Maria's Story from Alabama

In late May 2002, I had my routine yearly mammogram. Although I had and still have fibrocystic breast disease, I was not worried any more than usual. However, when the radiologist said he saw some clusters of calcifications that were suspicious, I panicked. He felt safe in saying that we could wait six months since I had a history of this and he would redo the mammogram at that time. I said, “No, let’s check it now”. Sometimes intuition and “taking charge of your own body” plays a huge part in your medical diagnosis.

I had a biopsy done that day and returned in early June for my results. As my husband,
John, and I were waiting for the doctor to walk in, I had a “gut” feeling that this was not going to be good news. The radiologist walked in and immediately said, “You have breast cancer”. I was in shock and numb! We had just lost my mother-in-law eight months before to breast cancer and I immediately thought this was a death sentence.

Then he says, “But if you need to have cancer, this is the good kind to have”. Whoever heard of a good cancer? Certainly not me! The big “BC” had just struck me unexpectedly. The tears began to flow. Will I not be here to see my sons marry? Will I not see my grandchildren grow up? What have I left as a legacy for my family? Negative thoughts and questions kept popping up in my head. I could not think much less react.

I had a hard time accepting this diagnosis. Since there was no history of breast cancer in my family, I could not understand how it could happen to me. This was something that always happens to other people. Wrong! I was humbled and brought to my knees and realized that I am not the one in control of my life. God is!

It took me several days to “digest” the fact of having breast cancer. I could not think clearly nor function in my normal manner. I became depressed and inundated with so many decisions, from several doctor’s appointments to surgical procedures and treatments. It all happened so quickly that I had no time to really “glue” myself together.

I immediately told the doctor just to remove my entire breast if it would be the best option. I wanted to live! Dr. Helen Krontiras, my breast surgeon, recommended a lumpectomy with radiation treatments as the best and most promising breast conserving treatment.

I went to Birmingham in July and had outpatient surgery with a sentinel node biopsy, a procedure to determine if or to what extent the lymph nodes are involved. I anxiously and fearfully awaited the results for a week. When Dr. Krontiras herself phoned me, I knew something was not right. They did not “get it all”; the margins were not clean. I went back for a second lumpectomy a week later to remove more tissue and cells from the area. This time the results indicated clear margins.

After several weeks to heal from the surgeries, in August I began my radiation treatments, five days a week for almost eight weeks. I thought that there was nothing to this; it actually took longer to undress and dress than it did to undergo the radiation treatment itself. But, WHAM! After about five weeks of the radiation accumulating in my body, I became very drained and extremely tired. Although I did continue to work as much as possible, the frustration of not being able to function normally was overwhelming.

Our first grandson was due in September and that kept me focused on life and living each day to the fullest. I began reading personal stories of breast cancer survivors – some made me laugh, others made me cry, but they were all inspiring and healing. I began to heal as I faced the fact that this was a battle I was going to win.

God’s timing was not mine, but I believe now that he put this “speed bump” in my road to first of all make me realize who is in charge and secondly so that I can now help others going through this disease. “BC” no longer means “Breast Cancer” to me but “Been Cured”!

From this experience grew Women of Hope (WOH) - (Women Of Montgomery Embracing and Nurturing Hope Of Prevention and Eradication of breast cancer). Last Fall I had a dream that has now become a reality – a foundation to provide education, promote awareness and help those patients and families that are facing breast cancer. HOPE is the assurance that one day we will all be able to live cancer free. I founded this organization so that other women (and men) can have the support and education that was not available at the time I was diagnosed.

WOH pledges to become an involved group in our community dedicated to the cause of breast cancer awareness and support. Beginning in October, WOH will begin support group meetings. These sessions will not only be educational, but a rewarding experience for those who need to relate to someone who has “walked in their shoes”. For more information regarding these support groups or for membership in our organization, please contact womenofhope@charter.net , http://www.womenofhope.info/ or call 334-220-4599.

