Two hospitals honor their cancer survivors

Jonesboro, Arkansas – National Cancer Survivors Day was celebrated with luncheons at two hospitals in Jonesboro.

On National Cancer Survivors Day, people celebrate the bravery and resilience of those who have experienced cancer in the past, as well as their networks of support.

On Sunday, June 2, there were two events in Jonesboro when cancer survivors of all kinds, together with their families, friends, and medical professionals, came together to celebrate. There was live music, lunch, and victim stories at both occasions.

From noon to two p.m., St. Bernards Healthcare held a parent celebration at the St. Bernards Auditorium. At one p.m., NEA Baptist moved their festivities to Valley View Church of Christ.

Each event’s breast cancer survivors gave a speech about their experiences with the devastating illness.
In 2016, Lori Sexton, a patient at St. Bernards, received a breast cancer diagnosis. According to her, she “took two of the most aggressive” forms of chemotherapy available.

“It was rough, and I lost my hair the very first one,” Sexton said.

Sexton has been to the NCSD event at St. Bernards for the past five years. Her physicians advised her to come in the year of her diagnosis, but Sexton was hesitant to go because of her lack of confidence. Making the decision to travel helped her feel better amid her cancer battle.

“Seeing all the survivors and hearing the stories gave me that hope and strength to know that I can make it,” Sexton said.

Surviving In 2019, Tracie Richey received a diagnosis of stage three breast cancer. The NEA Baptist Fowler Family Center for Cancer Care was her treatment facility.

“I did 16 rounds of chemo, had a double mastectomy, and 33 rounds of radiation and reconstruction,” Richey said.

Richey added that, following over a year of therapy, she overcame difficult moments by finding happiness in the small things. She owed her loved ones an explanation.

“Sending a card to someone who is sick or praying for them makes all the difference in the world,” Richey said.

Richey and Sexton both have cancer that is in remission.