Where are they now? Learning to play golf. Having a baby Returning to work. Here's an update on where last year's profiled breast cancer survivors are now.
NOT PICTURED:
Julie Gantz
File/Staff
2008's Faces of Survival
![<p>Nita Zachow </p> <p>Diagnosed: 1997 and 2001</p> <p>Health status: I am cancer-free, praise God! I am trying to eat more nutritious foods and exercise more. I ride bikes with my husband and friends, and play golf several times a week.</p> <p>What's new? I enjoy playing bridge, reading and spending time with my grandchildren, Sarah, Michael and Lauren.</p> <p>I am on the Patient Advisory Council at MCG and looking forward to the opening of the new state-of-the-art cancer center. I am on the executive committee of the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition. We mentor newly diagnosed cancer patients, have fundraising events in which all the proceeds go to breast cancer research at MCG. Many of the members of BCPC will help to staff the volunteer efforts at MCG's new cancer center that will open in January. </p> <p>Being a mentor is most rewarding. Encouraging cancer patients, sharing your faith, and giving them hope to win the battle fulfills a passion within me. This is one way I can "give back." After two bouts with breast cancer, I thank God for each day and try to make the most of the time He has given me to help others. </p> File/Staff](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/editorial/images/spotted/81/816870.jpg "<p>Nita Zachow </p> <p>Diagnosed: 1997 and 2001</p> <p>Health status: I am cancer-free, praise God! I am trying to eat more nutritious foods and exercise more. I ride bikes with my husband and friends, and play golf several times a week.</p> <p>What's new? I enjoy playing bridge, reading and spending time with my grandchildren, Sarah, Michael and Lauren.</p> <p>I am on the Patient Advisory Council at MCG and looking forward to the opening of the new state-of-the-art cancer center. I am on the executive committee of the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition. We mentor newly diagnosed cancer patients, have fundraising events in which all the proceeds go to breast cancer research at MCG. Many of the members of BCPC will help to staff the volunteer efforts at MCG's new cancer center that will open in January. </p> <p>Being a mentor is most rewarding. Encouraging cancer patients, sharing your faith, and giving them hope to win the battle fulfills a passion within me. This is one way I can "give back." After two bouts with breast cancer, I thank God for each day and try to make the most of the time He has given me to help others. </p> File/Staff")
File/Staff
Nita Zachow
Diagnosed: 1997 and 2001
Health status: I am cancer-free, praise God! I am trying to eat more nutritious foods and exercise more. I ride bikes with my husband and friends, and play golf several times a week.
What's new? I enjoy playing bridge, reading and spending time with my grandchildren, Sarah, Michael and Lauren.
I am on the Patient Advisory Council at MCG and looking forward to the opening of the new state-of-the-art cancer center. I am on the executive committee of the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition. We mentor newly diagnosed cancer patients, have fundraising events in which all the proceeds go to breast cancer research at MCG. Many of the members of BCPC will help to staff the volunteer efforts at MCG's new cancer center that will open in January.
Being a mentor is most rewarding. Encouraging cancer patients, sharing your faith, and giving them hope to win the battle fulfills a passion within me. This is one way I can "give back." After two bouts with breast cancer, I thank God for each day and try to make the most of the time He has given me to help others.
File/Staff
Suzanne Tyree
Diagnosed: June 2004
Health status: Great. I have reached the five-year mark this year, and only have to see the oncologist every three months now instead of once a month, and that is such a great feeling.
What's new? Our son-in-law Cody has returned safely from Iraq. He and our daughter Erika and grandson Jordan have relocated to Missouri, so my husband Monroe and I have become empty nesters for the second time and are enjoying life.
File/Staff
Kim Sharpe
Diagnosed: March 2008
Health status: I'm doing really well. On Sept. 25, I became a one-year cancer survivor! In June I graduated to going to see my doctors every four months instead of every three. That felt really good!
What's new? Having cancer made me look at my life and realize that I needed to make some changes. I joined a gym (Omni Fitness) with a little encouragement from my husband. That was the best decision I ever made. My body was pretty exhausted from the chemo and radiation. The trainers I have had over the past year have done wonders for me. I feel stronger than ever. My current trainer has me doing exercises that I never thought I would be able to do. I have also changed my eating habits. I was pretty much eating whatever I wanted. I now try to eat healthier. Based on everything I have read, eating healthy and exercise decreases the likelihood of the cancer returning. I will do whatever it takes to keep it from coming back. If it does come back, I will fight again!
