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Cancer survivors and families gathered in Big Spring Park last night for “Every Candle Has a Name,” an annual ceremony to honor those who have struggled with breast cancer.
The Neosho event kicks off October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“It’s just an event we like to do to bring us all together,” said co-chair Donna Hood.
Participants lit candles for breast cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost their battle.
Speaker Becky Hughes began her journey two years ago with what she thought was a bruise. The lump grew and she went in for an MRI. She went in at 11 a.m. and by 4 p.m., she’d been diagnosed with cancer. Yearly mammograms had missed the spot.
“I did everything that I thought I was supposed to do,” Hughes said.
She has been clear since January, describing her struggle as one that she wins on a daily basis.
“I know that I would not have made it through the chemos and the mental anguish and the emotional anguish that goes with it if it were not for some very special people,” Hughes said. “My family was my strength.”
Her husband and children supported her. Her church prayed. A sister and sister-in-law, both 23-year cancer survivors, helped her through and she found local camaraderie in the Bosom Buddies, a Neosho breast cancer support group.
Hearing other women’s stories makes co-chair Helen Hildebrand want to get behind them even more.
Hildebrand is a 28-year breast cancer survivor. Things were different during her battle, as support groups were not as common.
“Everybody used to keep it hidden,” Hildebrand said, noting things have changed. “When you are diagnosed, people just come out to support you.”
The group of 25 huddled under umbrellas during the steady drizzle that persisted throughout the ceremony. Hood was pleased with the turnout.
“It’s kind of a personal thing,” she said.
Most of the attendees come because they or someone they love have been directly affected by breast cancer.
A young woman currently undergoing treatment came the support group as a result of the ceremony.
“We found one new person so it’s worth it to us,” Hood said.
The ceremony was sponsored by the Neosho Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group and the American Cancer Society.
The Bosom Buddies meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Mazzio’s.
Cancer survivors and families gathered in Big Spring Park last night for “Every Candle Has a Name,” an annual ceremony to honor those who have struggled with breast cancer.
The Neosho event kicks off October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“It’s just an event we like to do to bring us all together,” said co-chair Donna Hood.
Participants lit candles for breast cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost their battle.
Speaker Becky Hughes began her journey two years ago with what she thought was a bruise. The lump grew and she went in for an MRI. She went in at 11 a.m. and by 4 p.m., she’d been diagnosed with cancer. Yearly mammograms had missed the spot.
“I did everything that I thought I was supposed to do,” Hughes said.
She has been clear since January, describing her struggle as one that she wins on a daily basis.
“I know that I would not have made it through the chemos and the mental anguish and the emotional anguish that goes with it if it were not for some very special people,” Hughes said. “My family was my strength.”
Her husband and children supported her. Her church prayed. A sister and sister-in-law, both 23-year cancer survivors, helped her through and she found local camaraderie in the Bosom Buddies, a Neosho breast cancer support group.
Hearing other women’s stories makes co-chair Helen Hildebrand want to get behind them even more.
Hildebrand is a 28-year breast cancer survivor. Things were different during her battle, as support groups were not as common.
“Everybody used to keep it hidden,” Hildebrand said, noting things have changed. “When you are diagnosed, people just come out to support you.”
The group of 25 huddled under umbrellas during the steady drizzle that persisted throughout the ceremony. Hood was pleased with the turnout.
“It’s kind of a personal thing,” she said.
Most of the attendees come because they or someone they love have been directly affected by breast cancer.
A young woman currently undergoing treatment came the support group as a result of the ceremony.
“We found one new person so it’s worth it to us,” Hood said.
The ceremony was sponsored by the Neosho Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group and the American Cancer Society.
The Bosom Buddies meet at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month at Mazzio’s.
