It would be easy to say Robin Boernson should have known better.

It would be easy to say Robin Boernson should have known better. Her mother and five aunts were smokers and each died of lung cancer, her mother at age 54. 

The words printed on Marla Harper’s shirt said it all, “Think Happy Thoughts.” A week from the day she wore the shirt, Marla would have a mastectomy. In her 68 years of life, this would be her first surgery.

“They noticed something unusual,” she said.

It’s amazing what the human spirit – and body – can endure

Barbara “Babs” Herring of Hannibal learned something about breast cancer this past summer.

The Central School District in Adams County, Illinois, holds an annual Relay for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Each year for the past 10 years, Jenny Hetzler, school nurse, attended the event in case her services were needed by any participating students.

Dale and Sherri King thought so until late June 2023 when Dale developed a sore throat. He was diagnosed with strep throat and took a 10-day course of antibiotics. They did not help. 

Kayla Sargent’s life was going great in 2009. She was a new registered nurse and a new mom. Then, she had gallbladder surgery.

Sierra Reed felt something was missing in her life. That began to change the day her son Declan needed care at the Blessing Emergency Center.