File/Staff
Karen Swenson
Diagnosed: October 2003
Health status: My health is excellent. I turned 60 this summer and I am savoring the blessings of the life God has given me. I am six years out and continue to have checkups every six months. My outlook is one of confidence and peace. The best and only place to be is in the center of God's will for me. I continue to enjoy the sweetness of laughter shared with my family and friends.
What's new? My husband, Steve, and the kids gave me a banjo for my birthday, and I am gladly taking lessons (and critique) from all those family members with a musical gift. I might play a complete song by the time I am 70!
File/Staff
Carol Sayers
Diagnosed: June 1985
Health status: This past December, after being cancer-free for 23 years, I've had a reoccurrence. My treatment is going well. I am feeling good and my prognosis is positive.
What's new? I am still working full time and just returned from a medical mission trip to Nicaragua. With all the prayers I am receiving, I know I'll beat this cancer again.
File/Staff
Mary Redwood
Diagnosed: October 2005
Health status: Everything looks good. I'm still taking chemo, but I feel fine.
What's new? I retired from teaching technology education at Laney High School in May. I'm staying active at my church, Springfield Baptist in Thomson. I'm part of the family ministry and the drama ministry.
File/Staff
Eddie Quick
Diagnosed: March 2006
Health status: I just had a checkup a month ago and the doctor says everything looks good.
What's new? Just trying to keep working every day.
File/Staff
Linda Parker
Diagnosed: October 2002
Health status: Everything is going really well. I will be having a six- month checkup soon.
What's new? The fact that I work two jobs ties up a lot of my time, but I also spend time with family. I have a new great-niece, Trinity, who I will be showing off. Besides that I just do whatever I feel because life is short. I'm just trying to enjoy every moment with God's guidance. I don't take life for granted, because tomorrow isn't promised. I live, I love and I laugh. I have some great friends and we do things together.
File/Staff
Diane McLeod Hadley
Diagnosed: September 2006
Health status: Excellent. I'm feeling great.
What's new? I have taken up golf and I'm loving it! I'm not great, but I'm fair and I'm getting better. I'm in the process of establishing a handicap so I can play in tournaments. I'm still very active with the Pink Ribbonettes support group in Aiken. I feel a sense of purpose working with other women who have been diagnosed.
File/Staff
Sue McManus
Diagnosed: July 2004
Health status: Cancer-free
What's new? I direct the Wesley Ringers hand bell choir at Wesley UMC in Evans; work part time at SRP Federal Credit Union in North Augusta; husband, George, and I are independent marketing directors with Team National. I am looking forward to December when I take my last Tamoxifen (it's been a five-year reminder) and can really feel that life is back to normal.
File/Staff
Sue Lotspeich
Diagnosed: June 2004
Health status: Good, no signs of cancer. I'm hoping to soon be medicine-free.
What's new? I am keeping a 2-year-old granddaughter, Casey, almost every day of the week. She keeps you busy!
File/Staff
Peggy Gasque
Diagnosed: March 1983 and September 1999
Health status: Everything's still in remission. I'm feeling fine.
What's new? We're fighting my husband's prostate cancer. We're through radiation and he's taking medication. We'll know more in several months.
File/Staff
Tammy Freeman
Diagnosed: January 2008
Health status: I had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery last October. It was not the end of the world I thought it might be. Since then I've lost 25 pounds and have completely changed my diet and exercise routine. I feel better and look better than I have in years, especially now that my hair has grown back. Yeah!
What's new? I am still single (still looking) and thankfully still employed. I am soon to be an empty nester which feels very liberating so I've been busy contemplating ways to spend some of that freedom. I plan to travel to Italy next year and will continue making short weekend trips in the Southeast in the pursuit of live music. Life is good, it keeps getting better and better.
File/Staff
Rhonda Fleischauer
Diagnosed: March 2005
Health status: I had my last checkup five months ago, and everything is awesome.
What's new? I joined Curves and work out three to four times a week. My son, who I was pregnant with when I was diagnosed, is 4 years old now and started school this year.
