12/Mar/2009
Relay for Life Celebrates 25 Years With 25 Years of Cancer Survivors
By Madeline Casey
Editor’s note: Relay for Life is American Cancer Society’s (ACS) signature fundraising activity. The community event brings people together to raise money for cancer research and promote awareness. According to the ACS Web site, Relay for Life has raised nearly $3 billion for cancer research. 2009 marks Relay for Life’s 25th anniversary. To celebrate the event, we talked to three survivors who have survived a total of 25 years.
Debby Brian, 14-year survivor
"…One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. Please pause for a moment of prayer."
These words are broadcast over the loudspeaker at Northwestern Middle School each morning, followed by announcements from Principal Debby Brian.
Brian has been the principal here for five years. But 14 years ago when she was an assistant principal at Bakersfield Elementary, Brian was diagnosed with breast cancer.
At the age of 42, Brian went for a routine mammogram where a young woman was helping with the screening. The mammogram came back completely normal.
But the young woman noticed an unusual pea-sized lump high on Brian’s chest, too high for the mammogram to find. Brian requested a biopsy on the lump soon after.
The biopsy revealed Stage 1 breast cancer.
“I often wonder who that girl is because I want to tell her ‘You saved my life,’” Brian said.
Brian was shocked to learn the news. “Nobody is ready to hear that diagnosis. You are never prepared for it,” she said.
Brian elected to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction, which was a more aggressive procedure than suggested by her doctor.
But Brian didn’t want to take any chances or “give cancer any assistance.” The surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy was one of the most difficult times in her life.
“I wanted to be as aggressive as possible so I would never look back and think that I didn’t do enough,” Brian said.
Brian has been in remission for 14 years. She said she relied on her faith and friends to get through the challenges of cancer.
“It turned out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have learned that every day is a gift and I never take it for granted,” Brian says.
Her parents and husband took over the household responsibilities, and members of Plains Presbyterian Church cooked meals for her family on the days she had treatment.
Brian’s friends from Northwestern Middle School also played a vital role in supporting her recovery. They provided comic relief through funny cards and made themselves available to talk.
Brian now adamantly encourages her teachers to get their annual mammograms.
Northwestern Middle also sponsors a booth at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Zachary.
“The relay brings a sense of hope to our community. It’s such an encouragement for someone recently diagnosed to see someone who has survived ten or more years,” Brian said.
Michelle Barton, 9-year survivor
Eight years ago, Michelle Barton began to notice strange changes in her body. She felt extremely “imbalanced,” both physically and hormonally.
These drastic changes prompted her to make an appointment with her OB/Gyn and then a surgeon. Stephanie Barton, Michelle’s sister, accompanied her to the appointments.
All signs implied that Barton did not have breast cancer. Just one year earlier, a mammogram returned with normal results. But Stephanie insisted Barton get another mammogram.
The screening revealed microcalcifications deep in her chest near the breastbone, and the biopsy results showed that an aggressive cancer had been present for three months.
Barton credits her sister for saving her life.
“I would have been more passive because we trust what doctors tell us. But two sets of eyes are better than one and sometimes we need an outsider to speak up for us,” Barton said.
Barton also expressed how important early detection was for her and others.
“We know our bodies better than anyone else. If you notice anything unusual, check it out because you just never know,” Barton said..
After a bilateral mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy, Barton felt the need to be surrounded by people. She went back to work in order to regain a sense of normalcy and became involved in Zachary’s Relay for Life.
In recent years, Barton served as a team captain, publicity chair and co-chair of the entire event. She also participates in the survivor dinner and the survivor lap of the Relay for Life before the luminaries light up in memory of those who lost their battle with cancer.
“It’s such a humbling experience. Survivors realize that there are many people who weren’t as fortunate as we are,” says Barton.
Artie Zimmerman, 2-year survivor
Zachary native Artie Zimmerman takes a big sip of his beer at the local Chili’s Grill and Bar. For many, this is a regular after-work routine but for Zimmerman, it’s an answer to his prayers.
Just a few years ago, Zimmerman could not eat or drink as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for his throat cancer. When the pain was so overbearing, he turned to prayer for comfort.
“I’d say ‘Lord, I’m not asking for a miracle. I just want to know it’s getting better,’” he said.
It has gotten better but he will never forget the day he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer that occurs in many different organs.
“It was May 7, 2007, 4:53 p.m. Final Jeopardy was coming on TV and the doctor called to tell me that my biopsy showed that I have cancer,” Zimmerman recalled.
Two weeks after his first doctor’s visit to examine the lump in his neck, Zimmerman started both radiation treatments and chemotherapy. The treatments lasted a total of seven weeks.
His sister Carole, a teacher from Meadville, Miss., spent that summer taking Zimmerman to the doctor and making sure he received his treatments on time.
“She was my lifesaver. I don’t know what I would have done without her,” he said.
