My Reason to Race

For Me…

 “This year will be my third race. I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2007 and was so blessed to have TCSC to help me run that race. Dr. McDonald, April and all the Thompson staff were absolutely wonderful. I had some pretty low days during my treatment, but they showed so much love to me as I'm sure they do to all their patients.

 The next year was my first BUDDY’S Race Against Cancer. I actually had to walk, but I was so proud to wear my survivor t-shirt.

 Last year, even after a total hip replacement, I continued to walk the race.  My son participates and runs for me, too.  This race has a special place in my heart. It is a way I feel that I can give a little something back to help TCSC, and in a small way, help someone else facing this horrible disease.”

--Gloria Howe

For My Wife…

“In December 2009, my wife Nancy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow).  Her initial PET scan also showed she had thyroid cancer.  As a result, her thyroid was removed, but part of the tumor was attached to her larynx.  Because of this, she received 27 radiation treatments at Thompson Cancer Survival Center West.

A common trait of multiple myeloma is bone lesions, and initially, Nancy had six of those removed by radiation at TCSC.  The lesions make bones very brittle.  Nancy had a rod placed in her left femur, and later had one put in her right arm because she broke her arm by just simply opening an ice cream container. 

To have a chance for long term remission, Nancy needed a tandem stem cell transplant.  So, we traveled to the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, one of only two places that perform them.  We have spent five separate one-month stays in Little Rock during the last 13 months.  Nancy’s treatment at TCSC made it possible for her to physically prepare for her transplants. 

Presently, she is in complete remission, but her treatments continue both here and in Little Rock.  We are shooting for a three-year window of remission as that has become the norm for long-term remission.  We have been blessed by a wonderful support staff both here at TCSC and in Little Rock.”

--Phil Mason
Team Nancy


For Me...

“I can barely tell my story without crying.  I want to share it because it shows how important it is for everyone to have routine cancer screenings. You always think that it will never happen to you, but it could.  No one is immune. Cancer affects everyone--not only the person who has it, but the people around them.

 I went for my routine gynecological exam in December 2006.  When he checked my throat, he found a knot and wanted me to see an endocrinologist right away.  The endocrinologist, Dr. Campbell, did 5 needle biopsies. He told me that he would call me if he found anything wrong.  A couple of days later, I got a call from his office asking me to come in to see him. 

 I can still remember sitting in the doctor’s office, looking out the window.  Dr. Campbell comes in, sits down and tells me I have thyroid cancer.  I thought to myself, ‘here it is, almost Christmas, and I have this doctor telling me I have cancer!’  I cried for three days.

 I had surgery in late January 2007; Dr. Covine Circle removed the cancer, my thyroid and six lymph nodes.  God truly watched over me and I feel that I am really blessed.  I only had to take one radiation treatment, but I was isolated from everyone for three days.  I could not have contact with any humans.   I could not wash my clothes with my family’s clothes or even use the same bathroom. I even had to talk to my 10-year- old daughter through the bedroom door.  

 Now, I see my endocrinologist every 6 months. I am scheduled for what I hope will be my last radiation scan this November.  It’s a small price to pay to make sure I am healthy.

 I remember my first BUDDY’S race.  Two of my very good friends ran with me.  I wanted to give up, but they said no.  They took me by the hands and helped me cross the finish line.  I think that was the year I actually placed second in the female cancer survivor category.  Even until today, I still continue to race against cancer.”

 --Sabrina Brewer

For My Father...

"From the age of 12, I was raised by my father due to the sudden death of my mother.  Although it was very sad and extremely trying at times, my dad, my sister, and I fought very hard to work together to achieve what seemed impossible – to keep going!  My Dad taught me, by example, to be compassionate, determined, strong, and loving.  He reminded me every day that I was perfect, just the way God had intended me to be, and that I had a purpose.  Despite his own debilitating pain, he gave me the push I needed each day to get out of my sadness and my sense of loss so that I could achieve my goals.  He got me through my awkward teenage years, helped me through a terrible illness, and proudly walked me down the aisle on my wedding day…to sit alone by a picture of my mother on the front pew. 

Shortly after my husband and I purchased our first home and celebrated with us on the news that we were expecting our first child, my father was diagnosed with non-small cell carcinoma.  The rest of us were devastated……he was set back a bit but never lost focus of being a first time grandfather, friend, husband, father, and first and foremost, a child of God.  He had a portion of his lung removed and began radiation and chemotherapy.  He was so very sick until the treatments were over but he never complained.  We sat on his porch almost every night and just talked in general.

We were blessed with a full 18 months before the cancer reared its ugly, hateful head again.  This time, it was inoperable and terminal.  The diagnosis, again, came just after we found out we would be blessed with another child.  Dad chose to undergo the chemo and radiation again in an effort to see his second grandchild.  We had one last time to fully experience the changing of the seasons from Summer to Fall and then Fall to Winter.  We made the most of every second and spent as much time together as we could…He felt my son, his grandson, move in utero, took my daughter, his princess, to the park, and even went to work to spend some time with his co-workers.  Dad kept living as full a life as his disease would allow. 

Dad passed away December 29, 2001, seven days after celebrating Kaylee’s (my daughter) second birthday, and just five days before Trevor (my son) was born.  He passed quietly and gently as if the angels took him by the hand and led him home.  I still try to live my life by the standards, morals, and diligence passed to me by my Dad, my hero.  That is why my children and are annual team members for BRAC…to help people who are discouraged and have been harmed in some way…just like my Daddy."   

 --Jennifer Michienzi

Team Captain, SES Team