Barbara Smith, Windsor

Barbara Smith Windsor Barbara Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 1/2 years ago at the age of 45. Barbara resides in Windsor with her husband Robert and has two sons Jason and Julian. My cancer was discovered through my yearly mammogram. When my doctor advised me of the cancer I thought it was a mistake and asked him to be sure he had the right Barbara Shannon Smith. He said he was sorry, but she was the Barbara Smith who’s results indicated she had breast cancer. I asked God “why me”? I checked my breasts monthly, and got my mammograms. I do not know of anyone else in my immediate family who has cancer and I’m an only child. My mom is healthy and gets her mammograms yearly.

Since being diagnosed in 1996, I volunteer for the American Cancer Society and the Witness Project. I am a member of Liberty Christian Center International in Hartford and active in the women’s fellowship. Volunteering for these organizations and fellowshipping with other women has helped me keep my promise to God that given the opportunity, I would dedicate my life to spreading the word about the importance of early detection. I have truly been blessed, and I know that God has spared my life in order that I might touch someone else’s life. As my pastor Rev. Keith Bolton would say, “each one reach one, each one teach one.”

Hey, this sister has a new attitude!

Betty Burges, Hartford

Betty Burges is the natural mother of one child and 5 others through marriage. A Hartford resident, who works for the city, she is thankful for her 18 years of survivorship as a breast cancer survivor. Betty was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 40 years old. After diagnosis and treatment I was told that there was a good chance that my breast cancer might re-occur within the next 5 to 10 years. However, I feel very blessed to say that there has not been a single re-occurrence since my initial bout with the disease.

I credit my survival to God's grace. During the past 18 years, I have become more aware of my health. I perform breast self exams routinely and never miss my appointments for annual mammograms. There is a scripture that has been an inspiration to me, both before and after my diagnosis. Philippians, 4:12-13 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

Give God the Glory!

BREAST SELF EXAM, CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS AND MAMMOGRAMS -- A THREE TIERED APRPORACH TO BREAST HEALTH

Jackie (Vanessa) Myers, Bridgeport

Jackie (Vanessa) Myers is the mother of two children, grandmother and sister. She is the first in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Jackie is a Bridgeport resident and corrections officer. I would get my mammograms and clinical breast exams on a routine basis. In May 2000, I had my annual mammogram which seemed to be normal, but later on in the year around September I was doing my breast self exam and discovered a lump in my left breast that the mammogram did not detect. I called my doctor and went in for another mammogram which confirmed my fear, it was breast cancer. Before I made a decision on what to do I spoke with several women and doctors. I decided to have the mastectomy as they suggested.

During this past year I have undergone chemotherapy and radiation. It has been a difficult time for me. I am sometimes suspect of the screenings but I am too blessed to be stressed by a machine. I will continue to get my mammogram every six months and will do my breast self exams. Especially since it was during a breast self exam that I found my lump. I was looking for a place to go to talk about what I was going through when I met a witness role for the Witness Project. I am grateful to have other women to share the journey with. I hope that I will able to turn this ordeal into something positive by volunteering as a witness role model and encourage other young women to do breast self exams and take charge of their health.