Had it not been for my yearly mammogram I would not be here today! Had it not been for the huge “speed bump” in my life, my dream for Women of Hope would not be a reality! For those of you who have helped make all of this possible, I thank you. To my family and friends, thank you for your prayers, support and patience - I love you all. And to my God, thank you for loving me and giving me wings to rise above the storms of life.

Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down; it is how we handle them. “Those who HOPE in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31.

Montgomery, Alabama

The Montgomery Independent Newspaper

Maria Ashmore beat cancer and now has a passion for spreading HOPE!
By BILL RICE, JR.

When Maria Ashmore learned she had breast cancer five years ago, she was struck "numb". She admits that she "cried and cried" and battled despair and depression. The life-changing news arrived about the same time she and her husband John learned they were about to become grandparents for the first time. But then character revealed itself and Maria, one of Montgomerys most indomitable spirits, decided to fight back. "I wanted to live. I wanted to see my grandchild", she says today.

She would fight cancer and become a better person because of the experience. After surgery and 40 radiation treatments (five days a week for eight weeks), the cancer had disappeared. But, by then, Maria had a new passion and when someone like Maria Ashmore is passionate about something, anything is possible. During her treatments and the scary months and years that followed, Maria realized she wanted to help other people and families who had undergone what she and her family has. To her, there was not enough information and support groups to help breast cancer patients get through this trying time.

About two years ago, she decided to change that. Women of Hope was born. "I used to think that breast cancer was something that happened to other people, but when it 'hits home' you realize that you are not the one in charge of your life", said Ashmore. "It humbles you and brings you to your knees.

It took a while to 'digest' the fact of having breast cancer, but after surgery and treatment, and time to reflect and pray, I choose now to believe that BC does not stand for breast cancer but "Been Cured"! I now feel that my mission is to educate others about this dreaded disease and this is now my passion! "

Today, Women of Hope is a certified non-profit 501-c3 entity with the goal of educating, promoting awareness, providing technical and medical advice through its professional board and providing hope and encouragement for families coping with breast cancer. The idea for such a group grew out of Maria's desire to help others and the encouragement of friends to lend a hand. Informal conversations led to a meeting at her home which led to a vision and an organizational plan.

Charter members (at least 40) quickly signed on. Seven members are breast cancer survivors. A board of directors was elected. Last October, the group held its inaugural event, a fundraiser luncheon for the Montgomery Cancer Center. At almost 200 people, attendance was very good, but Maria had plans for more members and a bigger event. All with the purpose of raising money to increase awareness and fund a variety of support groups, informational classes for patients, survivors and their families.

Maria said organizing Women of Hope has been one of the most rewarding projects of her life. She's made many great friends and has been touched and humbled by the willingness of so many people and businesses to help. Members of the medical community (especially those who specialize in cancer treatment) have been enthusiastic supporters. Several doctors serve on the group's professional board. Her son designed the organization's inspiring logo of two angels locking hands.

Everyone she's asked to donate a door prize has been happy to oblige. Friends helped her with structuring a tax-exempt non-profit organization. Other businesses have made "in-kind" donations or sold products or services at discounted prices. "You can't believe the friends we've made," she said. "There's no substitute for friends ... and the power of prayer" for those trying to cope with a diagnosis of breast cancer. She's also a big believer in the therapeutic qualities of "laughter".

Of course, when you have the zeal, passion and vision of Maria Ashmore, you want everything to be accomplished yesterday. "My friends remind me that you¹ve got to take baby steps first", she said. But the baby steps are pretty impressive.

"Wow. Your vision is taking wings now and we are so blessed to be taking the ride with you," a Women of Hope member e-mailed Maria recently. In the weeks, months and years to come, those with breast cancer (and their families) will not have to go through the experience with the fear of the unknown that Maria did. The organization's name says it all - Women of Hope. And as Tim Robbins' character says in the classic movie The Shawshank Redemption, "Hope is a very good thing. Perhaps the very best thing."