Tribute Tuesday
It’s Tribute Tuesday! Paint Gwinnett Pink honors Cathy Bowen, a 3-year cancer survivor who is a pre-op surgical nurse at Gwinnett Medical Center. After her breast cancer diagnosis according to Cathy, “I am more positive about life in general. I appreciate the time I have with my family and friends. It has changed me as a nurse. It is easier to relate to patients with a cancer diagnosis and really be there for them. I am more sensitive to the families and visitors I care for in the hospital. You never know the burdens they are carrying.” The best advice Cathy was given during her cancer journey was to maintain a balance in life and participate in happy times. Don’t let the main focus become cancer treatment. Cathy has three beautiful grandchildren & one grand dog that are the light of her life. They make her smile every day. Cathy’s positive attitude, service to others and participation in Paint Gwinnett Pink makes us smile too!
Cathy Bowen
It’s TRIBUTE TUESDAY! Karen Eggers has been a breast cancer survivor for over 16 years. Every single day is a gift and she has learned to play in the rain if she wants to! The best advice she suggests for anyone on a cancer journey is to take it day-by-day, rest, take care of you and give it to God for His care. Learning to ask for help is difficult but she learned her friends truly wanted to help. This journey also taught her to be discerning with her time. It is easier to say YES or NO to things after cancer. Paint Gwinnett Pink is so glad that Karen said, “YES” to being on our committee in support of all breast cancer survivors. We honor you Karen Eggers!
Karen Eggers
60…It’s the new 40! The best advice I was given for/during my breast cancer journey is: To accept help from those around you. I know as a wife, mother, grandmother, I am the glue that hold everything together in my family. During my journey I had to learn to accept help from my family, my church family and co-workers. The one thing I wish I had known about this journey is: How it really changes things in the blink of an eye. I lost my father to cancer when I was 17, so I used the strength and courage he had to lift my spirits when I found myself down. As I reflect back on my journey it also made me realize that our struggles are not only for use but are used an an example to show others how to deal with adversity. How has breast cancer changed your life: It has made me appreciate the moments, experiences with family and friends even more. Sometimes we tend to surround ourselves with things that once had value but we learn that it’s the little things like watching a sunset with your spouse, or a spa day with your daughter, or movies and lunch with your granddaughter that really matter. One fun fact about you: I am an avid sports fan. I had an opportunity to travel to Dallas last September to see my first game at ATT Stadium and to see them pay at the new Mercedes Benz Stadium as well.
Cheryl Person
