Welcome to Brave Hearts, the Daily Journal’s annual salute to cancer survivors. The following profiles are filled with the stories of your friends and neighbors. They don’t have all that much in common, except that they’ve all heard the words: “You have cancer.” They’ve all gone through the disbelief, shock, fear and, maybe, acceptance. But they also have something else in common — an uncommon spirit that drives them to stand up to cancer, to fight back, to persevere. We hope they inspire you as they’ve inspired us.
Profiles
- Survivors mark milestones in journeys with cancer
- Franklin man pours energy into helping others
- Doses of faith, humor
- Figures show fewer women seeking regular mammograms
- Early results positive for technology at Community hospitals
- ‘No one would understand’
- At 39, 2-time survivor training for charity bike ride in California
- Two diagnoses come decades apart for woman
- Woman struggles with treatment, medication costs
- 49-year cancer survivor was preparing for worst after diagnosis
- ‘Bump in the road’
- Woman struggles to shake fear of relapse
- Cancer sparks depression for woman
- Breast cancer follows fight with Hodgkin’s
- ‘Cancer fears me’
- Franklin woman in midst of chemo treatments
- 'A level of fear that you’ve never experienced' Cancer diagnosis not only worry for family
- 'Because of me, she had to go through this'
- Trojans to face Cubs for crown: Center Grove, Franklin roll in soccer semis
- "I've had their thoughts and fears" Nurse draws from personal experience to help patients
- She still talks to her mom: Fever’s Douglas lost mother to breast cancer
Breast cancer support groups
The following hospitals, nonprofit agencies and businesses offer breast cancer support and activities to patients, survivors, their loved ones and caregivers.
Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis
What: Support group
When: 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays
Where: St. Francis Health Cancer Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis
Cost: Free to patients and their caregivers
To register: 257-1505
What: Mammothon
When: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 12. Mammograms are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling 855-837-8830.
Where: St. Francis Health Cancer Center, 8111 S. Emerson Ave., Indianapolis
About: The hospital is hosting an awareness event to get women screened. Women who schedule a mammogram will get a free gift. Free bone density, heart screenings, massages and skin care demonstrations will also be a part of the event.
Price: Most major insurances are accepted. To get financial assistance for a mammogram, call 325-5595.
Little Red Door Cancer Agency
What: Free mammograms.
When: Call 925-5595 to set up an appointment. The agency has partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
Johnson Memorial Hospital
What: Cancer support group
When: 5:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month. A light meal is provided.
Where: Cancer Care Center in outpatient building, 1159 W. Jefferson St., Suite 102, Franklin
Information: Amy Gibson, 736-3346
CJ’s Consignments
What: The shop will host the second bra-decorating contest.
When: Decorated bras can be submitted to CJ’s Consignments from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 1 through 6. Bras will be displayed at the shop through most of October.
Where: Entry forms can be picked up at CJ’s Consignments, 219 W. Jefferson St., Franklin.
Price: Registration is $5. Votes for the best bra displayed at the shop will be $1 each or six votes for $5.
Why: All proceeds will go to Women’s Health Services for uninsured patients of Windrose Health Network.
Community Hospital South
What: Breast cancer support group
When: 6 to 8 p.m., second Thursday of each month
Where: Community Breast Care South, 533 E. County Line Road, Suite 101, Greenwood
Dinner/snacks: Bring your favorite dish to share with the group
Meeting dates and topics:
Nov. 1 — Ask The Doctors Medical Panel: Dr. Erin Zusan, breast surgeon; Dr. Hemachandra Venkatesh, medical oncologist; Dr. Eugene Hsiao, plastic surgery; and Dr. Darrel Ross, radiation oncologist
Nov. 29 — Pink elephant exchange, holiday pitch-in, Fannie May Candy talk with Mary Morris, breast cancer survivor and manager.
Information: Sharon Bronnenberg, 887-7332; or Lou Ann Vaughn, 497-6938
St. Thomas Clinic
What: Free mammograms
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 18
Where:St. Thomas Clinic, Paul Hand Blvd, Franklin.
Register: Call 535-6057 or sign up at Don and Dona’s Restaurant, 18 E. Jefferson St., Franklin.
Franklin College
What: Zeta Tau Alpha’s Big Man on Campus
When:7:30 p.m. Oct. 30, Franklin College, 101 Branigin Blvd.
Info:Big Man On Campus is a male pageant, where male students are judged on formal wear, theme wear, “Think Pink,” spirit, talent and impromptu. Contestants also must raise money for breast cancer awareness and education.
Think Pink Celebrate
When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Holiday Inn Express, 12225 N. executive Drive, Edinburgh.
Price: $20 a person
Info: A Longaberger basket consultant will host the silent auctions, door prizes, public displays and other activities. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society awareness programs and a local mammogram assistance program.
