Cancer patient gives aid

Even with two inoperable brain tumors, she helps at the Rescue Mission.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
YOUNGSTOWN -- In the early 1990s, Barbara Clark was impressed with how the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley helped a sister in need.
That planted a seed from which a desire to donate her time at the agency sprouted -- and which, despite a series of serious illnesses and surgeries, continues to bear fruit 15 years later.
Clark started by volunteering several days a week at the Rescue Mission, but health problems and necessary surgeries over the last six years curtailed her efforts.
But instead of stopping her, the challenges only renewed her determination.
In early 2000, Clark, 53, of Masury, woke up and had trouble breathing, something she and her doctor initially attributed to sinus problems. Instead, it turned out to be far worse: Clark's diagnosis was brain cancer.
After Clark underwent a painful biopsy at St. Elizabeth Health Center, a scan revealed an unusual growth in her head. She was sent to a neurologist at Cleveland Clinic, who removed a tumor on the bottom of her brain as well as one in her sinus passages.
Clark's first major brain surgery was in February 2000 at St. E's. She spent about three weeks in a coma before going to Hillside Hospital for rehabilitation therapy.
She was far from being out of the woods, however.
Three years ago, Clark found out that part of her cancer had traveled to her neck, which resulted in the need for removal of cancerous lymph nodes. In addition to a pair of brain surgeries -- the most recent being last year in which two tumors were taken from the right side -- Clark has gone through several neck operations and more than 10 sinus surgeries, she estimated.
As if the pain weren't enough, Clark's illnesses have made her unable to work, causing her and her husband, Jerry, to have to live on his salary as a welder at Western Pennsylvania Steel Fabricating in New Castle, Pa. Recently, the two moved to a smaller home, she said.
In high spirits
Nevertheless, & quot;I'm doing very well. I can still cook but can taste only certain things, & quot; she explained. & quot;My family has helped me get through this. & quot;
For the most part, Clark also is doing well emotionally and derives pleasure from her work at the Rescue Mission, which she performs twice a week when her health permits. Her main tasks include sorting through donated clothing and household items and placing them in a storage area for the facility to give to those in need. She also washes dishes and does whatever else is needed.
On rough days, Clark has her family, including sisters Linda Sinkovich and Brenda Shreffle, to assist her with cleaning, laundry and other chores. To cheer her up, the sisters occasionally buy Clark a small gift, she added.
Despite still having two inoperable tumors in her brain, her pain is manageable, she said. She is on five medications, including muscle relaxers for her neck, and anti-depressants, she noted.
Clark said she wants to continue with chemotherapy treatments she had for six months, but her bloodwork deems it unsafe. She goes once a week for bloodwork and to the Cleveland Clinic about twice a month for various neck and brain scans; on occasion she also has to undergo a delicate procedure to remove an infection from her brain, she noted.
Clark added that she gets strength from her mother, Sue Maloney, who died of cancer at age 63, and whom she calls a & quot;strong role model. & quot; Being surrounded by her eight grandchildren also is therapeutic, she added.
& quot;They're my medicine. When I'm with my grandkids, I don't feel so old, & quot; she said with a laugh.
Praise for her determination
Linda Sherrard, the Rescue Mission's public relations director, called Clark & quot;the epitome of a servant's heart.
& quot;She is quiet by nature but shows her love through action, & quot; Sherrard said.
Sherrard added that she's seen Clark come on bad days, and instead of complaining, Clark throws herself into helping others. Another of Clark's assets, Sherrard continued, is her ability to listen to those who wish to express their feelings and speak what's in their hearts.
Among other things, Clark has shown that people, regardless of availability, talents or station in life, have the ability to give something back.
& quot;You can give of yourself; you can sort through clothes ... smile at a child who knows abuse every day, & quot; she said. & quot;If you think you have nothing to give, you're wrong. & quot;
Clark added that she views those at the facility as an extended family. She said she tries to maintain a positive attitude about her health and is grateful for the prayers she receives from staff and other volunteers.
& quot;Whatever will be, will be, & quot; she said. & quot;Me being upset isn't going to change my situation. & quot;