Cancer survivors celebrate at Saturday event
By Sean Barron
BOARDMAN
If practical advice could be given to those who receive the often-devastating news of a cancer diagnosis and their loved ones, it would be to maintain a positive attitude, stay strong, keep the faith and hold onto hope.
Debbie Ziccardi, Sandra Turnage and Sue Calautti can easily attest to the value of taking such steps.
“I was diagnosed with lung and rectal cancer at the same time,” recalled Turnage, of Youngstown. “I was totally surprised because there were no symptoms.”
Despite having been handed such frightening news in May 2010, Turnage has become a six-year cancer survivor. She was among an estimated 70 survivors of the disease who attended Saturday’s first Cancer Survivor Day at Southern Park Mall.
Hosting the three-hour informational gathering was the American Cancer Society of Northeast Ohio in conjunction with the mall. Offering a series of activities and presentations were Mercy Health, Yellow Brick Place, the ACS and the YMCA.
The event was designed to celebrate those who have overcome the disease, along with their caretakers and loved ones, noted Renee Walker, community manager for the ACS’ East Central Division in Canfield.
“We celebrate them at all of our events,” including Relay for Life gatherings, Walker said, adding that she hoped to also make cancer-related information available to those who regularly walk in the mall.
Turnage remembered having undergone a routine colonoscopy, after which a CT scan revealed she also had lung cancer. Nevertheless, the last such scan showed negative results, she said.
“I’m very blessed,” added Turnage, who is a co-captain of a team that participates in the Boardman Relay for Life.
Calautti, whose parents had received cancer diagnoses, also acts as Turnage’s caretaker. Her mother is a survivor, Calautti continued.
In 2010, Ziccardi was diagnosed with breast cancer after a small tumor had been found, and a local surgeon estimated it had a 50 percent chance of being cancerous, she explained. The tumor grew quickly, and treatment consisted of several months of chemotherapy as well as daily doses of radiation, she noted.
“It was like getting the flu that was very, very bad,” the Poland woman said about the side effects of chemotherapy.
Other than occasional bouts of fatigue, Ziccardi feels well, “but I keep going and have a lot of family supporting me,” she added.
Her activities include being part of Debbie’s Angels, one of the teams that participates in the annual Poland Relay for Life, said Ziccardi, who also emphasized the value of holding fast to several things that are intangible.
“Everyone’s different, and every situation is different. But you need a good support system and hope. I think that’s how I got through,” she said.
Holly Marshall, another Debbie’s Angels member, expressed gratitude that her 85-year-old mother, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago, is a survivor and continues to crochet, sew, cook and take part in other activities. Her mother also makes gifts that are raffled off for the benefit of survivors, Marshall said, adding that having a positive attitude “is half the battle” in dealing with the disease.
Also at Saturday’s gathering, Loretta Pflug, the YMCA’s health and wellness coordinator, conducted a chair yoga program in which survivors did yoga stretches and movements sitting down. The event also featured presentations and a segment on the importance of laughter.
“We’re very honored to have our partnership with the American Cancer Society. We’ve done many events with the American Cancer Society and look forward to continuing that partnership,” said Lori Reda, Southern Park Mall’s marketing director.
In addition, Mercy Health officials announced a free program set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 21 at the Boardman Holiday Inn, 7410 South Ave., on early detection and ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, which is a leading cause of death in the U.S.
Those interested in attending are asked to register by calling 330-480-3183. Registration deadline is Thursday.