In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day on June 5th, we teamed up with our friends at Pevonia and asked their Facebook followers to tell us about their Survivor Heroes. In less than a two-week time-frame, we received dozens of nominations and read many incredible stories about strong women and men who defeated the odds and earned the title, Survivor Hero to many who knew and loved them.
Unfortunately, we lost one of these heroes during this campaign. Ruth Price passed away on May 16, 2016, leaving behind her beloved daughter, Karen Pearman.
“Watching her go through what she went through brought the two of us closer to one another and to God. As she told everyone when they couldn’t believe what she was living, “All things are possible when you trust and believe in God.” Because of her I know that’s true. She was my mom. She will forever be my hero,” says Pearman. Although every nomination we received was very special, we chose 25 Survivor Hero stories to share with the world. We hope these stories touch everyone’s hearts as they have ours and spread hope to those who are fighting similar battles.
Journeying With Heroes
Carol Reynolds, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Granddaughter Kimberly Brooks
“My grandmother said that as a survivor she is more aware of her surroundings and lives one day at a time her mission is to help other survivor’s and others going through cancer and also to enjoy her retirement,” says Brooks.
Jacqueline Toth, Stage 4 Metastatic Lung to Colon Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Cousin Janice Benoit
“Being so blessed to be a survivor of such a rare and deadly cancer, I find I have to pick up the pieces of the life I once had. But I can’t, because I am not the same. No one passes this journey without becoming a changed person. You live more, love more, every day is a grateful day, family and friends are kept close and the trivial things in life have no meaning. I have been given a second chance at life and I’m going to make it a good one. I have a mission: To educate and counsel cancer patients in my hometown, as well through online forums. Giving my time to a local Cancer Charity is a given. I’m right there for events, fashion shows, and judging contests to raise money. I feel my Journey is one that needs to be shared so that other cancer patients will know what to expect and to keep that positive attitude for that is what will save you. I have always been a successful business woman who sadly lost it all! But, it’s okay! I’m getting back up and soon will open a new store: A Pawn Shop, Collectables and Antiques. A new me and a new passion,” says Toth.
Pam Martinez, Nominated by Cynthia Knisely
“Her new mission is to live each day to the fullest and always help others in need,” says Knisely.
Darcia Barone, Wife for 28 Years + Mother, Uterine Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Daughter, Marybeth Stefani
“As a survivor, many things have changed about how I live. I live for the moment and take nothing for granted. Tomorrow is never promised. I tell my loved ones I love them each and every day, and I live life to its fullest. While being diagnosed with uterine cancer, the same year I lost my middle son in a car accident. It was a very tough year for my whole family. My new mission in life is to motivate people to never give up. While cancer can be a hard thing to overcome, it can happen. Be brave and be strong. Fight! I’m a survivor of cancer for 20 years now,” says Barone.
Judith Ann Robertson, Mother + Grandmother, Cancer + Heart Attack Survivor, Nominated by Daughter Andrea Weaver
“She’s survived cancer and a heart attack and never complains! She even said she’s never really had a bad day. Even if she has a bad day no one would know it! She’s all love and compassion and thrives mostly on helping others,” says Weaver.
Tricia Annette Kirkendall, Mother of Six, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Daughter Carol Burgess
“I live life to the fullest every day. I never put off anything that I can do today. My mission is to tell people how important it is to get mammograms and yearly checkups,” says Kirkendall.
Donna Manchester, Wife + Mother, Ovarian Cancer + Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Granddaughter Brittany Marie Thompson
“Donna is from West Union, Ohio, has seven children and four grandchildren, she is happily married to Bill Manchester. As a survivor she now lives life by giving back every chance she gets, at the ripe age of 68 she volunteers at the local veteran’s home and helps organize many food drives each year for the less fortunate. Her mission is to make the world a better place for future generations,” says Thompson.
Beverly Brunet, Mother, Colon + Lung Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Karen Brunet Moore
“Beverly Brunet has had three children,” says Karen Brunet Moore who nominated Brunet. “I am her oldest, age 47, she lost her only son Rodney Jr. to Renal Cell Carcinoma a few years ago, and her baby girl Dawn Marie to Meningitis at the age of seven months.” Beverly Brunet says: “I see each and every day clearly. I do not take life for granted. I now tell the people in my life how much they mean time on a daily basis because no one knows what tomorrow holds. I am a fighter and will continue to fight for this beautiful thing we call life.”
