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
TRIBUTE TUESDAY! Today we're honoring Pamela Robbins. Since October 3rd, 2016, the day of her breast cancer diagnosis, Pamela adopted the mindset that she was already a survivor! Pamela loves children and has committed many years of service to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. While living in Connecticut for 12 years, Pamela ran marathons to raise money for Paul Newman's Hole in the Wall Gang Camp that supports children who face such illnesses. Pamela even ran a 26.2 mile race with a broken toe to support these kids. She fondly remembers their faces and their strength and says that their memory has helped her to stay strong and get through her own battle with cancer. She hopes to run for them once more. We salute you today Pamela and wish you great health and the strength to run another race! We're sending you hugs!
Pamela Robbins: Grayson, Ga
Today we’re honoring Misty Gibson, a survivor of breast cancer for the past 2 years. From the very beginning of her battle with the disease, Misty had the determination to fight like there was no tomorrow to beat it. She says that having breast cancer has made her more intentional and has allowed her to be more present in every moment. Misty is grateful for the outpouring of help and support she received from others. In reflection of the impact those helpers make, she believes that “God is working in their lives to help others as he is working in (the lives of those affected by cancer).” We couldn’t agree more Misty, and we wish you continued great health and support through your journey!
Misty Gibson: Lawrenceville
TRIBUTE TUESDAY>>>Today we celebrate the strength and bravery of Emelina Funes, who is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer. Emelina has a positive outlook and says that she is putting everything into God’s hands. She has learned to appreciate every minute of her life and strives to take good care of herself. She values spending time with her nieces and nephews. They have lots of fun together and keep her feeling young. Emelina, we send you hugs and wish you a complete healing and recovery. Everyone please post your words of encouragement and inspiration
Emelina Funes: Lawrenceville
Today we’re highlighting, Marie Dodd Conley, who has faced two breast cancer diagnosis finds, the first was 10/13 and the second was 3/17. Marie says that having breast cancer changed her life because now she doesn’t sweat the small stuff or let things bother her like they used to. She says, “I also learned that I need to have a goal with each step. I told Dr. Peacock when I finished my treatment I was going to walk/run the Peachtree Road Race. I was able to do that this year.” Marie loves to go skydiving and hang gliding and is looking forward to her next adventure. She says that the best advice that she received were sentiments from Dr. Peacock and Dr. Landis telling her to hold on and that she could beat this again. We wish you renewed strength and a complete healing!
Marie Dodd Conley - Hoschton
TRIBUTE TUESDAY>>>Today, we're honoring Lucy Gardner, a six-year breast cancer survivor who says that choosing faith over fear has helped her to get through this difficult journey. A word of comfort that she gave for all who are currently battling cancer is to let others offer a helping hand and to know that you do not have to go through this alone. Lucy says that she sees life a lot differently now and relies on her strong faith in God in every area of her life. Lucy, we wish you continued strength and good health!
Lucy Gardner: Dacula