MEET ROSEMARIE: Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor - 4 years, 3 months
MEET KAREN: 7 years post Esophageal Cancer & 5 years post Cancer between Esophageal Junction and Aorta
"It has been a hard fight but worth the battle. I’m living each day as though it’s my last and enjoying life to the fullest."
'Be HAPPY … not because everything is good, but because you can see the good in everything” a “chirp” from Natural Life'
MEET KAT: 13 year Cancer Survivor
"As a 13 year cancer survivor my Yoga practice both on & off the mat brings me continued strength & resiliency. Four years ago was when I first entered the doors at CRC I found a welcoming community both as a survivor and Yoga instructor. Leading Yoga for Wellness classes & now offering one on one therapeutic yoga sessions as part of the Caring Coupon program. Through CRC I've made lasting friendships, and participated in their offerings promoting Wellness & Community. I am so grateful! Wishing you Peace & Wellness each and every day! Love & Namaste~Kat
(Pic- Kat & Corey Quarantine 2020)
MEET SUE: 12 year Cancer Survivor
"Some of my favorite activities offered by the CRCofWM this past year have been the crafting and card making classes plus the weekly Yoga Warrior classes. When we meet for crafting and stamping, the project is always fun to complete but sitting there with the others makes for a fun afternoon. The conversation is light and funny but if someone has something to talk about the group listens and understands. The Yoga Warrior class is another highlight of the week. Again, the group is friendly and the instructor leads us through a variety of poses, twists and the restorative part just makes the body feel so good. Even when classes became available on Zoom, the classes were just as beneficial. Another class recently added to virtual schedule I have enjoyed, and it seems like many others do too, is the Monday Morning Meditation. These are just a few of the classes that I have really enjoyed participating in." - Sue Craib, Co-Founder, Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine
MEET BARB: 9 year Breast Cancer Survivor
"I feel so fortunate and grateful to be a 9 year survivor of breast cancer. I see it as a gift. An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backwards. When life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means it's going to launch you into something great. Just focus and keep aiming."
- Barb Deschenes, Co-Founder, Cancer Resource Center of Western Maine
MEET KATEY: 10 year Cancer Survivor & Yoga Instructor
MEET JULIE: Breast Cancer Survivor
"When I found out that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast in September 2019, my mom, Joan Deans, was right there for me - just like I was there for her when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her right breast three years ago. I really wish that my wonderful Grandma Rachel was here when I got the news that I have been diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast. I have a aunts who have had breast cancer on both sides of my family.
I can't thank my wonderful support team: my mom and dad (Dick Deans) my brother, Richard, and my relatives on both sides of my family. They are my rock stars. I also can't thank my wonderful boyfriend Paul Niemczyk, his parents Diane and Paul, his sister, Jean, and his niece, Emma, for all of their love and support.
I would also like to thank my family doctor Ann Marie Pond, and her two nurses Jen and Danielle, as well as Jean, Maureen, Tammy and the rest of the ladies in both the Oncology Infusion Room and the Mammogram Department at Stevens Memorial Hospital, in Norway, Maine. My mom and I have both been truly blessed to have each and every one of them in our lives. My oncologist, Dr. Peter Rubin, has also been part of my wonderful support team. And I can't forget to thank my radiation team in Lewiston: Dr. Brown, Matt, Maryanne and Michelle. ♥️🧡️❣️.
Lastly, I would like to thank Diane Madden and my " family" at the Cancer Resource Center in Norway, Maine. I don't know where I would be without their love and support that they have shown me. I always look forward to seeing them all at the Center and enjoy doing crafts every Tuesday!
I would like to close with this poem: " Do not walk in front of me" " I will not follow" " Do not walk behind me" " I will not lead" " Just walk beside me" " and be my friend".
MEET CHARLOTTE: 21 year Survivor - Breast Cancer & Lymphoma
For me, survivorship from two simultaneous cancers (breast and lymphoma) mean a bonus of 21 years with my family and friends and living to see my grandchildren! - Charlotte Snedeker, Norway, ME
MEET MARY: 7 year Breast Cancer Survivor
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and underwent about 5 months of chemo here at Stephens My experience there was so positive and my fondness for the wonderful nurses are something I'll never forget. I became so attached to them that I was very sad, although glad also of course to end treatment. I miss them to this day and am so glad to see them once in a while at the Resource Center or a drop in to the infusion room. We are so fortunate to have such competent, caring nurses right here in Norway. Thank you all again. I love you! - Mary Van Nest (or as Shelly always called me: Miss Mary"