Breast cancer survivor tells ACHT, “You saved my life!”
By Priscilla Miller
Susie had only been living in Northern Michigan for a few months. Then in November of 08, she went to have her annual mammogram. She never suspected that anything was amiss, so when she received word just before Christmas that something on her mammogram indicated the need for further testing, she panicked.
Somehow, in spite of the dark fear now dwelling inside her soul, this mother of twelve year old twin daughters and a fourteen year old son, managed to keep up a brave front and make Christmas happy for her children. In January results from a digital mammogram and ultrasound, revealed a suspicious lump in Susie’s left breast and indicated the need for a biopsy. Susie didn’t know what to do, or where to turn, she felt alone and frightened. She says, “I didn’t know anyone here and I had no insurance. I was angry and asked, why me?”
She remembered seeing an Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention flyer at a local store. ACHT is an all volunteer, 501 C3 organization that provides free mammograms to uninsured and under insured residents of Antrim County and partners with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.
Susie went to the store, copied the number off of the flyer and in desperation made the call. With that one call, Susie was assured, “everything would be taken care of” and in no time at all arrangements for Susie to have her biopsy were made. The results of that biopsy confirmed Susie’s greatest fears. She had breast cancer! An ACHT registered nurse helped allay some of those fears with a visit to Susie’s home. She answered any questions that Susie and her children had at that time and reassured them that she “was only a phone call away.”
In February, Susie underwent a complete mastectomy and biopsies of two lymph nodes revealed,one was cancerous. Three weeks later the remaining lymph nodes were also removed. Fortunately the biopsy results on these were negative.
Susie experienced periods of depression and fatigue but there were moments of laughter as well. Like the time one of her daughters asked, “Is your breast going to be donated to charity?” Another time one of them wondered why her mother “didn’t walk lopsided after having the mastectomy?”
Three months of traveling to Traverse City for chemotherapy treatments followed. ACHT helped defray the cost of these trips by providing Susie with gas cards. When chemo caused her hair to fall out Susie used a scarf to cover her head. Then, ACHT provided her with two beautiful wigs. The first time she wore one of the wigs, she went to pick up her daughters after school. One of her girls ran up to the car, opened the door and just as she was about to hop in, stopped dead in her tracks and not recognizing Susie with hair, exclaimed, “Oh, I’m sorry! I thought you were my mother!”
Today, Susie is in remission and says, “I appreciate all the little things in life that I used to take for granted and I spend more time with my children now.” She has a message for anyone who has volunteered their time or contributed to the “Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention.” She says, “I felt sad and lonely but you came to me and my family with love, support, visits, cards, flowers and food galore! You saved my life and took care of my financial worries. God Bless each of you, and thank you.”
Learn More About Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention- Click Here
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Jill Jacks Band to perform at the ACHT Evening Reception
“Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention’s Evening Reception”
An evening of fun awaits you, at “The Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention’s Evening Reception” being held on Saturday, July 18th from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. in air conditioned comfort, at the Pelican Room on 10555 West Old State Road in Central Lake, with plenty of on site parking available.
Enjoy dancing to the music of the Jill Jack Band, sample fantastic food from the Pelican Room Buffet with invited food stations from Shanty Creek Resorts, Butch’s Marine, Bellaire Smokehouse, Pearls New Oleans Kitchen and desserts by Northern Delights. Your choice of a complimentary glass of wine, or beer is included and a cash bar will be available. Both a live and a silent auction will add to the excitement.
Major Supporters of all 2009 ACHT fundraising events are Shanty Creek Resorts, Fifth Third Bank, Bellaire Rotary Club, Antrim Review, Alden state Bank, Blue Pelican Inn $ Adams Madams, Central Lake, Bellaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry P.C. The Dockside, and Wm. & Shari Kitchen.
Event Supporters are Thomas Holbel, DVM, Bellaire Animal Hospital , Central Lake Lions Club, Elk Rapids News, Northwestern Bank of Elk Rapids, Siren Hall of Elk Rapids, Huntington Bank, Dewitt Marina and the Bellaire Pharmacy.
With Antrim County having the highest breast cancer mortality rate in Michigan, ACHT places a special emphasis on education and awareness, in combating the disease. The 100% volunteer agency raises funds to provide screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds for the uninsured and underserved residents of Antrim County and partners with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Munson Hospital Breast Cancer Services.
Tickets are $ 35.00 each and go on sale June 22nd at the following locations. In Alden at PK’s, Higgins General Store and the Alden State Bank. In Bellaire at Huntington Bank and Alden State Bank. In Central Lake at Adams Madams, The Blue Pelican Inn and Alden State Bank and in Elk Rapids, at the Alden State Bank. Your ticket will be required for admission.
For further information contact Mary Lee at 231-264-6109 or Dee Lynch at 231-377-7077
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Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention
The Antrim County High Tea for Breast Cancer Prevention will take place on Monday, June 29th, in air conditioned comfort at the Pelican Room, located on 10555 West Old State Road in Central Lake. Plenty of on site parking is available. The doors open at 11 a.m. for table viewing. Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. with a cash bar available. Breast cancer patient Susie Clovis will be the featured speaker and the Reverend Dr. Kathy Kercher will give the blessing. Soloist Dana Hauser will perform and Sue Schorfhaar will provide music on the key board for your listening enjoyment.
With Antrim County having the highest breast cancer mortality rate in Michigan, ACHT places a special emphasis on education and awareness, in combating the disease. The 100% volunteer agency raises funds to provide screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds for the uninsured and underserved residents of Antrim County and partners with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and Munson Hospital Breast Cancer Services.
Major Supporters of all 2009 ACHTBCP fundraisers are, Shanty Creek Resorts, Fifth Third Bank, Bellaire Rotary Club, Antrim Review, Alden State Bank, Blue Pelican Inn & Adams Madams, Central Lake, Bellaire Family & Cosmetic Dentistry P.C. The Dockside, and Wm. & Shari Kitchen.
Event Supporters are Thomas Holbel, DVM, Bellaire Animal Hospital, Central Lake lions Club, Elk Rapids News, Northwestern Bank of Elk Rapids, Siren Hall of Elk Rapids, Huntington Bank, Dewitt Marina and the Bellaire Pharmacy.
Tickets are $50.00 each and available at the Alden
State Bank in Alden and from Bev Dickenson at 231-533-8248.
Story Written By Priscilla Miller
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