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Cancer survivors celebrate life, friends
By Jordan Cohen
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 on Sunday.
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 six months to more than 38 years.
Dr. Lori Hemrock, an oncologist at the Hope Center for Cancer Care in Howland, said her message to survivors is to accept help from those who offer it and be grateful for it.
“There is no good answer [why you had cancer],” Hemrock told the survivors, some of whom, including Paugh, have been her patients.
“We just have to push forward.”
Doris Bollinger of Niles agrees. When she was 44 and raising three teenagers, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy on her 19th wedding anniversary. Since then, she has been cancer-free for more than 38 years and describes herself as “a young senior” at age 82.
“My family helped me survive,” said Bollinger, who was accompanied by her daughter.
Lillie Johnson, 72, knows how hard it can be to remain upbeat. The Warren resident has fought cancer twice. After her first treatments, Johnson had no trace of cancer for 15 years until the discovery of a tumor last year led to a double mastectomy. Johnson said despite her experience, she remains an optimist and is carrying that message to other survivors as a recovery volunteer.
“You have to maintain a positive attitude,” Johnson said. “It’s very important.
Dr. Hemrock said the survivors should continue to reach out to one another, not hesitate to discuss their survival experiences and remember to enjoy life.
“Keep teaching me and everyone,” she told the group. “Remember, it’s not about waiting out the storm — it’s about dancing in the rain.”
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.