Exposing Hope 2017 | Lynn Smith
“[Hope is] a long and healthy life, an early detection test, and eradication of breast cancer.”
Lynn Smith shared that being a survivor of breast cancer has positively and negatively impacted her life. Unfortunately, Lynn, a surgeon, still experiences some chemotherapy side effects which have forced her to shift careers. On the other hand, Lynn’s support system from her family, her children’s school, community, church family, neighbors, and patients undoubtedly guided her through her battle.
During her treatment, she was able to spend more time with her children and explore new career options and hobbies that she may not have discovered otherwise. Lynn, a twelve-year survivor, hopes that no one will have to endure this disease.
Exposing Hope 2017 | Lynette Olifer
“Hope is like a warm, bright light that shines & guides you through each day. You can’t have hope without faith.”
Exposing Hope through Lynette Olifer, it became clear that there are some powerful numbers in her story. One. Six. and Eleven.
One. Lynette shared that there’s one very important relationship to which she attributes her hope, stamina and the success of her treatment. The one she refers to is her relationship with God. It’s transparent in knowing her story that her faith grew stronger and she re-prioritized her relationship with God. Today, her faith today is very strong and continues to strengthen.
Six. Lynette shared that it was not a surprise when she was the sixth person in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Prior to her diagnosis, her mother and four aunts were diagnosed with breast cancer which elevated her chances.
Eleven. A strong eleven years and counting as a survivor of breast cancer. The history of breast cancer in Lynette’s family, including her own diagnosis, has motivated her to do what she can to find an earlier test.
She doesn’t want anyone, especially her daughter, to be concerned about being diagnosed with this disease.
Exposing Hope 2017 | Laura Lomax
“[Hope is] our security in God alone.”
During Laura Lomax’s treatment, she received a great deal of support which she described as a supernatural kind of hope. Although cancer frightened her, she had confidence that God would assure her security.
Laura ultimately shared two important things that impacted her life during treatment. First, her journey impacted her faith into something deep and immovable. Her family, friends, and God ministered to her through her time of need. Secondly, her experience brought attention and clarity to her priorities. Laura began to adjust her work and home balance to give her patients the utmost care and spend the most time she could with her family.
A month after Laura’s last radiation treatment, she began dating her amazing husband Phil. They have been married for ten years.
Laura, a thirteen-year survivor, shared that there’s no need to spend time on unimportant problems when you realize life is finite.
Exposing Hope 2017 | Laura Brown
“Hope to me is praying for faster detection and cures for this deadly disease and that our future generations will be spared.”
Laura Brown is well acquainted with the impact of cancer. In her profession, she’s personally witnessed countless people who have experienced the life-changing impact of a cancer diagnosis. As a breast cancer survivor, Laura proclaims that she’s more aware and compassionate for others and their journeys with cancer.
Laura Brown is a twenty-two-year survivor this month, October 2017.
