Support Connection is proud to introduce the Walk Ambassadors for our 2018 Support-A-Walk for Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Walk Ambassadors are cancer survivors who represent the spirit and purpose of this uplifting annual event.
To learn more about our Annual Support-A-Walk, contact us: 914-962-6402 or walk@supportconnection.org.
Mary Heagle: Mary’s experience with breast cancer began when her mother died of the disease at age 37; Mary was only 2 years old. In the years that followed, seven more women in Mary’s family (aunts and cousins) were diagnosed with cancer, including 4 with breast cancer, 1 with ovarian cancer, and 1 with uterine cancer. Several were diagnosed very young. Because of this, Mary was always very proactive and alert. In fact, while dating her husband (they married in 1987), she tried to prepare him for what she planned to do if (or when) she was diagnosed.
So in 2006, when Mary was told after a routine breast screening that something warranted testing, she sprang into action. “I’d do anything I needed to do, to fight. I just wanted to be alive and I wouldn’t let it defeat me.” In addition to making sure she got the best possible medical care, Mary knew she needed help with the complicated emotions she felt. She was also concerned for her 9 year old son and 7 year old daughter. She knew how hard it was to lose her own mom and she didn’t want her own children to be frightened by what they saw as she underwent mastectomies and chemotherapy.
That’s why Mary reached out to Support Connection. She joined a support group which made a huge difference: “It helped me get out of bed in the morning. I always looked forward to it. The camaraderie was terrific and it made me feel I wasn’t alone.” She also spoke regularly to two of Support Connection’s Peer Counselors about everything on her mind, including how to help her children: “I call them my guardian angels. They helped me get my life back together in a way I never thought possible.”
2008 Support-A-Walk
As a way of giving back, Mary and her family have attended the Support-A-Walk for many years. They’ve also raised funds, bringing in more than $8,000 to date. When asked to be a Walk Ambassador this year, Mary agreed right away, saying: “I believe in Support Connection and all the wonderful services they provide. My family and I will be forever indebted to them. In my time of need I could not have had any better. I’ll always be here to give a hand in any way possible.”
Mary hopes that by sharing her story she’ll inspire others to take part in the Walk: “Support Connection has helped me and so many others I know. The Support-A-Walk is one of the main fundraisers that makes these free services possible.” She adds: “Support Connection is a community organization – people can actually see where their donations are going and how the money is being used. Please join us!”
Mary Jane Taxter: In 2016, on her 75th birthday, Mary Jane was at the hospital for what was supposed to be routine minor surgery. When she woke up from the anesthesia, she expected her husband to be there but was surprised to also see 2 of her children. She quickly learned why: when the doctors began her surgery, they “saw cancer everywhere.” It turned out Mary Jane had ovarian cancer that had already spread beyond her ovaries.
Mary Jane had a long nursing career and cared for cancer patients many years ago; she knew medicine has progressed a lot since then. She is also a pragmatic person. Nevertheless, learning of her diagnosis was a shock, for her and for her family. In the 2 years since her diagnosis Mary Jane has completed two rounds of chemotherapy and is now on a third regimen, an oral drug. Her family – especially her husband, 2 sisters, 4 children and 5 grandchildren – have been there every step of the way, helping any way they can. But Mary Jane wanted to connect with someone who’d been through what she was going through.
About a month after her diagnosis Mary Jane called Support Connection and spoke with a Peer Counselor. Describing this call, she says: “I got my first words of encouragement I’d heard since I was diagnosed.” In addition to continued conversations with a Peer Counselor, Mary Jane joined some of Support Connection’s group programs, such as a monthly canasta group and an art workshop. She loves being with people and finds the programs meet her needs: “It’s a chance to be in a room with other women who’ve had similar experiences. The women are very supportive.”
2017 Support-A-Walk
Mary Jane took part in her first Support-A-Walk last year as a fundraiser and Team Captain. Because she was still in chemo and unable to walk at the event, she asked friends and family to help. They all pitched in: Her son set up her online fundraising page where Mary Jane wrote: “I am seeking both walkers and donors to help me champion this wonderful group that provides support for women everywhere who are breast and ovarian cancer survivors.” Her Team raised more than $1,100. Her granddaughter designed shirts with the Team name “Grandma’s Cool Cats.” A group of family members and friends attended the Walk on her behalf.
Mary Jane is delighted to be a Support-A-Walk Ambassador: “Right now, there’s not a lot I’m able to do physically to get involved. I was looking around thinking, what can I do to help? So when I was asked to be an Ambassador I was happy to say yes. I also want to show other senior citizens that if I can get through this, they can too.”
Mary Jane encourages everyone take part in the Support-A-Walk: “It’s something I believe in. It’s a way that families and anyone can come together to support cancer survivors. The more people get involved, the stronger Support Connection will be for all the people who need them.