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Beating the Odds

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melissa Dearstone
  • 440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Pope Field, N.C. --  Cancer is a word that can change a person's life forever. Friends of the Cancer Center, a Fayetteville, N.C., non-profit organization, lends a helping hand to those in need.

Kathy Grantham, a survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, is one such former patient who benefited from the organization's services. "Many of the volunteers with the Cancer Center have either had a cancer diagnosis themselves or have a loved one with cancer," she said.

Grantham's cancer was found during a home self-examination. "During a typical two-second check in the shower, I noticed a small lump on my right breast," she said. "Within a few weeks it had gotten larger and the news from the doctor would change our lives forever."

Maj. Lisa Ray, stepdaughter of Grantham and chief of the 440th Airlift Wing public affairs office was in Washington, D.C. when she heard the news. "It was really comforting knowing my stepmom had people there helping her besides just the wonderful medical staff," she said. "I know throughout her fight with cancer, she always leaned on the Friends of the Cancer Center for support."

During this fearful and stressful time the organization helped Grantham's family through the emotions and struggles they had to deal with by providing spiritual, emotional, and financial support.

"Before my first chemo treatment, there was a cocktail that was recommended to help me adjust to the chemicals my body was about to be bombarded with," she said. "My husband had just switched jobs and we decided not to take the $3,000 cocktail thinking we didn't have health insurance for the next 90 days. The Cancer Center stepped up and covered the cost for us."

Grantham believes we are all raised to help our fellow man in whatever ways we can. "With this organization you're more than just a face. You become their friend and just like any good friend, they are there to help in any way possible."

Friends of the Cancer Center receive all of its financial support from organizational and individual donations. They hold annual fund-raising events and all funds go directly to the patients. The next fund-raising event is the 9th Annual Ribbon Walk and Ride on Sept. 20 at Festival Park in Fayetteville. For additional information go to http://www.ribbonwalkforcancer.org.