2023 Survivor Celebration
October 4, 2023…what a wonderful evening. The Richland County community came together to celebrate Richland County women who ‘never gave up’ or ‘never gave in’ to breast cancer. Here are some of their stories…
Cynthia Beard
Cynthia Beard I’m Cynthia Beard and I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. First time eleven years. Second time eight months. The most difficult thing about the diagnosis was learning all the information about cancer and telling my family. The most difficult thing about the treatment was losing my hair and being sick the whole […]
Nancy Hartman
Nancy Hartman I’m Nancy Hartman and I am a breast cancer survivor. Two years. The most difficult thing about diagnosis and treatment was understanding everything that goes into the diagnosis, treatment plan specific to my type of cancer, and ensuring I drank plenty of water and ate foods high in protein and iron. I am […]
Libby Whitten
Libby Whitten I’m Libby Whitten and I’m a breast cancer survivor. Forty-three years. The most difficult thing about diagnosis and treatment was having a 7-month old child at the time. I am so grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ being in my life and seeing me through it all. Libby’s Quote: “I live to fight […]
Kelley Litzinger
Kelley Litzinger I’m Kelley Litzinger and I was a breast cancer survivor. I raised funds to support breast cancer in Richland County for 23 years. My journey ended in 2020. If I were here today, I would gladly celebrate with you. I am grateful to my loving family and friends at this table who carry […]
Barb Phillips
Barb Phillips I’m Barb Phillips and I’m a breast cancer survivor. Nine years. The most difficult thing about diagnosis and treatment was the effect it had on my mindset and thought processes. I am so grateful to God and for the support of the Pat Kracker organization and my family and friends. Barb’s Quote: “Nay, […]
Mary Heenan
Mary Heenan I’m Mary Heenan and I’m a breast cancer survivor. Eleven years. The most difficult thing about my diagnosis and treatment was not knowing what to expect, mastectomy with implants with so many complications and also chemo. Being unable to leave my house for weeks at a time. My amazing husband was there for […]
Melissa (Missy) Atchison
Melissa (Missy) Atchison I’m Missy Atchison and I’m a breast cancer survivor. Five years. 7 months. The most difficult thing about my diagnosis and treatment was not understanding the big picture and going through each phase blind. I am so grateful for my wife, family, and friends who are by my side at all times. […]
Rhonda Breit
Rhonda Breit I’m Rhonda Breit and I’m a breast cancer survivor. Six years. The most difficult thing about my diagnosis and treatment was dealing with the passing of my husband at the time of diagnosis and walking through treatment alone. I am so grateful to God, my medical providers, and my friends and family who […]
Ruth Vnasdale
Ruth Vnasdale I’m Ruth Vnasdale and I’m a breast cancer survivor. Three years. Four months. The most difficult thing about diagnosis and treatment was when a handful of my hair was falling out every day. I had prepared myself for other treatment issues, but I had not thought losing my hair would affect me. I […]