivor of bladder cancer who has become an inspiration to the community through his involvement in sports. John planned to celebrate World Ostomy Day by completing an eight-kilometre run in Victoria. John competes despite having a device called an ostomy created during surgery for his bladder cancer. O’Shaughnessy recently completed a grueling seven day mountain bike race with a friend who suffers from Crohn’s Disease. O’Shaughnessy told The Victoria News about the difficulty in completing the ride across the Rocky Mountains. “I think it was more of a learning opportunity to just kind of see exactly how far we could push our bodies. It was just about being adaptable”. Referring to his upcoming 8 km run, O’Shaughnessy stated “On Sunday morning it’s just going more of a celebration of my lifestyle”.
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Cancer survivor conquers Kilimanjaro
9th October 2006
By Celia Wigg
The Norfolk Eastern Daily Press reported the successful climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, by a cancer survivor. Mike Crawley, of Reepham, completed his amazing adventure to raise money for seriously-ill children. After reaching the top of the mountain the 53-year-old father of four reflected on his wonderful achievement. He told the reporter “When I was first diagnosed at 50, and during my treatment, I often felt sorry for myself. Later I came to realize how lucky and privileged I’d been to have lived such a full and happy life. Now, of course, I enjoy each and every day”. Crawley added “In celebration of my ‘second chance’ I wanted to make a difference and do what I can to help these fantastic children, their amazing friends and families and excellent carers”. To find out more about Mike’s charitable work visit www.justgiving.com/mikecrawley
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Real cancer battle may begin as treatment ends
17th September 2006
By Blythe Bernhard
This thought-provoking story discusses how many cancer survivors experience a sense of vulnerability when their intensive treatment finishes and they return home. Returning to a normal life often produces some sense of anxiety. The article points out that many people who are diagnosed with cancer feel a paradoxical sense of security during treatment and are concerned about the return of the illness when their treatment is finished. Survivors of cancer may react in unexpected ways and many have found difficulty returning to normal life. One cancer survivor, Julie Rolfe, told The Orange County Register “I found it wasn’t as normal as I wanted it to be. I wanted to do things I had always put off”. The article describes how a program at Hoag’s Cancer Center focused on returning to a normal life and readjusting to everyday life after cancer. One of the keys to successful readjustment is the recognition that unexpected issues may arise. Many of these day-to-day issues can be overcome simply by communication and appropriate support.
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Jane hits high point on epic ride
24th July 2006
BBC news reported on the progress of courageous 42-year-old mother Jane Tomlinson who is cycling across America to raise funds for cancer. Tomlinson was diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago and initially given only a few months to live. Jane has defied those gloomy predictions and has continued an active and fulfilling life despite the effects of her illness and treatment. Brave Tomlinson has run a marathon and competed in several triathlons since being diagnosed with cancer. The BBC article describes her remarkable journey across the United States by bike. At the time the article was published, Jane was experiencing extreme fatigue, dehydration and effects of the high altitude in the Colorado Rockies. Jane Tomlinson told the BBC reporter “I’m still going although I’m not quite sure how after some of these days”. Her effort is particularly brave considering that the treatment for her illness has reduced her heart function to only 49%.
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Payne’s courageous story an inspiration
26th June 2006
By Susan Bickelhaupt
When confronted with a diagnosis of cancer it is hard to look forward to the future with confidence. Many cancer patients however are able to rebuild their lives and can achieve great things. This article introduced swimmer Lindsay Payne who recently qualified for the US Olympic trials. Lindsay had achieved many remarkable triumphs during her time at Williams College where she earned a degree in psychology. Payne’s efforts are all the more remarkable because she was diagnosed with leukemia and was forced out of sport for 6 years during her treatment and recovery. Lindsay Payne told The Boston Globe that cancer patients can often rediscover success. Referring to a recent award as inspirational athlete she said “I’ve been looking at [the award] as something that hopefully other kids can look to who are battling cancer and see that just because they’re facing something at a young age, that they can still go on and do things after they’ve finished treatment”. The article describes how Lindsay Payne has remained focused on positive aspects of her life like sport and academic achievement. Talking about her illness, Lindsay never used it as an excuse. “I didn’t make a big deal to make it known”.
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Cancer survivors live in ‘full bloom’
5th June 2006
By Luci Rodriguez
This story in publicized an event which celebrated National Cancer Survivors Day. The theme for the gathering of patients, families and health care providers was ‘Living in Full Bloom” which was created based on the daffodil logo of the American Cancer Society. Michelle Hicks from the local division of the American Cancer Society told the reporter about the significance of the event. “The whole reason we do what we do is to provide hope to cancer survivors and prove cancer can be beaten”. Hicks added “I think again every opportunity we can take to bring cancer survivors together we should take that opportunity”. The audience at the gathering was deeply moved by a personal account of survival of ovarian cancer by Stacy Hemmenway who was first diagnosed 9 years ago. National Cancer Survival Day is celebrated on nine countries and four continents.
