On September 24, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, an inspiring evening was dedicated to celebrating strong women survivors in the community. It was also a gathering of amazing “sisters” for a night of laughter, crying, bonding, and creating unforgettable memories together. The Sisters’ Night Out (SNO) theme for the 12th year celebration was “Hope is Stronger than Cancer.”
After registration, and a catered dinner blessed by Minister Eva Hughes of Loudon Avenue Christian Church, Linda Manns, program coordinator, welcomed everyone. A room full of ladies, most dressed in pink, created an abundance of visible support in the room sufficient enough to cure any cancer woes. Chemotherapy, Radiation and immunotherapy may slow down or cure the dreaded disease but as many survivors know, it is the support and understanding of others that makes the journey easier.
Mistress of Ceremonies Kianna Price Marshall thanked everyone for coming out and reminded them of the purpose of the program. “We’re here to celebrate the strength of women. We celebrate that we are still here. Cancer may be part of your story, but is doesn’t write the ending.”
The program included recognition of breast cancer survivors with a prayer by Rev. Amy Hodge. Each survivor was given a pink carnation. Renee Bethel, MRI technologist at Carilion Clinic at Virginia Tech explained the procedure and reasoning of MRI Breast examination. Dr. Carolyn Clark, Internal Medicine at Physicians Associates of VA, informed the ladies how to examine their breast and what to look for during self-examinations.
Even though the event is geared toward women, it was heart-warming to see the presence of several males supporting the cause.
Wayne Johnson Sr., one of males in attendance said his reason for being present was because his daughter, Tanisha, a cancer survivor, had asked him to come with her.
“I feel hopeful about cancer treatment,” he remarked. “My daughter survived it and I know a lot of people who also have survived it. I am very supportive of the movement against cancer. It tells us that it is working. Between medicine and God, it’s all coming together.”
The highlight of the evening was hearing the testimonies of two cancer survivors.
Angela Sweetenberg Johnson described her bout with breast cancer as not only a challenge, but it also “propelled her into a new level of growth, strength, and clarity.” In 2018, she had her routine mammogram. She had noticed something in her left breast, however she put contacting the doctor on the back burner and proceeded with her life – caring for an ill daughter, travels, and speaking engagements. When she contacted the doctor, she was sent for an ultrasound and a biopsy. Then she got the call… she had cancer. She had a double mastectomy and months later had reconstructive surgery. She credits her daughter for giving her courage, and after all that she went through, she “never complained.” she said.
Tanisha Johnson discovered a lump in her breast during a self-examination. She was then sent for an ultrasound. Even before the doctor confirmed it, Tanisha knew she had cancer. Her diagnosis was ‘invasive ductal carcinoma triple negative’ and it was also in her lymph nodes. She got the diagnosis in November and had her first chemo treatment in December. She did eight rounds of chemotherapy, then radiation, and medicinal treatment.
“I felt anger and fear and anxiety – all those things wrapped up into one”
Getting through this was difficult however with the support of family and friends, she made it.
“Cancer can take your taste away, your hair, make you achy and tired, and a lot more but one thing it could not take is my heart. I refuse to let cancer disturb my life.” Johnson added that the key thing is to find something that “makes you feel good about you.”
As this memorable event tapered to a close, Aaron Housh delivered a sensitively indepth presentation as CEO of Good Samaritan Hospice after which a question-and-answer session ensued. The event concluded with recognition of the SNO Planning Committee: Linda Manns, Gwen Glasby, Mae Johnson, Lutheria Smith, Barbara Phifer, and Dr. Carolyn Clark.