Norma Jean Austin, Bridgeport

Norma Jean Austin, mother and wife of James, who is the honorary witness project husband. Norma is an 18 year breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 32. She is the outreach coordinator for the Witness Project of Fairfield County. "I've told my story so many times I sometimes think people are tired of hearing it. I am then reminded that women need to know it's a new day that there are long term breast cancer survivors." Eighteen years ago when I was diagnosed, breast cancer was felt to be a death sentence to most women, and no one talked about it. After diagnosis I got engaged, planned my wedding, got married, adopted a daughter and life went on as usual. It wasn't until I met the coordinator of the Witness Project that I had an opportunity to really talk about my journey. Back in 1983, I had this burning sensations under my left arm. I told my doctor about it but he said it was nothing. Well the burning continued and I visited two other doctors and got the same answer it was nothing. I shared with a friend who was a breast cancer survivor about the burning and she offered to take me to her doctor. He diagnosed my cancer and I had a mastectomy and radiation therapy. I am on the drug tamoxifen which is thought to reduce the risk of the breast cancer returning. I know of no others in my family with breast cancer. I was in my early thirties when I was diagnosed. At the time I thought I was the only African American woman with cancer. There wasn't another woman around that I could talk to. I have learned that breast cancer does not know age or color. It is every woman's greatest fear and the only protection is early detection. I work every day to educate women about the importance of early detection practices, breast self exam, mammograms and clinical breast exams. The Witness Project started a support group for breast cancer survivors in Stratford. It gives me an opportunity to talk about what I went through and share the journey with sistah's.

Marilyn P. McFarland Hartford

Marilyn McFarland is the mother of two sons, Jeffrey and Jason, and the grandmother of two granddaughters, Jasmine and Taria. A week before my 47th birthday in April, 1999, I experienced pain under my right arm. I went to my doctor, who advised me that the pain came from a pulled muscle. I had a mammogram in May and it was normal. Nothing showed on the x-ray. However, about a week later while doing a breast self-exam I found a lump which the doctors described as “aggressive.” On May 26, I underwent a lumpectomy, followed by four rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. Two years have past and I still find it hard to believe that I had cancer. I know that by the grace of God, my family and my friends I have made it thus far.

I AM THANKFUL FOR EACH DAY

Marjorie Farquharson, Hartford

Marjorie Farquharson, is the mother of 3 young men and a breast cancer survivor. I found a lump in my breast eight years ago at the age of 42 while exercising in the gym. No one in my family that I am aware of has ever had breast cancer or any form of cancer, therefore, when I was diagnosed I was very skeptical. I questioned the diagnosis because one month prior to that I had had a complete physical that include a mammogram with positive results. Sensing my doubt the doctor suggested that I could get a second opinion. I left his office crying and asking why. I had flashbacks of all my wrongdoings and thought maybe that’s why I have breast cancer. While driving and crying I heard a voice saying why not you? Right then and there I made up my mind not to let breast cancer over power me or change my outgoing personality. I became very proactive by reading everything I could find regarding breast cancer.

My life style has completely changed with regards to food, exercise, my spiritual beliefs and awareness. I am more conscious of the food I eat. I thank God each day for all the blessings he allows me to have. I give the entire honor, glory and praise to the Almighty because he spared my life for a reason. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Marlene Baptiste, Hartford

Marlene Baptiste, mother and wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 years of age. She is the first person, that she knows of in her family, to be diagnosed with breast cancer. "Cancer changed my whole life. I went through the entire month of April 2000 waiting to have a lump removed that was found by my husband. I knew nothing about cancer, I did know the words cancer and chemotherapy scared me. "God revealed to me, though his angel, my 10 year old daughter that I could survive." Because of her courage and support I kept pressing towards being a survivor. The support I received from B’CAUSE..We Care support group help me realize "I am not alone and that I could beat this battle with cancer." Today, I know that God is in control, I know God has the final word, I know that God reigns. The journey is not over, I still have one more chemotherapy session. I know this is only a setback for a comeback. Breast cancer not only changed my outside appearance, but changed me on the inside. I now see that you have to live for every precious day. I know "this is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it". I thank my husband, mother, family and friends for the support that has strengthened me . Prayer is Powerful and I thank God for all his blessings.

"EARLY DETECTION IS KEY TO SURVIVAL"

Mary Ann Harp, Bridgeport

Mary Ann Harp, is a eleven year breast cancer survivor and the mother of three children and four grandchildren. She resides in Bridgeport and works for the United States Postal Service. I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 37 years old. Since I was under 40, with no history of the disease, I had never had a mammogram. In the fall of 1990, I had been ill with a kidney problem when I found a small pin like lump under my right breast. I told my doctor about it and he suggested I have it checked out before my kidney transplant. They did a biopsy and within 24 hours I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Well, I went on dialysis due to the loss of kidney functions and had the mastectomy to remove my breast. Since the cancer was found early I did not have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation. This was a blessing in itself.

