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If you’ve been reading The Times’ series of profiles on women who have faced or are facing breast cancer, you have likely been moved by their stories, their courage and their insights.
A few observations in their own words on breast cancer.
— “Nothing beats a self examination. Know your body. If there’s a change, your body will know it. Listen to your body.”
— “I wanted my children, my girls especially, to know there isn’t a universal ideal for an outward appearance, but there is for inward character qualities. I was very thankful my boys were able to see their father demonstrate honoring our vows of ‘in sickness and health.’”
— “I think my determination and faith in God brought me through this cancer, and I hope the Lord will bless me to continue on. I pray every day. I don’t miss a day to give Him thanks for all He’s done for me. Without Him and my doctor, I would have never made it.”
— “It can happen any time. It does not discriminate. But it’s not a death sentence either.”
— “I just said, you know what, take them both. My chance of reoccurrence would be less.”
— “In the greatest country in the world, you ought to be able to get a mammogram.”
Today, The Times continues our focus on Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with more insights, information and profiles. The Times plans to raise both awareness and funds to battle breast cancer through today’s special issue and in the continuing stories running throughout October.
Yet it has been the words of survivors and women facing breast cancer that have shown the real strength of the human spirit, the real possibilities of surviving, the real need to continue fighting against cancer.
What We Think
Survivors: In their words
- What We Think
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Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
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Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
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On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
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Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
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Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
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Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
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Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To mail workers, volunteers and food bank staff for gathering food for the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive today. A plastic bag designated for canned goods and other non-perishable food items should have arrived in your mailbox earlier this week. If you haven’t already, take a few moments to fill the bag with food and hang from your mailbox. If you didn’t receive the special Stamp Out Hunger bag, any plastic bag filled with food will do. This food drive helps feed thousands of South Georgians annually. Valdosta-Lowndes County often donates more food than nearly all other cities and counties in Georgia.
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Celebrating nurses
She is considered the founder of modern nursing so it seems only natural that National Nurses Week would include Florence Nightingale’s birthday.
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Helping the hungry: Mail it in!
Valdosta-Lowndes County continues revealing its generous spirit.
- More What We Think Headlines
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Thoughts on graduation