![<p><B>Lucy Ellis </B></p> <p>Diagnosed: March 2005</p> <p>Health status: Just had my six-month checkup in September with my oncologist, and everything is great. I have one more six-month checkup and then I will be on a yearly schedule because thanks to the good Lord above I will be celebrating my five-year anniversary of being cancer-free March 8, 2010. I feel great and enjoy every day of life and being able to say "I'm a survivor!"</p> <p>What's new? I'm still part of Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and continue to help raise funds in the hope that one day they will find a cure for cancer so future generations will not have to experience having this ugly disease or know someone who does. </p> File/Staff](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/editorial/images/spotted/81/816856.jpg "<p><B>Lucy Ellis </B></p> <p>Diagnosed: March 2005</p> <p>Health status: Just had my six-month checkup in September with my oncologist, and everything is great. I have one more six-month checkup and then I will be on a yearly schedule because thanks to the good Lord above I will be celebrating my five-year anniversary of being cancer-free March 8, 2010. I feel great and enjoy every day of life and being able to say "I'm a survivor!"</p> <p>What's new? I'm still part of Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and continue to help raise funds in the hope that one day they will find a cure for cancer so future generations will not have to experience having this ugly disease or know someone who does. </p> File/Staff")
File/Staff
Lucy Ellis
Diagnosed: March 2005
Health status: Just had my six-month checkup in September with my oncologist, and everything is great. I have one more six-month checkup and then I will be on a yearly schedule because thanks to the good Lord above I will be celebrating my five-year anniversary of being cancer-free March 8, 2010. I feel great and enjoy every day of life and being able to say "I'm a survivor!"
What's new? I'm still part of Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and continue to help raise funds in the hope that one day they will find a cure for cancer so future generations will not have to experience having this ugly disease or know someone who does.
File/Staff
Deborah Edwards
Diagnosed: April 2005
Health status: Cancer-free! Working on losing weight to maintain good health.
What's new? My son graduated from high school and now attends Paine College. I have enrolled at Georgia Military College, where I'm working on a degree in education. And I recently became a new homeowner! These things I had to put on hold while dealing with my health issues. They require a lot of hard work, but I know I will survive!
File/Staff
Annette Frierson Usry Dobyne
Diagnosed: May 2006
Health status: So far, no recurrence.
What's new? I'm a member of the Resurrected Riders Christian motorcycles club. My husband, who's 79, rides the motorcycle, and I follow the group in my little yellow Suzuki. I'm still active with the Red Hat Classics (a local chapter of the Red Hat Society), the Tubman Alumni Association, the Barney's Pharmacy Support Group and my church - The Sanctuary. I say, don't worry about yourself! Stay busy, and talk to other people about cancer and help them to get diagnosed early.
File/Staff
Judith Arnessia Davis-Crenshaw
Diagnosed: March 2005
Health status: I am doing fine and feeling pretty good. Each day God gives me strength and I am so thankful.
What's new? God continues to send angels to encourage me. Through the death of one of my good friends from breast cancer, I have made a new friend. After exchanging cordial e-mails, Joyce Shambley and I discovered that we both attended a funeral in Woodbridge, Va., for Jackie Brayboy, who lost the battle of breast cancer. Through comparing our journeys it was discovered that she and I are cousins! I know Jackie is smiling in heaven because if it were not for her and my good friend Joyce Mattox (who asked me to encourage Joyce Shambley), I would have never met my cousin. God truly knows how to put the right people in your path to get through any disease including breast cancer.
File/Staff
Janette Daniel
Diagnosed: October 2000
Health status: My health is excellent. No new problems, praise the Lord!
What's new? I still work two jobs, have two children and three grandchildren, but I am one year closer to retirement than I was this time last year. I will have 30 years in with the state of Georgia on Jan. 1, 2013.
![<p><B>Connie Crenshaw</B></p> <p>Diagnosed: June 1997 and December 2000</p> <p>Health status: Still healthy and cancer-free and feeling well except for arthritis aches and pains of growing older. But as a cancer survivor, I'm grateful for the gift of "aging."</p> <p>What's new? We're anticipating our fall trip to the mountains, and we're grateful for our many blessings.</p> File/Staff](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/editorial/images/spotted/81/816850.jpg "<p><B>Connie Crenshaw</B></p> <p>Diagnosed: June 1997 and December 2000</p> <p>Health status: Still healthy and cancer-free and feeling well except for arthritis aches and pains of growing older. But as a cancer survivor, I'm grateful for the gift of "aging."</p> <p>What's new? We're anticipating our fall trip to the mountains, and we're grateful for our many blessings.</p> File/Staff")
File/Staff
Connie Crenshaw
Diagnosed: June 1997 and December 2000
Health status: Still healthy and cancer-free and feeling well except for arthritis aches and pains of growing older. But as a cancer survivor, I'm grateful for the gift of "aging."