I continue to get my annual mammogram and I do my breast self exam faithfully every month. I encourage my sisters and friends to do likewise. My life is a blessing and I feel like a survivor in every sense of the word. Eleven years of survivorship and thank God that I am here to tell my story of early detection through volunteering for the Witness Project. I have been a volunteer witness role model since 1996 when it was introduced in Bridgeport. I am thankful for my church family at Bethel A.M.E. who has been supportive of The Witness Project and for supporting me through my trials. During my short time on this earth I have had breast cancer, a hip replacement and a kidney transplant and by the grace of God I survived them all. Praise GOD!

Mechelle Johnson Mack, Stratford

Mechelle Johnson Mack, mother, wife, daughter and sister is a resident of Stratford. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Stratford, a Mary Kaye Consultant and Personal Preference Art Consultant. She refuses to let breast cancer limit her life and not enjoy God’s spiritual gifts. "No one else in my family has had breast cancer. I was only 29 when diagnosed in 1998. I had a young daughter and a boyfriend. In fact, it was my boyfriend who confirmed that the lump I had found in my breast was new. It was not there before. I called my doctor and had a mammogram and a biopsy confirmed that it was cancer. I underwent a mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy. I often joke about my bald head and how I tried to hold on to those last strands that sat on top of my head after all those radiation treatments. Eventually I had to deal with it - bald head and all." I know that God is good and my faith and belief in Him is what got me through the treatments. Last August I married my boyfriend who has been a great supporter through it it all. I continue to share my thoughts and feelings about the journey with my 11 year old daughter. I want her to know that it was just a breast that was removed. I’m still the same person. It does not define me, I am here and I am well and I will be here for her. I thank God for the Witness Project and my sisters. We need each other to get through the tough times. God did not mean for us to be alone.

Through our outreach and sharing of stories we can make a difference, we can beat this thing called cancer. ecause after all, early detection is the key and "what we DON’T know can kill us."

Regina Waller, Hartford

Regina is a five-year breast cancer survivor who has had numerous recurrences. She has undergone over 11 surgeries, a years worth of radiation, and approximately 18 months of chemotherapy.

Through it all her faith in God has never wavered, she is a living testimony that no weapon formed against us shall prosper!

During the time this calendar was being produced, Regina was too ill to submit her biography or take part in the photo shoot. However, knowing Regina as we do, we are confident that if she had been physically able to do so, she would have said something to encourage all women to perform monthly breast self exams, and would tell those of you who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to live each day with courage and hope in the knowledge that there's nothing too hard for God. She would also have given a "shout out" to her mom, Mrs. Josie Henderson, who she adores. Mrs. Henderson, you are the best!

Regina, you are our friend, our sister, our hero - WE LOVE YOU!!!

Salona Williams, Bridgeport

Salona Williams is married to David Williams and is the mother to a son, David and a daughter, Thea. The grandmother and 5-year breast cancer survivor resides in Stratford Connecticut. I’ve always been active in the community, my church First Baptist Church of Stratford, and the Kennedy Center, Inc. are just a few. Since I stay active, I never thought much about the cancer. It was when a friend was looking for breast cancer survivors to talk to women about breast cancer in churches that I realized I could help…that I was a survivor!

Back in 1996, during my yearly exam I had a mammogram and clinical breast exam it was during that mammogram that the lump was found. My blessing in all of this was that it was found early. After my mastectomy I had no lymph node involvement and did not require any further treatment. I always stress the importance of mammograms since I would have never had found the tumor through breast self exam because it was too small. I encourage all women to do breast self exam monthly, get clinical breast exams and get their mammograms. "Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever."

