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By Donna Bumgarner
Contributing Writer
Linda Taylor, Bessie Sanders, and Bobbie Chapman are cancer survivors, and they understand why it is so important to support the American Cancer Society and participate in their fund raisers such as Relay for Life. Without the research of the American Cancer Society and the treatments the society has discovered, they and many millions of others like them might not have survived cancer. All of them had breast cancer, and they had to endure a lot of discomfort and deal with the side effects of their treatments, but they kept going. They put their lives in God’s hands and trusted their doctors to do what was best for them.
Linda Taylor, who developed breast cancer 11 years ago, gives God all the credit because his grace was sufficient to get her through anything. She said, “Sometimes he puts you through things to draw you closer to him or allow you to help others.” Her experiences allowed her, and continue to allow her, to reach out to others who have cancer. She is part of the American Cancer Society in Laurens County. She became involved when she found out about the Susan Coleman Foundation. She and Patsy Dietz, a friend of hers from her home church Fairview Baptist, were involved in a program entitled “Pink Sunday.” The church encouraged everyone to wear pink and make a donation to the Susan Coleman Foundation. The ladies made little pink ribbons and the men wore them, too. They told them it took a real man to wear pink. Some of the women wore pink clothes. They passed out leaflets to make people more aware of the work done by the foundation. Then, on Valentine’s Day, Linda and Patsy joined women from the area of Laurens and Clinton for a bake sale at Arthur State Bank, which is their team’s sponsor. They joined women from the area who had also survived cancer in raising $1,400 for cancer research. On the Friday before Mother’s Day, they went back to the bank and helped raise another $1,400 for cancer research.
Linda also participates in the Relay for Life in honor of and in memory of those who have passed away or who have survived cancer. Luminaries - bags covering lights or lighted candles - lined the walking path, and on each bag is the name of a man, woman, or child who has either died from or survived cancer. Some of the walkers are family members of those who lost the battle. All of the money raised at the Relay for Life goes directly to the cancer research program. Through the use of experimental drugs, which are often the last resort for some people, she says, “Many people survive that might not have made it otherwise.”
Bessie Sanders, a member of Seekwell Baptist Church and a two-time cancer survivor, also works within her church and her county to raise money for research. She knows that she is here only by the grace of God. She had hoped to walk in the Relay for Life in Newberry, but it was cancelled due to the threat of swine flu, therefore, she is going to be part of the Relay for Life in Union on May 29th at the Union County Fairgrounds. She talked about being on the field, knowing that everyone on the field is a cancer survivor. “It’s something to see,” she said.
Both Linda and Bessie spoke highly about Hearts of Hope, a store in Newberry that sells clothing and other necessities for women who have had breasts removed. Owned and operated by Lisa Bishop and Jennifer Moates, the shop on Wilson Road is a haven for women who have gone through the trauma of cancer.
Bobbie Chapman found out that she had cancer in September 2007 and had her first surgery in November 2007. She, too, is going to participate in the Relay for Life Program. She is grateful that she had doctors who cared for her, moral support from people like Linda and Bessie, and the hope from her doctors that it won’t come back.
All three of the survivors talked about losing their hair and dealing with it. Linda was told that it would come out within a two-week period, but she just wasn’t prepared for what happened. She did not like the idea of having it fall out all over the house or clinging to her body when she bathed, so she decided to shave it off. Leon was hesitant at first, but she was insistent. Finally, he agreed to do it. She laughed, and he did not understand why she laughed. She told him that she had to have a sense of humor; the other alternative was crying. After she shaved it off, she wore turbans (even when she went to bed at night). “Bald heads,” she said, “get cold at night.” Linda also wore wigs and hats or caps.
Bessie added, “When it comes back, it is soft like a baby’s hair…fuzzy. Sometimes it comes back curly and curvy.”
Linda said, “You have to have a sense of humor about it and a good spirit about it. That’s the most important thing.” Then she added, “Doctors are only people, just like us. They make mistakes. Do not give up on yourself if you feel like you have cancer. Listen to that little voice in your head. Know your body.”
All of them-Linda, Bessie, and Bobbie-had breast cancer, but none of them had the same kind of cancer. Lind had the “common” variety, the kind no one understands. Researchers do not know what causes it. Bessie had genetic cancer. It was in her family genes. Bobbie’s cancer was caused by her hormones. Bessie’s family members had died from cancer, and Linda’s sister had cancer (but it was not the type Linda had).
Bobbie summed it up simply, “You get through one day at a time and a positive attitude is having someone to talk to like Bessie and Linda was so helpful to me. The doctors are great, and you are paying for the best medical treatment you can get, but it’s good to have a support group. The Lord gives you the strength to do it one day at a time. You put your faith and trust in him. Others’ prayers are helpful. You find yourself in a situation you just don’t want to be in, but you’re gonna get through it and do the best you can. That’s what keeps the cancer from beating you.”
Whitmire is part of Laurens County,Union County, and Newberry County. Cancer survivors from all three counties have, or will be participating in Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research. Laurens County’s goal was $90,000 and they raised $134,000. The team from Arthur State Bank that Linda belong to raised the most money; they raised $12,000. Newberry County has not held its Relay for Life; it was delayed; however, it will be held May 29th at the Newberry High School Football Stadium. The opening ceremonies will begin at 6:30 p.m. and go until 6:30 a.m. Their goal is $150,000, and they have raised $120,000 so far.
It’s people like Linda, Bobbie, and Bessie who help raise the money for cancer research so that others can also survive cancer.
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