What's new? We're anticipating our fall trip to the mountains, and we're grateful for our many blessings.
File/Staff
Mary Lou Bonczkowski
Diagnosed: March 2007
Health status: My health is pretty good. I'm still having some issues with some side effects from the chemo treatments but I'm still here to complain about them.
What's new? This year has been one of celebrations for us. My husband and I just took an Alaskan cruise to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We're also getting ready to welcome a new granddaughter! This will be our daughter's first baby and our fourth grandchild. So if the ultrasound is correct, we'll have two girls and two boys.
File/Staff
Vicky Dorr Barnett
Diagnosed: October 1996
Health status: Still cancer-free
What's new? The company I had worked with for the last 30 years had a downturn and I lost my job in December, so I started doing some house- and pet-sitting to keep myself busy. I'm still involved in my faith community and do quite a bit of volunteer work with the church. I've been traveling to visit my twin sons in the Destin, Fla., area and also family and friends in Texas. Life is wonderful!
File/Staff
Allison Broome-Jones
Diagnosed: March 2004
Health status: In June, I have reached the five-year mark of being cancer-free and in remission.
What's new? I went back to work in March as an office specialist at the Medical College of Georgia in the Division of Neonatology. My husband, Jason, and I were married five years in June. We now have three little boys: Asher, 4, Conner, 2, and on Sept. 10 we had our third little boy, Cooper.
File/Staff
Shirley Arens
Diagnosed: June 2006
Health status: I am healthy and still cancer-free.
What's new? I participated for the first time since my cancer in the Relay for Life.
File/Staff
Melinda Armstrong
Diagnosed: May 2007
Health status: My mammograms and lab tests have continued to come back with good results.
What's new? I am one of the Portraits of Life for this year (one of the 10 women featured in University Hospital's Breast Cancer Awareness calendar). I had knee surgery Sept. 14 to repair damaged cartilage and am still recovering.
File/Staff
Kathi Adams
Diagnosed: December 2006
Health status: So far, so good.
What's new? I'm walking in the Breast Cancer 3-Day in Atlanta! Spending as much time as possible with family doing things we like to do together, like Disney World. Enjoying life!
Diagnosed: April 1996
Health status: Good, I haven't seen the oncologist since 2001 when the oncologist fired himself, telling me that I was in remission. After another five years I was told that I was cured. I still have routine yearly checkups and do self-exams biweekly. I continue to preach to every female I know the importance of checking yourself, getting to know your body and seeking doctors' advice at the sign of any change.
What's new? Work and family activities are keeping me on the go.
Myrtice Jowers
Diagnosed: November 1965
Health status: I am healthy and feel great. I try to stay as active as I can.
What's new? I walk regularly. I meet my sister-in-law at the mall once a week to walk and have lunch.
Gail L. Peake
Diagnosed: June 2006
Health status: Great. I'm cancer-free.
What's new? I finished my reconstruction process completely and I'm very happy with the results. I thank God every day for life, health and strength. Sometimes I think about what would have happened if I hadn't gotten a mammogram so early in my life. I just thank the Lord that I did.
Shanika Turner
Diagnosed: October 2007
Health status: I am doing just fine now that I am done with all treatments. I am excited about my upcoming reconstruction surgery.
What's new? My son, Jordan, is 2 years old now. I love my life and being a mom.
Suzanne Tyree
Diagnosed: June 2004
Health status: Great. I have reached the five-year mark this year, and only have to see the oncologist every three months now instead of once a month, and that is such a great feeling.
What's new? Our son-in-law Cody has returned safely from Iraq. He and our daughter Erika and grandson Jordan have relocated to Missouri, so my husband Monroe and I have become empty nesters for the second time and are enjoying life.
Erlene Yarbray
Diagnosed: June 2000
Health status: Everything is A-OK! As of this year, I have been cancer-free for nine years.
