Breast Cancer AwarenessMonth
Breast Cancer Survivors In Their Own Words
Portia Johnson is a Branch Manager at theWilmington Trust Company in Wilmington, Delaware. She saw a TVad about the importance of early detection and decided to schedulea mammogram - an action that saved her life. She was diagnosedwith cancer, but fortunately, her tumor was contained. Since herdiagnosis, she has made several changes to promote wellness, suchas modifying her eating habits, taking vitamins and installinga water treatment system in her home. She also goes to the gymand walks regularly.
Portia Johnson
Portia says, "I have been truly blessed.I have been working at the bank for 29 years, had a wonderfuldoctor, and I am happy to be alive."
Sharon Eppes of Wilmington, Delaware isan attorney and American Cancer Society volunteer. Sharon hadjust graduated from law school and was preparing for her weddingwhen she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was 25 years old.As she faced the reality of living with breast cancer, she recognizedthe toll that stress had taken on her health. Cancer put her lifeinto perspective, fueling the determination to minimize stressand learn to relax. Sharon now has a successful law practice andtwo beautiful young daughters "who are my life."
Barbara Sudler
According to Sharon, "Living with cancerhelped me to make a conscious decision to get the stress out ofmy life. I did that with the help of my children and a new faithin God."
Barbara Sudler of New Castle, Delaware hasbeen a school teacher at McCullough Elementary School for overtwenty years. In 1987, Barbara was teacher of the year. She praisesher students and wants to expose them to broad, inclusive education.Many of her former students visit her - sometimes just to geta special hug. Living with breast cancer has given Barbara thedetermination to try to make everybody a little happier.
Lois Osborn
In her own words, "Breast cancer helpedme become aware of people and feelings, and to appreciate thechallenges and joys in teaching children."
Lois Osborn is a Tai-Chi enthusiast fromWilmington, Delaware. As a result of breast cancer, she thinksa lot more about her body. She wants to take care of it. She didyoga for years, discovering an exciting mind, body and spiritualconnection. Now her interest has turned to Tai-Chi.
Sharon Eppes
According to Lois, "Cancer made meget more in touch with the connections of mind, body and spirit.Tai-Chi is a wonderful way to explore these relationships."