Tyler

By COSHANDRA DILLARD
Staff Writer

Finding out you have breast cancer is a life-altering event, so organizations such as the Tyler affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure continuously work to empower those women and energize the community to help clear a pathway to a cure.

On Saturday, about 250 women gathered at Tyler Junior College for the organization's annual breast cancer survivors' luncheon, in which it was all about celebrating faith, hope and love. Survivors and their guests not only received a complimentary lunch, but door prizes and a candid talk from motivational speaker, Mamie McCullough.

"This is a celebration of life hope, courage, strength and perseverance," said Cindy Nick, luncheon coordinator. "This is a room full of courage. These women all share a common bond. There battle is with cancer, but they are winning."

Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass was also on hand to make a proclamation officially announcing October 2008 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"The thing about life is that we all have to survive," Bass said.

Donning pink hats, blouses, shoes or pins, breast cancer survivors and their families were joyful at the gathering that linked people of different races, ages and backgrounds.

Survivor Karen Durham expressed the importance of the event.

"It's been 18 years and 10 months and every day counts," Mrs. Durham said, referring to the time passed since she was first diagnosed.

"This is very important to celebrate survivors. It's an opportunity for all of the survivors to get together and share their experiences," Mrs. Durham said although the thought of cancer resurfacing always remain in the back of her mind, events such as Saturday's help keep her positive.

Carole Rodenbaugh has been cancer free for 20 years and now volunteers her time to remind others who currently face the disease that they can overcome it.

"Life is wonderful," she said. "It's important to keep a very positive attitude through life. Don't think of the negatives."

For more than six years, Lola Roy has earned the title of survivor also, but she admits the day she was diagnosed was extremely difficult.

"You just hear the word cancer and you freeze," Mrs. Roy said. "I froze but I had to come back to life to fight."

Mrs. Roy cited her faith in God and family support as the reason she overcame cancer. Now, she said she wants to participate in activities that bring forth awareness and more support.

"When you look at this room, you see so many women who are affected," she said. "I try to do anything that we can do to help whether it's the race or a luncheon."

Her advice, she said, was to reach out to people if you receive that diagnosis.

"Pray for guidance, contact your oncologist and medical team and get family support."

A loved one's cancer diagnosis affects a whole family. That is why Theresa Moore-Jackson, 36, felt if was important for her to be at the luncheon in support of her aunt, Gloria Moore.

"She's the life of the family. She always makes sure that everyone is taken care of. This luncheon helps me know what my options are in taking preventative measures. I just encourage everyone who knows someone who has cancer or is a survivor to be there for them."

The crowd warmly received the guest speaker, author and educator, Mamie McCullough, who shared her life experiences, bits of wisdom and a message of hope through a comical delivery. Known as the "I Can Lady," she too is a cancer survivor.

"Without hope, we perish, without vision, we perish," she said.

Mrs. McCullough uses the symbol of the bee as inspiration to relay the message of pushing through obstacles although it may seem impossible.

"Aerodynamically, the bumblebee is not supposed to fly," she said. "But the bumblebee does not read, so he can fly."

She said it is almost impossible to pay back those who help us through life, but it is important to "pass it forward."

Mrs. McCullough advised survivors to always follow the instructions of medical experts, no matter how painful or inconvenient it may be. That advice could also be applied to life in general, she said.

"Oftentimes, the best work is done by those who are not feeling it," she said. "The worse I feel it seems like God doubly blesses me."

Each year, the affiliate gives the Joyce Greenberg volunteer award to individuals who have contributed greatly to the organization. Mrs. Greenberg, who battled cancer twice, was active in raising awareness about breast cancer in the community. She passed away in 2006.

This years' recipient went to husband-and-wife team, Ellen and Roger Peirce. The Peirce's volunteer hours of time to make the annual Race for the Cure successful. For 10 years, they have worked as a team, lending their skills where it was needed. Mrs. Peirce tearfully accepted the award.

"I loved Joyce Greenburg," she said. "To get this in her memory is very special to me. She was a great encourager to all of the volunteers."

Tyler Race for the Cure chairperson Kristin Goodman announced that the 2009 race will be held May 9 at Bergfeld Park and registration begins Jan. 1. For more information, visit www.komentyler.org.

HONORED: Ellen Peirce smiles as she accepts the 2008 Joyce Greenberg Volunteer Award that she won with her husband, Roger, at the Tyler Susan G. Komen Annual Survivor Luncheon at Tyler Junior College Saturday morning.
(Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.)