What's new? I have three grandsons, ages 2, 4 and 7. We go to parks, carnivals, and have cookouts. They are a lot of fun.
Back 
![<p>Nita Zachow </p> <p>Diagnosed: 1997 and 2001</p> <p>Health status: I am cancer-free, praise God! I am trying to eat more nutritious foods and exercise more. I ride bikes with my husband and friends, and play golf several times a week.</p> <p>What's new? I enjoy playing bridge, reading and spending time with my grandchildren, Sarah, Michael and Lauren.</p> <p>I am on the Patient Advisory Council at MCG and looking forward to the opening of the new state-of-the-art cancer center. I am on the executive committee of the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition. We mentor newly diagnosed cancer patients, have fundraising events in which all the proceeds go to breast cancer research at MCG. Many of the members of BCPC will help to staff the volunteer efforts at MCG's new cancer center that will open in January. </p> <p>Being a mentor is most rewarding. Encouraging cancer patients, sharing your faith, and giving them hope to win the battle fulfills a passion within me. This is one way I can "give back." After two bouts with breast cancer, I thank God for each day and try to make the most of the time He has given me to help others. </p> File/Staff](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/81/816870.jpg "<p>Nita Zachow </p> <p>Diagnosed: 1997 and 2001</p> <p>Health status: I am cancer-free, praise God! I am trying to eat more nutritious foods and exercise more. I ride bikes with my husband and friends, and play golf several times a week.</p> <p>What's new? I enjoy playing bridge, reading and spending time with my grandchildren, Sarah, Michael and Lauren.</p> <p>I am on the Patient Advisory Council at MCG and looking forward to the opening of the new state-of-the-art cancer center. I am on the executive committee of the Breast Cancer Prevention Coalition. We mentor newly diagnosed cancer patients, have fundraising events in which all the proceeds go to breast cancer research at MCG. Many of the members of BCPC will help to staff the volunteer efforts at MCG's new cancer center that will open in January. </p> <p>Being a mentor is most rewarding. Encouraging cancer patients, sharing your faith, and giving them hope to win the battle fulfills a passion within me. This is one way I can "give back." After two bouts with breast cancer, I thank God for each day and try to make the most of the time He has given me to help others. </p> File/Staff")
![<p><B>Lucy Ellis </B></p> <p>Diagnosed: March 2005</p> <p>Health status: Just had my six-month checkup in September with my oncologist, and everything is great. I have one more six-month checkup and then I will be on a yearly schedule because thanks to the good Lord above I will be celebrating my five-year anniversary of being cancer-free March 8, 2010. I feel great and enjoy every day of life and being able to say "I'm a survivor!"</p> <p>What's new? I'm still part of Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and continue to help raise funds in the hope that one day they will find a cure for cancer so future generations will not have to experience having this ugly disease or know someone who does. </p> File/Staff](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/81/816856.jpg "<p><B>Lucy Ellis </B></p> <p>Diagnosed: March 2005</p> <p>Health status: Just had my six-month checkup in September with my oncologist, and everything is great. I have one more six-month checkup and then I will be on a yearly schedule because thanks to the good Lord above I will be celebrating my five-year anniversary of being cancer-free March 8, 2010. I feel great and enjoy every day of life and being able to say "I'm a survivor!"</p> <p>What's new? I'm still part of Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and continue to help raise funds in the hope that one day they will find a cure for cancer so future generations will not have to experience having this ugly disease or know someone who does. </p> File/Staff")
![<p><B>Connie Crenshaw</B></p> <p>Diagnosed: June 1997 and December 2000</p> <p>Health status: Still healthy and cancer-free and feeling well except for arthritis aches and pains of growing older. But as a cancer survivor, I'm grateful for the gift of "aging."</p> <p>What's new? We're anticipating our fall trip to the mountains, and we're grateful for our many blessings.</p> File/Staff](http://chronicle.augusta.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/superphoto/editorial/images/spotted/81/816850.jpg "<p><B>Connie Crenshaw</B></p> <p>Diagnosed: June 1997 and December 2000</p> <p>Health status: Still healthy and cancer-free and feeling well except for arthritis aches and pains of growing older. But as a cancer survivor, I'm grateful for the gift of "aging."</p> <p>What's new? We're anticipating our fall trip to the mountains, and we're grateful for our many blessings.</p> File/Staff")
