Every day 1,200 people will die from cancer. 1 out of every 8 women will experience cancer sometime in their lifetime.

My name is Marjorie Holderman.  I live in Mishawaka, Indiana.  My cancer journey did not start with me.  In 2011, my brother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer.  When he started chemo, the worry took toll on our family.

In 2012, I received a post card from my insurance company.  It said October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month –  make a mammogram appointment and earn a $50 gift card.  So, I did.  That screening saved my life.  I may not have had it done if it had not been for that incentive; if I had waited, the cancer could have progressed.  That December I had a lumpectomy and was put on tamoxifen shortly after.  I was lucky.  After fighting for 4 years, my brother passed away in 2015.  My brother and I were both in treatment when my great niece, my brother’s granddaughter, was diagnosed with lymphoma.  She was just a teenager.

I am now in my 11th year of survivorship.  But I often deal with survivor’s guilt – because I’m here and my brother is not.

Volunteering with American Cancer Society and helping others during their journey, helps me as well.  I have been a volunteer for ACS since 2013.  I was on the local Relay For Life ELT for several years and served on the Indiana State VLT.  I have had a Relay For Life team every year since 2013.  I have also volunteered at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events.  I helped my grandson put together and deliver cancer comfort bags to local cancer patients.

Mammograms, colonoscopies, endoscopy, skin cancer screenings, do not be afraid to get a checkup especially if you feel something is not right.    Schedule your screening today!  It could save your life, like it did mine.  Remember – early detection saves lives