Monica Margrif, Mother of Four, Ovarian Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Daughter Nicole Margrif
“As a survivor, I try to live my life to the fullest and take every day as a blessing from God. My mission is to teach others how to take care of themselves and to listen to your body,” says Monica Margrif.
Kathie Tarasevicius, Wife + Mother, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Daughter Kimmy Ripley
“As a survivor of breast cancer I have chosen to live life as if each day was my last. I do things a lot differently now. I totally enjoy the little things that I overlooked before cancer. Before cancer I was a cleaning fanatic. Now the dust can wait! I don’t refuse offers to go places. You only live once and I’m living life to the fullest,” says Tarasevicius.
Joey Carnes, Wife + Mother, Thyroid Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Sister Stephanie Vollowitz Light
“When you have something serious happen, cancer included, something interesting happens, people retreat. Oftentimes, they don’t know what to say or do, or they are already too busy with their own lives, and fear they will feel obligated to do something if they engage. It can be lonely. But, if you open your eyes, you will usually see a very strong core of people who stayed by your side… people who are strong and courageous… people who are truly there. The strong ones in my life, my heroes, taught me about the importance of giving back. Now, I make time to BE one of the heroes when I know someone has been diagnosed. I offer support, rides, shopping trips, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on… because I know how life-changing it can be to have an extra hand. The person who nominated me, Stephanie Vollowitz, is also a cancer survivor who went through the same type of cancer I did. She is a survivor, and she was one of my heroes. I am too late to nominate her back, unfortunately, but she deserves a heartfelt nomination, and a thank you,” says Carnes.
Cynthia Jenkins, Wife + Mother, Double Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Daughter Meredith Jenkins
“As a two time breast cancer survivor at age 42, my life has changed so much. My mother was taken from me, so young; when I got diagnosed at age 38, I was determined to live and not let cancer win. I treasure each day, each minute, each moment, and celebrate life. It is important that I take care of myself and my body so I can watch my children grow. My new mission is to live each day with gratitude and remember it truly is the little things in life that have the biggest impact. Live without regrets and always be kind; I am so very blessed,” says Jenkins.
Carmen Donnelly, Wife, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Friend Amanda Rivera
“I feel like I live life fuller now, without fear and reservations. I have let go of the small things, and focus more on the wholeness of life. I embrace my life now, and love with all of my heart and laugh with all of my soul,” says Donnelly. She adds, “Dance as though no one is watching, love as though you’ve never been hurt, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on Earth. I strive now to better myself and the lives of those around me, and to help heal those who are hurting.”
Monica Santamaria, Wife + Mother, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Friend Debra Black
“As a survivor my life has changed drastically. Cancer was devastating and at the same time a huge blessing. I experienced God’s power like I never imagined I would. Therefore I have a much stronger relationship with Him. The power of prayer and the power of physical and emotional healing were the most significant things I had the honor to experience. As a result, I have peace that is so amazing; it can only come from God. My new mission is to share my experience with anybody that will listen. I want to share how God performed miracles in my life and I also want to share about the nutrition aspect of my treatment and healing, as well. Now I try to keep everything me and my family consume organic. I try to let food be my medicine as much as I can,” says Santamaria.
JoAnn Patricia Yost, Special Forces Widow + Mother, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Friend Staci Lynn Chiomento
“As a survivor of a Special Forces Soldier and of Stage 2a Breast Cancer, I try to live my life to the fullest and surround myself with my family and friends as often as possible. I don’t waste a day or an opportunity to experience everything life offers me. When I became a widow, I had to fight for my future and for the future of my children. I felt the pressure of being a single parent and how I would provide for my family. It was my job to be the sole caregiver and the responsibilities of daily life sat heavily on my shoulders. Failure was not an option. When I received the diagnosis of Stage 2a Breast Cancer, I felt not only the pressure of continuing as the caregiver and sole parent, I feared my own mortality and worried about my children. I worried what would happen if I didn’t fight and survive my treatments and beat this cancer that invaded my body. I could not leave my children without a parent. I had to fight and I and to win this fight. Again, failure was not an option,” says Yost.
“I have a new mission to give back. I had been contemplating what I would do as my children aged out and left the nest. I wasn’t sure what that was until I experienced the horrible side of cancer and chemo and what that does to ones identity. I know I want to open a wig boutique and give back to the community. I want to put smiles on the faces of those fighting, those that have fought or for those in the community that just want to feel beautiful. I want to provide comfort with a hug and a smile and let them know they are not alone. I want to take one patient each month and give them a wig and a makeover on me. As a survivor, I know what a difference a smile, a hug, and compassion can do to the heart and soul. Even if it’s just for a little while, I hope I am able to brighten their day. It’s the simple things in life that we all take for granted that can be huge to a survivor. I want them to look at me and say: I can do it, too! This is my mission and with much determination and God by my side, it will be my reality,” she adds.
