Julie had an end of treatment
party in May 2008 to celebrate with family, and friends—her
supporters because without their prayers, their hugs, their
tears, she wouldn’t have been able to have kept her
own smile in place and her heart strong. Julie does know what
a hero is all about. She has had many around her over these
last 18 months. Her husband, David, her biggest supporter
was always there, being positive, helping her to get all those
negative thoughts and people out of her life. When Julie would
be sick from treatment, you would remind her that she needed
to put on her ‘big girl panties’ and deal with
it.
Jamie and Ronni Rice not only have helped Julie walk this
path with their support, they wanted to do something more.
They gave Julie a check for $100 for her to give to a charity
of her choice in recognition of her survival. Julie thought
about giving it to Relay for Life or Susan B Komen, all very
worthwhile causes, but for some reason Julie didn’t.
Then she read about the new digital mammography system coming
to Angel Medical Center and the need for financial support,
and she knew where that $100 from Jamie and Ronni needed
to go. She brought the check to Bea Sanford, Executive Director
for the Foundation of Angel Medical Center.
Julie wanted to let others know what inspires
her—other survivors inspire her. The women and men who
have survived and are thriving after cancer treatment, 5,
10, every 20 and 30 years later. Cancer doesn’t define
you—yes, it will always be a part of who you are, who
you become after treatment. Cancer in part made Julie who
she is today---she is a survivor, not a former cancer patient.
Julie Williams and Ronni Rice have now joined
the Volunteer Auxiliary for Angel Medical Center and Julie
is working in the Radiology Department. Oh, and Julie’s
second saying, “Live each day like you traded a day
of your life for it”. A saying we all should live by.
If you would like to donate to help purchase
the digital mammography system, please contact Bea Sanford
at 828-349-6887 or Gay Todsen, 828-349-6884. If you need to
schedule your annual mammogram, please call 828-369-4212.
|