Carole was already involved in the Relay for Life in her Mississippi community and she made her brother promise he would attend the event in Zachary.
Zimmerman now serves as a volunteer with Zachary’s Relay for Life as a survivor liaison and organizes fund raising activities. He also takes advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness and show support for cancer research and early detection programs.
In addition to participating in the Relay for Life, Zimmerman reaches out to others through the Oral, Head and Neck support group he joined when he began his battle against cancer. The program, run by Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, brings together people with similar experiences.
“I go back to the support group as encouragement for others who are going through the same thing. It helped me during my treatments and I just want to give something back,” he said.
Zimmerman returns for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans every six months and has returned normal until last October. One scan revealed an asymmetric vocal chord but the two scans since then have not shown any cancer activity.
Now, one of his biggest challenges is living in south Louisiana and not being able to eat pepper.
Zimmerman says, “People don’t realize the little things we give up with cancer. But don’t wait for something like this to happen before you start enjoying the blue skies and sunsets. Enjoy every minute you have with your family,” Zimmerman said.
Help your loved ones fight cancer
Finding out a loved one has cancer is a difficult time. But it is imperative that you support your loved one and encourage their battle with the disease. Here are a few tips for how you can help.
1. Encourage screenings for ALL. The area of Louisiana between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is known as “cancer ally” because of its extremely high cancer rates. Help combat this trend and encourage your loved ones to get screened often. Early detection is the key to winning the battle. “I stay on my teachers to get their annual mammograms and fuss when they don’t,” Bryan said.
2. Make yourself available. Your loved one will go through many difficult times due to the medical treatment and emotional exhaustion that comes with cancer. It is even more difficult to deal with alone. Be available for doctor’s visits, dinner or just find time to send a thoughtful card. Barton had a friend or family member with her for each medical procedure or appointment to keep her strong.
3. Don’t underestimate your power to help in this battle. The fight against cancer is a community effort and every bit counts. Artie Zimmerman credits his sister for keeping him sane during his battle with throat cancer. You can do the same for your loved one – and you must.
Event information:
Last year Zachary’s Relay for Life raised over $38,000 for cancer research. Be a part of the fight this year, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment with your community.
Zachary Relay for Life 2009
April 17, 6 p.m.-6 a.m.
Lane Regional Medical Center
Food and games will be available at each team’s booth so bring the whole family!
For more information, contact Monique Lambert with the American Cancer Society (225-767-4551)
By Madeline Casey
Editor’s note: Relay for Life is American Cancer Society’s (ACS) signature fundraising activity. The community event brings people together to raise money for cancer research and promote awareness. According to the ACS Web site, Relay for Life has raised nearly $3 billion for cancer research. 2009 marks Relay for Life’s 25th anniversary. To celebrate the event, we talked to three survivors who have survived a total of 25 years.
Debby Brian, 14-year survivor"…One Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. Please pause for a moment of prayer."
These words are broadcast over the loudspeaker at Northwestern Middle School each morning, followed by announcements from Principal Debby Brian.
Brian has been the principal here for five years. But 14 years ago when she was an assistant principal at Bakersfield Elementary, Brian was diagnosed with breast cancer.
At the age of 42, Brian went for a routine mammogram where a young woman was helping with the screening. The mammogram came back completely normal.
But the young woman noticed an unusual pea-sized lump high on Brian’s chest, too high for the mammogram to find. Brian requested a biopsy on the lump soon after.
The biopsy revealed Stage 1 breast cancer.
“I often wonder who that girl is because I want to tell her ‘You saved my life,’” Brian said.
Brian was shocked to learn the news. “Nobody is ready to hear that diagnosis. You are never prepared for it,” she said.
Brian elected to have a double mastectomy with reconstruction, which was a more aggressive procedure than suggested by her doctor.
But Brian didn’t want to take any chances or “give cancer any assistance.” The surgery followed by six months of chemotherapy was one of the most difficult times in her life.
“I wanted to be as aggressive as possible so I would never look back and think that I didn’t do enough,” Brian said.
Brian has been in remission for 14 years. She said she relied on her faith and friends to get through the challenges of cancer.
“It turned out to be one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have learned that every day is a gift and I never take it for granted,” Brian says.
Her parents and husband took over the household responsibilities, and members of Plains Presbyterian Church cooked meals for her family on the days she had treatment.
Brian’s friends from Northwestern Middle School also played a vital role in supporting her recovery. They provided comic relief through funny cards and made themselves available to talk.
Brian now adamantly encourages her teachers to get their annual mammograms.
Northwestern Middle also sponsors a booth at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Zachary.
“The relay brings a sense of hope to our community. It’s such an encouragement for someone recently diagnosed to see someone who has survived ten or more years,” Brian said.
Michelle Barton, 9-year survivorEight years ago, Michelle Barton began to notice strange changes in her body. She felt extremely “imbalanced,” both physically and hormonally.