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Cancer survivors celebrate at Relay for Life
20th May 2006
By Liz Vargo
The Record Herald reported on a recent event to celebrate cancer survival and also to remember victims. The 24-hour Relay for Life was conducted in Greencastle. Breast cancer survivor Darlene Bricker told the reporter about the importance of meeting other survivors. “Hope and a good attitude are the key to beating the whole thing”. Darlene added “When you see the survivors, it gives you hope”. Another breast cancer survivor Nancy Leab highlighted the importance of support of family and friends at this difficult time. The event also included friends and family of those who had succumbed to cancer. The Relay for Life provided an opportunity to find comfort and healing for those who had lost loved ones to cancer. Kim Oakes and Crystal Wagner lost their father to cancer and told The Record Herald reporter “We’ve come every year since. (The relay) lifts you up. When I step foot on this track, I feel like my dad’s looking down on me”.
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Bike rider offering hope for cancer victims
12th April 2006
By Joe Friedrichs
This report introduces 48-year-old melanoma survivor Randolph Westphal. Westphal, a native of Germany was diagnosed with malignant melanoma almost ten years ago and was given a dire prognosis. He has required surgery on 26 occasions to treat his illness. Since his diagnosis, Westphal has continued to defy the odds and lives an inspirational life. He is passionate about bike riding with his team of dogs. The report describes how Randolph recently rode his bike across Canada in freezing temperatures. More recently, Westphal had been riding along the coast of Oregon. The story describes his mission to bring hope into the lives of cancer sufferers. One of the messages that Westphal brings to those he meets is the importance of continuing to live, work and participate in enjoyable activities despite an illness. Westphal told The Pilot that “You have to do what you like to do”.
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Smiling Through Tough Times: Cancer patient inspires family, friends
7th March 2006
By Valerie Zehl
This article described the strength and courage of 28-year-old Tara Guevara-Stover who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. Tara was diagnosed with the illness soon after discovering she was pregnant with her son. Despite the symptoms of her illness and the effects of her treatment, Tara has maintained a positive outlook which has uplifted those around her. When she was first diagnosed with lymphoma, Tara faced a difficult choice. Keeping her unborn child may have posed a risk to her health and complicated the cancer treatment. Tara decided to continue with her pregnancy and to this point has not looked back. She received chemotherapy during her pregnancy and radiation after her child was born. Her cancer returned a few months ago but Tara continues to fight hard and remain positive and optimistic. Motherhood keeps her busy. Friends have organized fundraisers to help her through this recent setback. Tara Guevara-Stover’s strength, determination and courage continue to brighten the lives of her friends and family. Her mother Janice Stover told the reporter that “She has always had a beautiful smile, even now that she’s sick”.
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My brave girl beat cancer.. Now I will too
12th February 2006
By Sarah Bruce
This moving story describes how a 45-year-old mother recently diagnosed with breast cancer has found inspiration from her own daughter’s recovery from leukemia. Ashleigh Bond was 4 years old when she was found to have leukemia. Over the following years, she fought a long but successful battle to beat the disease. The success of Ashleigh was a source of strength when mum Angie recently learned she had a malignant breast lump. “Because of her, when I was told I had cancer I just thought ‘OK, what can I do to beat it?’ Angie Bond added “It really helped that she’d been through the same thing. It’s given me extra oomph to get over it”. Angie Bond received chemotherapy to shrink the cancer. Later Angie had a mastectomy and removal of several lymph nodes. In the article, Angie Bond told the Sunday Mail “I’m not out of the woods yet but I’m determined to get over this. If Ashleigh can do it, so can I”.
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Cancer patient inspires caregivers with her upbeat attitude to life
9th February 2006
By Theresa Campbell
This remarkable story describes the daily life of a terminally-ill breast cancer patient. The article is rather confronting but thought-provoking and interesting. Despite the challenge of her terminal illness, 37-year-old Tracie Wright cherishes each day and brings great joy into the lives of those around her. Tracie Wright has made a courageous choice to enjoy each individual day of her life. She appreciates the beautiful things around her and the love of other people. Tracie Wright told The Daily Sun “I look forward to waking up each day”. She added “I look forward to being here and being able to enjoy the day”. Tracie’s view is that she is living not dying. According to Tracie Wright’s mother Carole “There is a lot of living in dying, and she is proof of that. She is living each day that she is dying. She is just amazing”. Tracie’s father, Gary Wright, has also been inspired by her courage and her attitude to her life. He commented “She has made me take a different look on life altogether. That you live for the day and don’t worry about tomorrow”. Tracie Wright has some words of advice for those confronting a terminal illness. “Take full advantage of every minute that you have. Don’t take anything for granted”. She also added “And have faith”.
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Cancer survivor moves forward
30th January 2006
By Shawna Morrison
This story tells how a 19-year-old survivor of osteosarcoma has started rebuilding his life and is now making plans for the future. Andrew Gillespie now wears a prosthesis on his right leg after an amputation. Gillespie also needed to endure chemotherapy treatments after being diagnosed with an aggressive bone cancer just after the spring break at high school. He experienced many side effects from the chemotherapy including hair loss. The future is now looking much brighter. The cancer appears to be gone and he feels much better. Andrew Gillespie is looking forward to a career and a better life. Mary Gillespie, the mother of Andrew, described the experience of the last few years to the reporter from The Roanoke Times. “I think Chuck, Andrew and I would all agree that this experience has sharpened our awareness of how precious and fragile our lives are and how much we need to appreciate each and every day”.
