Cancer Patient Gets
A Make Over

"I found a lump [in my breast] on Valentine’s Day two years ago and I ignored it," said Beulah.

"My husband took sick just after Mother’s Day that same year and passed away July 10. After that, I just gave up."

A Broken Woman

In the past two years, Beulah has experienced two of the most difficult trials that anyone should have to endure – the death of a loved one and discovering her own life-threatening illness.

Following her husband’s death, Beulah had given up, making a conscious decision not to fight her worsening health problem. A dear friend of Beulah’s encouraged her to seek medical help.

On July 9, doctors informed Beulah that her tests were positive for breast cancer and that in addition to undergoing one year of chemo treatments, she would have to have surgery immediately to remove both of her breasts.

Seeking Help

Following her surgery, Beulah was made aware of several United Way-funded programs from The American Cancer Society that were available to help pay for her cancer treatments and to help her to begin to feel better about herself.

A volunteer visitor for The American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program went out to Beulah’s home to listen to questions and concerns and share personal experiences for Beulah’s encouragement and peace of mind.

She was also given information on a United Way-funded program, Look Good...Feel Better, which helps women cope with the side effects of cancer treatments including hair loss, dry skin and skin and fingernail discoloration.

"I lost my hair and my eyebrows. They taught me how to apply make up, which I’d never worn before, and purchased a wig for me," said Beulah. "It was really nice of them, and it made me feel a lot better."

Beulah receives radiation treatments five days a week; she volunteered for a cancer research study to help with medication bills, but more than that, she says that it is her hope to further cancer research so other families may not have to endure trials such as she and her family have had to endure. On this program, Beulah receives two different kinds of medication to complete the first treatment and two for the second treatment.

Courage To Continue

On March 1, Beulah is due to have a hysterectomy if her white cells are high enough, because the cancer has continued to spread through her fragile body.

Although it’s very difficult for her, Beulah now continues to fight the cancer. She is encouraged by her daughter who takes her to treatments and offers support. And she finds an infrequent smile when she speaks of her two pet cockatiels, Peanut and Coco.

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.

United Way-Funded Programs That Care

United Way of the Plains is committed to focusing on the issues that the community cares about most.

The American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program provides information and support for women who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Look Good...Feel Better is a
program of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association in partnership with the American Cancer Society and the National Cosmetology Association.

These programs are two of the many United Way-funded programs that meet multiple needs in our community.