August 22, 2016 at 2:52 p.m.
Lillis shares inspiring story at Celebration of Life
Lillis shares inspiring story at Celebration of Life
By Kayla Thomason-
Lillis shared her unique story Thursday evening at the ninth annual Celebration of Life held on the lawn of the James Beck Cancer Center.
Organizers of the Celebration of Life, an annual event that honors survivors and those still fighting the disease while also recognizing those who have succumbed, said Lillis was a natural choice for the guest speaking role.
"It wasn't even a matter of choosing, we knew that Nancy was touched by cancer over the last year and as a family member of the cancer center we really wanted her to be the speaker," said Kimberly Hetland, director of cancer services.
Lillis was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer in March 2015, after discovering a lump during a self exam. She chose to have a double mastectomy, which proved to be a good decision as results later showed that the cancer had spread to the other breast and a lymph node.
"Self breast examinations really are so important," Lillis said, adding that she hoped to encourage those still in treatment not to give up the fight. "Even the people that are diagnosed with cancer sometimes the outlook isn't the best, but don't give up, live life to the fullest."
Lillis said she had no qualms about going to her workplace for treatment.
"The staff here made it so easy for me," she said. "I had so much faith in the staff as a group, as a whole."
She completed six sessions of chemotherapy and 33 sessions of radiation.
"I want (other patients to) pursue the treatments, live life to the fullest," she said. "There's life after chemotherapy, there's life after radiation. It is only for that small duration of time and it's a little rough going while you're going through it but pursue it."
No matter how long it has been since a patient's cancer has been defeated, they are survivors, she added.
"Somebody came to me one time and said 'I thought you weren't considered a survivor until after the five-year mark,' and as far as I'm concerned, because I'm standing here in front of you, I consider myself a survivor," she said.
"I'm here today and I'm loving life and I've got another grandchild on the way and she or he, we don't know yet, is due the end of February," she added. "I want to be around and watch that little one grow."
Hetland was pleased by the size of the crowd.
"(I'm) really excited about the turnout, there's lots of new faces as well as patients and families we've seen in the past," she said.
After the speeches were completed, several donations were presented to the James Beck Cancer Center.
The Ladies of the Bluegrass donated $10,169. Julie Bronson, representing the Rhinelander Country Club, donated $2,745. The Northwood Golf Club donated $1,000 and Richard Hughes, who holds Purple Pride fundraisers to honor his wife who died of pancreatic cancer, donated $3,500.
After the donations were gratefully accepted, it was time for the butterfly release.
"This is like the perfect weather for those butterflies, they just took flight," Hetland said."The butterfly release every year is symbolic, symbolic for those who have lost their loved ones that the butterflies are a symbol of flying to heaven and for cancer survivors it's a new beginning."
Breast cancer survivor Sharann Schoppe has attended the event several times.
"It's very exciting and I come every year and I bring three grandchildren who have been coming because they enjoy the butterflies more than the listening, but they really enjoy what they do for our celebration of life," she said.
Although she likes the butterflies, Schoppe said she looks forward to hearing the inspirational stories of the guest speakers.
"My favorite part is listening to the new survivor because it gives strength to the people who are there who are still struggling," she said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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