Diane Fulmer, Widow + Mother, Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma Survivor, Nominated by Daughter Erino Delpino
“Live life to the fullest and never take it for granted. My mission is to teach my children to be strong and know that whatever life gives, you don’t give up,” says Fulmer.
Elizabeth Carswell, Mother, Leukemia Survivor While Pregnant With Son, Nominated by Friend Suzanne Canfield
“One of the main things that changed for me as I fought to survive, was a new outlook on humanity. My faith in it was restored. The compassion, hope, encouragement, support, faith, generosity, and pure kindness I received from other people is one of the major things that got me through all of this. Sometimes it can take a tragedy to bring out the best in people, but knowing that most people at their core are good, was one the most refreshing things I learned. When I was told there was no hope in saving me, a small part of me wasn’t afraid to leave my precious new baby in a world without me. The instant I gave birth in the middle of the fight for my own life, my life became about him. What would he do without me? What would happen to him? Somewhere deep down I knew he would be okay. He would be surrounded by the amazing people that fought beside me and held my hand throughout all of this. My family, my friends, their friends, even complete strangers who just came across my story were all my backbone; they helped me stand up tall against this disease, and kept my head on straight when disappointment reared its ugly head again and again. Thousands of people that didn’t care if they knew me were sending thoughts and prayers for my health and recovery. Humanity, at least what I was seeing of it, had chosen love and kindness. My new mission in life is simple: Love all others without judgment or stipulation. I will live my blessed life with an open mind and an open heart. People.are.good,” says Carswell.
Ruth Price, Passed Away During Pevonia’s Live.Beauty.Full Campaign: 09.23.39 – 05.16.16, Nominated by Daughter Karen Pearman
“My mother, Ruth Price, was my hero and inspiration. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1982 when I was eight years old. I can remember helping her wash her incision and watching her scar heal. She was then diagnosed with cervical cancer when I was 10 and began radiation and chemotherapy. My father left us a few months after that. He was our breadwinner. With everything that my mother was already going through imagine having to help your daughter understand why her father left. She was a trooper. I was an only child, but making ends meet wasn’t easy for the two of us on her disability check.
Bills had to be paid, but she also had a daughter to raise. I can’t tell you how many times I watched my mom do without just so I could have what I needed. She relied on friends to get her to the doctor. I remember going with her to chemotherapy appointments and she would be so sick on the ride home. She couldn’t afford to pay her doctor a penny, and she worried that she wouldn’t be able to get the medicine she needed. But, her doctor told her not to worry about it because it was taken care of. She still worried because she never wanted to burden anyone. She tried hard not to show her pain or emotions.
Finally she was cancer free when I was 15. What a joy that was. For a lady that was told she would never pick up anything heavier than a broom again, she sure did defy the odds. Then, in 1992, she became sick again. After a visit to the doctor she was told that she had bone cancer and would need surgery. The tumor was on the inside and outside of her spine. This required a 13-hour surgery. The doctors were unable to remove the tumor from the inside of her spine because there was a risk of permanently paralyzing her so they removed what they could and then inserted metal rods into her spine to help reduce the tumor growing. I didn’t think she would survive. She was sent to a rehabilitation center and then to a nursing home because she was unable to care for herself. Then, she had to go through a drug rehab program because she had become addicted to the pain meds. She never gave up!
She fought the fight and she won the race. After four years she was able to walk on her own again, she got her license and began driving again, and she lived life to the fullest. I hope to be half the woman that my mom was. She taught me to NEVER give up! And, to always hold your head up high and keep reaching for the stars because miracles do happen. Watching her go through what she went through brought the two of us closer to one another, and to God. As she told everyone when they couldn’t believe what she was living, “All things are possible when you trust and believe in God.” Because of her I know that’s true. She was my mom. She will forever be my hero,” says Karen Pearman.
