(Jackie is pictured above (left) with co-worker Evelyn.) Love is a great healer! Be generous with it! For more than a decade, Jackie Butler has been a valuable member of the Joy to Life Foundation team, working as its book keeper. But she’s dedicated to far more than keeping the foundation’s finances in order. As … Read More
I would encourage you [Caregiver/Loved One] to allow the cancer fighter to express whatever emotion they are feeling in the moment, without trying to fix the situation. During two back-to-back battles with cancer, Heather Parrish, proprietor of Montgomery’s Southern Art & Makers Collective gallery and shop, learned the limits of her own tenacity and how … Read More
When David Barranco, owner of a favorite Montgomery eatery, was diagnosed with breast cancer, his first feelings were fearful. But now he’s able to inject a little humor into his story. He shares how hope and a supportive cancer community helped him through a trying time. Share a little about how you found out you … Read More
According to 27-year-breast-cancer survivor Dr. Carrie J. Nelson,fear overwhelmed her in the moments just following her diagnosis, but she moved past emotion and turned her energy outward,founding a nonprofit to help others. Tell us about your cancer diagnosis. My cancer experience began on a winter day in Grand Blanc, Michigan, in March of 1990 with … Read More
Dickie Blondheim, co-founder of the Joy to Life Foundation, shared how he handled his wife Joy’s breast cancer and how other spouses, partners, parents or friends can do right by their loved one and themselves. What were your first thoughts when you heard the diagnosis? Standing at Baptist Hospital, almost 22 years ago, I can’t … Read More
(Pictured above is Kim Scharf (left) with friends.) Finding out you have a health issue is never easy. When the diagnosis is something serious like cancer, it can be terrifying. But when she was battling breast cancer in 2013, Auburn nurse Kim Scharf got by with a little help from her supportive friends and co-workers … Read More
Jere Beasley, founder of Montgomery-based Beasley Allen law firm, shares how he dealt with his wife’s breast cancer and offered his thoughts on the crucial role faith plays for both the patient and the caregiver. What was your first thought when you heard your wife’s diagnosis? Sara was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. When … Read More
A “believe it, be it” attitude and determination to keep moving forward for her kids pushed Montgomery County Commissioner Ronda Walker through a dire diagnoses and to the other side: breast cancer survivorship. Tell us about your cancer diagnosis and treatment. It was one week before Christmas 2014 when I was diagnosed with locally invasive … Read More
In 2008, a very healthy and active 48-year-old Beverly Helton, who up until the moment she detected a lump in her breast felt “just fine,” was diagnosed with stage III invasive breast cancer. She beat it. Then, in 2017, she was diagnosed with stage III ovarian cancer, and she’s beating that too. Through both journeys, … Read More
Famed Sports Journalist Holly Rowe has fought through adversity to beat back cancer, and she shares how her career has helped her on her journey in more ways than one. “During my cancer journey, I started keeping a joy journal to record the little moments each day that made me absolutely happy and joyful. I … Read More