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Lung Cancer Awareness honors survivors, supporters by Cindy Abole Public Relations [Editor’s Note: This week, Nov. 12-16, has been designated as Lung Cancer Awareness Week. Americans across the country have participated in various events to recognize survivors and victims of this terrible disease. On Nov. 15, Lowcountry lung cancer survivors, their families, practitioners and supporters attended an hour-long special candlelight service beginning at 6:30 p.m., St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. The event was co-sponsored by area hospitals, Hollings Cancer Center, Roper CareAlliance and Trident Health System.] Denise Barrineau and Abram Parker are fighters.  Both have both beaten the odds in a disease that is considered to be the number one cancer killer among men and women. Both are lung cancer survivors. Approximately 170,000 new cases of lung cancer will be diagnosed this year, accounting for 13 percent of all new cancer cases. In 2001, about 160,000 Americans will die from this disease whose incidence among women is rising.  To look at her, Barrineau’s bright hazel eyes and warm smile are infectious to everyone she meets. It is especially true when she is encouraged to tell her own life story.  Just three years earlier, this spry, 58-year old Georgetown housewife struggled with the thought of living with lung cancer. Her own relationship with this disease has already been filled with woes—she lost her father, sister and first husband. Instead of dwelling on her past or surrendering to the challenges of this disease, she learned to look past life’s challenges by gaining a renewed confidence found within herself in the course of her battle against cancer. Last May, Barrineau realized her life-long dream of completing her education by obtaining a GED diploma. Excited, she was able to share her own thoughts with a supportive crowd in a speech she gave at Georgetown High School on May 31. “First of all I want to thank God for being in my life everyday,” said Barrineau, before recognizing her teachers and supporters at the adult program at Georgetown County School District and the Howard Adult Center. “It’s through my trust in him that has strengthened me especially through the hard times.”  Barrineau’s story began in 1999 when the results from  a routine chest X-ray changed her life.  The X-ray showed spots in her lungs. A smoker of many years, Barrineau was referred to Hollings Cancer Center (HCC) oncologist Carol Sherman, M.D., who confirmed that she had stage III lung cancer. She was fortunate to receive support from a caring group of physicians, nurses and staff during her therapy that included 24 treatments of chemotherapy and 38 treatments of radiation. Each day, she focused on gaining back her strength and getting better. One challenge that helped her physically was the simple act of washing dishes.  “I figured if I can begin by washing one dish a day, then I’ll feel better and want to do more things,” Barrineau said.  Armed with a newfound confidence and determination, she went for testing at Waccamaw Regional Job Training Center in  preparation for the GED. Last Sept., she completed the first half of the GED exam and planned to complete the second part in January when misfortune struck in her life again. That same January, she suffered from two minor strokes and a heart attack. “Oh, no!,” she thought. “Here I go again (missing school).” Following her recovery, she was able to complete her GED in March.  For Barrineau, the effort of clearing each of life’s hurdles has been tough but not lonely. She is grateful to all of the people she has befriended along the way.   “People are such an inspiration to me,” Barrineau said. “My message to them is simple: If you have a goal in life and are determined to do it, you’ll make it.” Barrineau has taken her message out to her community and will be speaking with elementary, middle and high school students in the Georgetown County School District.  “If I have the chance to help open someone’s eyes to the dangers of smoking, lung cancer, drug abuse or other bad habits then I’m happy with myself.” Parker: A dedicated volunteer Goose Creek resident Abram Parker was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999. Like Barrineau, he followed a regimen of chemotherapy and radiation to treat his cancer. Three years later at age 73, he feels good enough to commute the 20 miles from his home  downtown Charleston on Monday mornings  to volunteer at HCC.  “Volunteering inspires me to give back,” said Parker, who can be found talking to patients in the waiting room areas or volunteering for special in-house screenings and programs. “I’m there to help calm patients and dispel some of their fears. I remind them that I know what its like because I’ve been down that same road.”  “Denise, Mr. Parker and others are all very special individuals,” said Sherman. “Taking care of them has been the best and most important part of my job as a physician. Each has managed to  approach life with a changed outlook that has inspired them to do great things for themselves and in the service of others.”