April Stutzman, Mother, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Friend Michelle VanderLaan
“As a survivor what has changed most about how I live life is learning how to live life after cancer. You have to find a new balance. You go to the doctor every three months and the day before the nerves start; and it doesn’t go away until you get the news that all is clear. Then you get a three month break until it comes around again. You count the years down wanting to get to that five year mark, because if the cancer hasn’t come back your chances of staying cancer free have just greatly increased. You don’t dwell on it, but it’s in your mind every time you get sick or you have an ache or pain. There is always that fear and I have had to learn to not let it consume me. You have to learn not worry until there is something to worry about. It’s like learning to live a different way. Nothing is the same as before. My new mission in life is to not take things so seriously, don’t sweat the small stuff. I now realize there are so many big things that could affect you and to keep yourself upset about things that are small is a waste of precious time that could be enjoyed doing things you love and being happy. Life is too short to let little things bother you. No one is promised tomorrow so don’t waste today being upset or bothered by something small,” says Stutzman.
Shawna Matheny, Wife + Mother, Stage 4 Colon Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Friend Amber Chandler
“October 1, 2015 is a day I will never forget. Waking up from my first colonoscopy and hearing the words cancerous tumor is not something I ever expected to hear. Time moved so quickly after that day with CT scans and doctor appointments with a surgeon and oncologist. I was going over treatment plans for my new diagnosis of Stage 4 Colon Cancer at 39 years of age. Talk about a whirlwind of emotions! So my new journey began with surgery of my colon and liver along with 12 chemo treatments. I then felt a moment of relief; I had a plan and I was good with that. With support and prayers from so many friends and family, along with my will to survive, I am finally approaching my last treatment!
During the past eight months, I have taken things day by day, enjoying my life. People are amazed at what I have been through these past few months. No one believes I am sick, because I have tried to keep a positive attitude and smiling face throughout this whole process. I have learned that attitude is everything when it comes to illness and recovery. I feel I have touched so many lives with my faith through this journey and I strongly feel this is God’s purpose. It has been a long road, and although I don’t know what the future holds, I continue to believe. My motto now in life is: Stop and enjoy the little things, appreciate each day, and never stop fighting,” says Matheny.
Arlene Schrammel, Mother of Six, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Granddaughter Stephanie Macdonald
“My mission in life is to spread joy; to remind people that even at what may seem to be the darkest time, there is always a window to open so you can let the light inside. That window is called gratitude. As long as you are truly grateful for every moment you are given, even the uncomfortable ones, you will always be able to smile and keep moving forward. We all need to smile more, both to ourselves and to one another. Remember there is no greater gift you will receive than this present moment. Until you’re actually dead, things could always be worse, so ENJOY YOURSELF, missing breasts or not,” says Schrammel.
Allen Hugh Towns, Husband + Father of Seven, Kidney Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Wife Mary Katherine Towns
“As a cancer survivor my focus in life has become more directed toward family and assuring my work and personal time is dedicated to positive and value-added activities. My mission in life is to make the world ecologically sound and a safer place for my posterity,” says Towns.
Cindy Heinzkicklighter, Mother, Stage 4 Cancer Survivor, Currently in Treatment, Nominated by Friend Denise Sarno
“Presently Cindy is in remission. This time a new location. Cindy is my hero because of her loving and positive nature who continues to fight while being a single mom and running her Primerica business. My hero is a natural cancer survivor sharing truth and started an educational website ckgreenforlife.com. I believe Cindy’s mission is to share her journey and what she learned about cancer to her family, friends, and even her own doctors. Her faith is stronger than any cancer treatment, and God is her Great Healer. Cindy is also in the process of writing a book about Divine Praying. I pray she will beat this again! Cindy will always be my hero,” says Sarno.
Eileen Simone, Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Niece Heather Simone
“My Aunt, Eileen Simone, is a breast cancer survivor. She has scoliosis and her back was so crooked her organs were not situated correctly. This caused her extreme pain. She opted to get back surgery and steel rods put in her back. While getting a checkup on the surgery they found she had breast cancer. She went through many treatments, but they eventually had to remove the breast. It was a challenge as she hoped the back surgery would relieve her pain and improve her life, which it did help, but the cancer diagnosis was a surprise. She is better now and cancer free, but still has pain. Even with the pain she keeps a positive outlook and is very supportive to all of us. I can’t imagine the pain she feels every day. She is an inspiration to us all. Never stop fighting,” says Heather Simone.
Robin Basham, Wife + Mother, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor, Nominated by Sister-in-Law Stacy Gibbs
“My sister-in-law has survived Triple Negative Breast Cancer and is still beautiful! She is a hero because during her weakest moments she was still there for other cancer patients in our family, encouraging them, and helping them in any way she could. She continues to be a source of strength to our family and I am proud to call her my sister-in-law,” says Gibbs.
Mavian Arocha-Rowe
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