KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Almost daily, I receive inspiring emails, Facebook posts, phone calls and texts from people encouraging me in my new battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Their words give me strength and make me smile, and I want other breast cancer patients still in the fight to enjoy the same support.
So, I'm inviting breast cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and others touched by breast cancer to share their Breast Cancer Words of Wisdom during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
More than their words, I want to make this personal, so I'm inviting people to email me their pictures and allow me the privilege of wearing their breast cancer pin on the air when I tell their story. I'll return the pin once I share their story.
I share their stories when I anchor 41 Action News Midday and on my Facebook page.
My hope is to create a caring online community of people who understand what it's like to have or care for someone who has breast cancer. Their stories are affirming and inspiring others. If you'd like to jump in, please send me an email. You also can drop off or mail your breast cancer pin to Cynthia Newsome, c/o KSHB TV, 4720 Oak St., Kansas City, MO 64112.
Oct. 25
Ruby Beavers: A 30-year breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed in 1989, Ruby turned 75 this year. Her doctor initially suggested a lumpectomy, but she decided to have a mastectomy. Ruby's breast cancer words of wisdom are: "Have the courage to do what you believe is right for you despite what someone else may suggest."
Oct. 23
Lonnie Bush: After surviving triple-negative breast cancer, she wrote a book about her experience, "Cancer Was My Blessing." Lonnie's word of wisdom are: "Friends, do your best not to prejudge people from the outside until you know what they have been through. Know my story, because after all that I have been through I am happy to stand here and say, 'Thank you, Lord, because cancer was my blessing, and I am a survivor!"
Oct. 21
Chandra Armstrong: She is a breast cancer. Her mother was also a breast cancer survivor. Chandra's words of wisdom are, "God is great, and if you have faith, then there is no fear. I believe we are all in this together, and we are all survivors and children of God."
Oct. 18
Michelle Judd: Her mother was an 11-year breast cancer survivor but last year was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her bones. Michelle's scripture is Isaiah 40:29-31: "He gives strength to the weary ..." Michelle is a loving caregiver to her mother.
Oct. 16
Keisha Brooks: Her grandmother and aunt both died of breast cancer. Keisha said she would never overlook getting checked.
Oct. 14
Jana Springer: Favorite Scripture Psalm 91: 1-16 The Lord is my Refuge. She also recommends 1 teaspoon daily of ground flax seed.
Oct. 11
Tammy Porter: Honored husband, Mike Phillips, who died of breast cancer, for his zest for life and joy.
Oct. 9
Victoria Bradford: Diagnosed with BRCA-2 breast cancer in January 2019. Her faith in God helped her in the battle.
Oct. 7
Bret Miller, Founder of the Male Breast Cancer Coalition: Diagnosed at age 17. His goal is to warm men they are at risk too.
Oct. 4
Tashona Bonner: This breast cancer survivor says to love yourself — body, mind and spirit.
Oct. 3
Gene Spratford: Caregiver. His first wife, Diane, died in 2009 from breast cancer. His advice is to take one day at a time and love the one you're with.
October 2
Jennifer Wilson: Will be 15-year breast cancer survivor in March 2020. Loves life, treasures family.
October 1
Cindy Atwell: Diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2019. Her mother passed away from breast cancer at age 56.
