June Buddy Check
By: Eyewitness News
Updated: April 3, 2009
KIRBY PARK, WILKES-BARRE - The dignity of this man and the light-hearted look of this woman are reminders of how precious life is. They are among a select group. They are survivors of cancer.
Roxanne Schulman of Radiation Medicine Specialists says, "They are celebrating with their families and their loved ones and they can forget about medicine, forget about their problems and enjoy the spirit of the day and the spirit of their friends".
Times like this at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre allow them to share their stories and create a bond of common ground. Many have traveled a tough road to get here.
Bernadette Passeri, breast cancer survivor says, "That first year is really hard because you have chemo, radiation, after that you start to relax a bit but there's always the fear of re-occurrence and that fear never leaves you because every day is a struggle. I always get my test, my mammograms. Whatever needs to be done, I have it done."
There are other things to rely on too. Tom Merlie, a two-time cancer survivor says, "Positive attitude, family support, good doctors in the area, church. I'm a big believer in prayers.."
As for all these survivors their prayers have been answered. But the hope for tomorrow is not taken for granted. They know others whose hard fought battles with cancer were lost. So times like this are a way to keep the awareness of good health alive.
Tomorrow is the 28th of June and it's WBRE Buddy Check Day. The day to call your buddy and remind her, or him, to do a breast self-exam. It's a call that could save a life.
Roxanne Schulman of Radiation Medicine Specialists says, "They are celebrating with their families and their loved ones and they can forget about medicine, forget about their problems and enjoy the spirit of the day and the spirit of their friends".
Times like this at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre allow them to share their stories and create a bond of common ground. Many have traveled a tough road to get here.
Bernadette Passeri, breast cancer survivor says, "That first year is really hard because you have chemo, radiation, after that you start to relax a bit but there's always the fear of re-occurrence and that fear never leaves you because every day is a struggle. I always get my test, my mammograms. Whatever needs to be done, I have it done."
There are other things to rely on too. Tom Merlie, a two-time cancer survivor says, "Positive attitude, family support, good doctors in the area, church. I'm a big believer in prayers.."
As for all these survivors their prayers have been answered. But the hope for tomorrow is not taken for granted. They know others whose hard fought battles with cancer were lost. So times like this are a way to keep the awareness of good health alive.
Tomorrow is the 28th of June and it's WBRE Buddy Check Day. The day to call your buddy and remind her, or him, to do a breast self-exam. It's a call that could save a life.
