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Countdown to National Cancer Survivor’s Day

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Meet Our Voices

 

I am Twyla R. Varnado from San Antonio, Texas.  I have been relaying since 2012.  I have spoken at over 30 Relay events, Infusion Centers, on television, and with support groups.  I have been a caregiver for 2 ladies.  I have been on our ELT 6 years.

In the fall of 2011, I had my first experience with cancer.  A beautiful little girl Zaria, “Pook”, attended my Sunday School class.  She did not attend often, so I asked her Mom about her.  She told me Pook’s cancer journey story.   In December, Pook was granted her “Make a Wish” trip to Disneyland.  After coming home, she didn’t feel well and was put in the hospital.  On January 28, 2012, she went home to be with her Father whom she loved.

Her mother asked me to be on her Relay For Life team that year.  I attended meetings with her.  At one of those meeting, I heard testimonies of several survivors and my heart was touched.   I had no idea that people survived cancer.

Then in September 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. In October while recovering for colon recension surgery, I started #TeamBirdie.  In November, I was told the cancer had spread to my liver.  I had surgery to remove a small part of my liver.  We raised over $2,817 that first year.

While going through chemo for 6 months, I had my immediate family by my side.  My wonderful husband, son, daughter, mother and sister were my caregivers.  My church family was so incredible; from appointments to providing food, they were there for me.

We were blessed with insurances that covered everything I needed, but it was so sad to hear other patients that struggled with their care.

I relay for ACS program resources, funds for research, to education and advocate.  I relay so others may find HOPE.

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