September 2006
Last month, I had the privilege to attend the PBCC’s photo exhibit opening at the Lycoming Mall in Williamsport. Dee Hoffman was one of the speakers and is one of our newest exhibit participants, representing Tioga County. Dee was diagnosed with breast cancer less than one year after her husband escaped from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center on 9/11. For someone who has been through so much, she has a surprisingly positive and inspiring outlook on life. I was so impressed with her remarks that I asked her if I could recap them here for you. She explains why life is a privilege…
P is for the power to pray for strength and the courage to fight our battle.
R is for the resources that are abundant to us – from our diagnosis to survivorship – utilize them.
I is for the intelligence to ask all the questions we can about our disease, and to follow the
directions to wellness.
V reminds us to view life on life’s terms. We are not unique. Acceptance is a vital key for us
each day.
I is to invite good, positive people into your life. We need the listening ears of others to hear
our thoughts and feelings. Be honest and open about your anger, fears and sadness.
Many times for me, the tearful sessions ended in a big bust-the-belly laugh. Laughing is
good medicine.
L is to live one day at a time. Treasure it for the privileged gift that it represents.
E is for the empowerment to give and receive the love of others. Today is a blessing to give to
others, and to accept the same in return.
G is for the guts to fight the battle and to do the best we can. After all, when you’re bald, bold
and beautiful…it ain’t bad to have GUTS.
E is to encourage every sister and brother in the fight against cancer to achieve victory.
Victories happen one day at a time.
Thanks Dee for reminding us that life, indeed, is a privilege.
Heather Hibshman
Executive Director
