Breast Cancer Awareness
During the month of October, brave survivors shared their stories about their battle with cancer. Check out what they had to say.
ANDREA BATTLE-SIMS
23-year Breast Cancer Survivor
Diagnosed at age 37 with prior family history of Breast Cancer
Currently living with Cancer
“My message to my Sorors is to know your family history, take all health tests as soon as you are able to do so, and to be assertive with your physicians. It is your health and you have to make sure that they pay attention and give you all the care needed…Remember we serve a healing God. You are a survivor the first day you are diagnosed and have a positive attitude about God's healing powers.”
EUGENIA GREEN
Diagnosed December 2016
“It found me during Thanksgiving when a sharp pain shot through my left breast once a day for a week, then more frequently the second week. Lesson: please pay attention to your body and the changes that occur. Get checked out”
BARBARA HARRIS
Diagnosed in 2014 during a routine mammogram
Cancer free for 3 years
“Breast cancer was a journey I was propelled into, and one for which I was not prepared. I really appreciated the support from sorors who called and offered encouragement and support. Through the Grace of God, I made it through the surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and all those side effects. I will always be grateful to all my friends and sorors who supported me…My advice to others starting on this journey is that cancer is a journey, and not a sentence! Seek and accept support from others. You do not have to go it alone.”
LESLIE GILCHRIST
Diagnosed 1999
“June 1999, an X-Ray revealed a small spot but I was told that I had nothing to worry about. I continued to self-exam and pursued a second opinion. Eventually, I felt a lump. I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer November 1999. One month later, a mastectomy indicated Stage 3. My God carried me through Chemo, radiation and other challenges. Next month, I celebrate 18 years survivorship.”
NOREEN RODERICK
Two-time Cancer Survivor
Diagnosed 2012 with Thyroid Cancer, December 2014 with Breast Cancer
Cancer free since August 2015
“The chemo, mastectomy surgery and radiation were soooo much more than I ever could have imagined, yet my faith and family kept me upbeat through it all…Breast cancer champs/survivors can be a helpful soundboard and a great listening ear for those who might have questions or concerns that others wouldn't understand.”
