Many
Delawareans are with us today as living proof that there is life after
breast cancer--life that is rich, full and experienced with renewed
zest. These women and men are testimony to the fact that breast cancer
can be controlled through early detection and treatment.
DBCC's
"Living and Giving" photographic exhibit portrays several
of these survivors -- individuals who continue to lead happy, productive
lives, sharing their gifts with the families and communities that treasure
them. These photographs are about life, love and joy.
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They
are the triumph of survival over victimization. Our hope is that the power
of their message will overcome the fear and denial that keep so many people
from taking charge of their health and controlling breast cancer through
early diagnosis and treatment.
Living and Giving
Thirty feet long and seven feet high, the Exhibit features thirty
survivors (twenty-nine women and one man). The exhibit has reached over
100,000 Delawareans through its touring locations including: Wilmington
Trust, MBNA, DuPont Pharmaceuticals, Hercules Inc., Christiana Care, BayHealth
Medical Center, the City/County Building, the Wilmington Amtrak Station
and the University of Delaware.
Whenever
the Living and Giving Exhibit travels to a new location, DBCC provides
educational programming in connection with the Exhibit's opening.
The Exhibit is now on display in our Wilmington headquarters at 11th and
Orange Streets. The public is welcome to view the exhibit Monday through
Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
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Portia
Johnson is a Branch Manager at the Wilmington Trust Company
in Wilmington, Delaware. She saw a TV ad about the importance
of early detection and decided to schedule a mammogram -- an action
that saved her life. She was diagnosed with cancer, but fortunately,
her tumor was contained. Since her diagnosis, she has made several
changes to promote wellness, such as modifying her eating habits,
taking vitamins and installing a water treatment system in her
home. She also goes to the gym and walks regularly.
Portia
says, "I have been truly blessed. I have been working at
the bank for 29 years, had a wonderful doctor, and I am happy
to be alive."
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Sharon
Eppes
of Wilmington, Delaware is an attorney and American Cancer Society
volunteer. Sharon had just graduated from law school and was preparing
for her wedding when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She
was 25 years old. As she faced the reality of living with breast
cancer, she recognized the toll that stress had taken on her health.
Cancer put her life into perspective, fueling the determination
to minimize stress and learn to relax. Sharon now has a successful
law practice and two beautiful young daughters "who are my
life."
According
to Sharon, "Living with cancer helped me to make a conscious
decision to get the stress out of my life. I did that with the
help of my children and a new faith in God."
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Barbara
Sudler of New Castle, Delaware has been a school teacher
at McCullough Elementary School for over twenty years. In 1987,
Barbara was teacher of the year. She praises her students and
wants to expose them to broad, inclusive education. Many of her
former students visit her -- sometimes just to get a special hug.
Living with breast cancer has given Barbara the determination
to try to make everybody a little happier.
In
her own words, "Breast cancer helped me become aware of people
and feelings, and to appreciate the challenges and joys in teaching
children."
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Lois
Osborn is a Tai-Chi enthusiast from Wilmington, Delaware.
As a result of breast cancer, she thinks a lot more about her
body. She wants to take care of it. She did yoga for years, discovering
an exciting mind, body and spiritual connection. Now her interest
has turned to Tai-Chi.
According
to Lois, "Cancer made me get more in touch with the connections
of mind, body and spirit. Tai-Chi is a wonderful way to explore
these relationships."
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