Survivors honored through personal
stories
The
Hollings Cancer Center is honoring cancer survivors for their hope,
courage and perseverance in battling cancer through a special poster
display throughout the summer.The display, Faces of Hope, began as a celebration of National Cancer Survivors Month in June, and is a presentation of pictures and personal stories of cancer survivors who share their stories of overcoming unconscionable odds in their struggle against cancer. Faces of Hope stories cover the full spectrum of life experiences, ages, race and gender. Some of the survivors are athletes; some are young aspiring models, husbands, wives and entrepreneurs. And all of them share a similar story that, while tragic, also reflects the absolute courage and resolve of their human spirit to keep going despite the pain and odds.
Beating cancer is getting a bit easier due to advanced therapies. Thirty years ago, only 3 million people with cancer survived, whereas today 10 million people with cancer are survivors. In addition, cancer-related deaths have declined for the past two years. Still, cancer is the second leading cause of death among South Carolinians.
For the coming weeks, The Catalyst will bring these stories to you. Meanwhile, the posters are on display in the Hollings Cancer Center at 86 Jonathan Lucas St.
by Jenine Skiavo
My story begins with faith...I have always been a Christian woman. I feel I was born a Christian woman. But I never really knew what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus—until cancer.
Cancer survivor
Jenine Skiavo and her husband, Joey.The day I was diagnosed, Sept. 18, 2006, at exactly 1:16 in the afternoon, I remember there was a peace that came over me. I knew my God was with me. He had a purpose for this breast cancer.
I called all my “prayer warriors.” The power of prayer changed my life.
I went to the elders of the church I was attending and they laid hands on me, anointed me with oil and prayed for my healing, while I was on my knees at the alter. This is what's referred to as biblical healing in scripture—James 5:14.
I remember I stayed in the word. I covered myself in the word of God—daily. I ate all healthy foods. God actually took away my taste for anything unhealthy for my physical body.
I drank real green tea and filtered water and continue to do so today. I felt as holy as a person can be here on earth.
I thanked God for all the new technology that these physicians had to use in order to save my life.
My healing has been a process, first medication, surgery and radiation. After this, the choices for my recovery are mine.
Of course, everything is discussed with the professionals trained to help cure me, with all the skills and knowledge that God helped them to have.
I live my life in gratitude to God and for these men I call “my brothers”—I pray for them faithfully, as well as “my sister,” Dr. Rayna Kueuper Hall.
I live every day just like the song says…“Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw.
Friday, July 6, 2007
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