Mahoning Valley cancer survivors celebrate success at Warren event

Mahoning Valley cancer survivors celebrate success at Warren event

BY JORDAN COHEN

news@vindy.com

WARREN

Linda Paugh, 68, knows what it’s like to go through cancer and survive.

“Just like in the Bible, it took me through the fiery furnace, but I never got burned,” said the Cortland resident who attributes her deep religious faith to her survival from breast cancer.

Paugh was one of a number of cancer survivors and family members who turned out for the 23rd Annual Cancer Survivorship Day at Lincoln Elementary School this afternoon.

Paugh said she endured 33 radiation treatments after a tumor was detected in a mammogram and has been cancer-free for nearly a year.

“I feel you need to go through this experience before you can help someone else,” said Paugh who was chosen to give a “testimonial” to her fellow survivors.

“I want everyone to know you can do this,” she told them.

One of the traditions at the event is the wearing of buttons displaying how long each individual has survived cancer. The times ranged from 6 months to more than 38 years.

The annual gathering, sponsored by Trumbull Memorial Hospital, invites survivors, families and friends to “celebrate success in the fight against cancer” and concludes with a release of butterflies outside the school to display the continuation of life.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.