When
the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, children with cystic
fibrosis (CF) rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. Due in
large part to the CF Foundation's aggressive investments in innovative research
and comprehensive care, many people with the disease can now expect to live
into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"
In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"
My mother passed away from breast cancer in 1994 and all those memories came rushing back all at once. For the next day or so, I drifted through a kaleidoscope of emotions: disbelief, fear, anger and sadness. Finally, reality set in and I knew that I had the "fight of my life" ahead of me.
Shortly thereafter, I had the Whipple Procedure, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. I am often called "The Miracle Patient" by my doctors. According to the statistics for pancreatic cancer, it is truly a "miracle" for me to still be here. This is why I work with such passion for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and why it's so important for us to get more research dollars to find a cure for this deadly disease!
Throughout my journey with pancreatic cancer, my husband, Charles, and my son, Ronnie, have always been at the core of my support system, doing whatever was needed to make things bearable when times were tough. My husband and I have been married for more than 21 years and my son is now attending college. My entire family, my friends and my church family at the First Baptist Church of Progress Village near Tampa have always been there to also give me support.
I know that I am blessed! I have been cancer free since 2001! I believe that the Lord spared my life so that I could develop my new ministry, passionately working with this organization and the entire pancreatic cancer community.
I am an educator and retired from the teaching profession after 30 years of service. I now own a small business called "Baulkmon Originals", which specializes in custom-made fashions and garment alterations. I am the coordinator for the Tampa Bay Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. I serve on the organization's Volunteers Advisory Council as well as its Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) Volunteer Committee.
I talk with patients and caregivers from across the country with questions regarding my experiences with this disease. I am also a member of the Tampa Bay Community Cancer Network. In my spare time I love reading romance novels and gardening. I am so thankful for my life, my family, and being a part of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. I truly believe that we can all make a difference!
The National Psoriasis Foundation is working to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and eliminating their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education.
When
the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, children with cystic
fibrosis (CF) rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. Due in
large part to the CF Foundation's aggressive investments in innovative research
and comprehensive care, many people with the disease can now expect to live
into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"
In June of 2000, I received shocking news. My doctor walked into my hospital room and calmly told me that I had pancreatic cancer and surgery needed to be performed as soon as possible. He also pointed out that I had jaundice, which explained why the white portions of my eyes were yellow. I remember staring at him in disbelief. I thought, "Oh no, I can't have the big C. Not me!"