Sylvia Newton, Bridgeport

Sylvia Newton, an education consultant is the mother of two. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2000 and resides in Bridgeport. I was diagnosed about a year ago with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. My greatest challenge was getting through the chemotherapy. Thank God for gospel music. When it was time for a treatment I would put on my headphones and was able to get through it by listening to it. The lyrics praised God and gave me the encouragement to endure. I also knew that I would loose my hair. I told myself it’s not what’s on the outside that counts. When I did lose it I went to work bald. I refused to wear a wig. I refused to be ashamed of my bald head. But God is good at all times. He walked me through every treatment and gave me the strength and fortitude to handle all the medications and discomforts of chemotherapy and radiation. I am here and blessed as well, his grace and mercy has bought me this far and allowed me to live to raise my 5 year old son.

My cousin Renee is a lay health advisor for the Witness Project. She invited me to attend their annual luncheon at Mount Aery Baptist Church in Bridgeport where they were recruiting volunteers. I will attend the next training class to become a witness role model for the Witness Project. I know the importance of early detection. Now my cousin and I can do something for all the women in our family... spread the word that you can live with breast cancer. I tell the women I know, "treat your body good and get your yearly exams."

Tracy Douglass, Hartford

There are certain things in this lifetime that we cannot change…We can fight them.. We can deny them, we can try to look for the lessons in them…but we cannot change them…Having breast cancer is one of those things. Two years ago, when I was 43 years old, I discovered a mass in my left breast while taking a shower. My life has never been the same. I do not have a family history of breast cancer, so to say I was surprised would be an understatement. At first I cried… I cried for my daughters who are now at risk for this awful disease.. I cried for myself and the life I had not had the chance to live yet. I cried out of fear and not knowing what to expect. Then I decided to stop the crying and prepare for the fight of my life. Knowledge is power, and I made it a point get as much of it as I possibly could. I stayed on the internet for days researching everything I could find. I found that this information empowered me when dealing with the medical staff. I tried to go about things as normally as possible to prove to myself I could be in charge here. I love to shop, I shopped for wigs, I am an avid collector..I started collecting vintage hats to cover my head..I continued to work, and tried to see my friends even more than usual.

My support system was amazing, I lost a few friends along the way but gained many more who will be with me for life. It gave me a new appreciation for life and for living every day as if it’s my last. I prayed, God took me by the hand and walked me throughout the darkness and never left my side. After several chemo treatments, radiation , and a lumpectomy I was told there were no more invisible signs of the cancer. They will never say "cured" with breast cancer, but I live my life as best I can and try not to think about it. I continue to pay, and I have made it my mission in life to pass the word about the importance of mammograms and self-breast exams to all the woman I meet, because after all, early detection is the key and " what we DON’T know can kill us."

Regina, you are our friend, our sister, our hero - WE LOVE YOU!!!

Vernice Glennon, Bridgeport

Vernice Glennon, is the mother of two college students and has a younger sister. She is a school psychologist in the Bridgeport school system. In 1993, Vernice was diagnosed with breast cancer during her regular screening. She does not know of anyone else in her family who has had breast cancer and knows it is important for her sister to share this information with her own physician and get regular screenings. 'Early detection was key for me. Since the lump was found early a lumpectomy was performed to remove it. I followed my doctor's instructions and underwent chemotherapy and I have been cancer free for 8 years. After diagnosis I had the support of coworkers my mom. I was at a breakfast event and the featured speakers was African American women from the Witness Project. I said to myself 'gee, these are women who look just like me' I was so glad to meet other women who I could share my cancer experience with. I don’t know what I would have done without them.

I volunteer as a Witness Role Model and travel wherever and whenever needed to talk about my journey. Sometimes the women cry, and sometimes so do I. But my tears are tears of joy that my story may help somebody; may encourage them to do their monthly breast exams, get a mammogram, and may save a life.