These drastic changes prompted her to make an appointment with her OB/Gyn and then a surgeon. Stephanie Barton, Michelle’s sister, accompanied her to the appointments.
All signs implied that Barton did not have breast cancer. Just one year earlier, a mammogram returned with normal results. But Stephanie insisted Barton get another mammogram.
The screening revealed microcalcifications deep in her chest near the breastbone, and the biopsy results showed that an aggressive cancer had been present for three months.
Barton credits her sister for saving her life.
“I would have been more passive because we trust what doctors tell us. But two sets of eyes are better than one and sometimes we need an outsider to speak up for us,” Barton said.
Barton also expressed how important early detection was for her and others.
“We know our bodies better than anyone else. If you notice anything unusual, check it out because you just never know,” Barton said..
After a bilateral mastectomy and six months of chemotherapy, Barton felt the need to be surrounded by people. She went back to work in order to regain a sense of normalcy and became involved in Zachary’s Relay for Life.
In recent years, Barton served as a team captain, publicity chair and co-chair of the entire event. She also participates in the survivor dinner and the survivor lap of the Relay for Life before the luminaries light up in memory of those who lost their battle with cancer.
“It’s such a humbling experience. Survivors realize that there are many people who weren’t as fortunate as we are,” says Barton.
Artie Zimmerman, 2-year survivorZachary native Artie Zimmerman takes a big sip of his beer at the local Chili’s Grill and Bar. For many, this is a regular after-work routine but for Zimmerman, it’s an answer to his prayers.
Just a few years ago, Zimmerman could not eat or drink as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for his throat cancer. When the pain was so overbearing, he turned to prayer for comfort.
“I’d say ‘Lord, I’m not asking for a miracle. I just want to know it’s getting better,’” he said.
It has gotten better but he will never forget the day he was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer that occurs in many different organs.
“It was May 7, 2007, 4:53 p.m. Final Jeopardy was coming on TV and the doctor called to tell me that my biopsy showed that I have cancer,” Zimmerman recalled.
Two weeks after his first doctor’s visit to examine the lump in his neck, Zimmerman started both radiation treatments and chemotherapy. The treatments lasted a total of seven weeks.
His sister Carole, a teacher from Meadville, Miss., spent that summer taking Zimmerman to the doctor and making sure he received his treatments on time.
“She was my lifesaver. I don’t know what I would have done without her,” he said.
Carole was already involved in the Relay for Life in her Mississippi community and she made her brother promise he would attend the event in Zachary.
Zimmerman now serves as a volunteer with Zachary’s Relay for Life as a survivor liaison and organizes fund raising activities. He also takes advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness and show support for cancer research and early detection programs.
In addition to participating in the Relay for Life, Zimmerman reaches out to others through the Oral, Head and Neck support group he joined when he began his battle against cancer. The program, run by Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, brings together people with similar experiences.
“I go back to the support group as encouragement for others who are going through the same thing. It helped me during my treatments and I just want to give something back,” he said.
Zimmerman returns for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans every six months and has returned normal until last October. One scan revealed an asymmetric vocal chord but the two scans since then have not shown any cancer activity.
Now, one of his biggest challenges is living in south Louisiana and not being able to eat pepper.
Zimmerman says, “People don’t realize the little things we give up with cancer. But don’t wait for something like this to happen before you start enjoying the blue skies and sunsets. Enjoy every minute you have with your family,” Zimmerman said.
Help your loved ones fight cancer
Finding out a loved one has cancer is a difficult time. But it is imperative that you support your loved one and encourage their battle with the disease. Here are a few tips for how you can help.
1. Encourage screenings for ALL. The area of Louisiana between Baton Rouge and New Orleans is known as “cancer ally” because of its extremely high cancer rates. Help combat this trend and encourage your loved ones to get screened often. Early detection is the key to winning the battle. “I stay on my teachers to get their annual mammograms and fuss when they don’t,” Bryan said.
2. Make yourself available. Your loved one will go through many difficult times due to the medical treatment and emotional exhaustion that comes with cancer. It is even more difficult to deal with alone. Be available for doctor’s visits, dinner or just find time to send a thoughtful card. Barton had a friend or family member with her for each medical procedure or appointment to keep her strong.
3. Don’t underestimate your power to help in this battle. The fight against cancer is a community effort and every bit counts. Artie Zimmerman credits his sister for keeping him sane during his battle with throat cancer. You can do the same for your loved one – and you must.
Event information:
Last year Zachary’s Relay for Life raised over $38,000 for cancer research. Be a part of the fight this year, and enjoy family-friendly entertainment with your community.
Zachary Relay for Life 2009
April 17, 6 p.m.-6 a.m.
Lane Regional Medical Center
Food and games will be available at each team’s booth so bring the whole family!
For more information, contact Monique Lambert with the American Cancer Society (225-767-4551)
