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SAY YES TO Digital Mamography
Debra Abraham
West Branch Rose City School District
Families are a gift and include the love, sharing, and traditions of generations. Olivia will never know the hugs, hear a story, or see the beauty of her great-grandmother, Luella Goforth, who died at the young age of 71, the year before Olivia was born.
Luella initially had cervical cancer in her mid-thirties, and then was cancer free until she was 57. She was diagnosed with breast cancer after she discovered a lump. She had not routinely had mammograms, and by the time she discovered the lump, she had to have a total mastectomy. Subsequently, when she was 69, it was discovered the cancer had metastasized and spread to her bones. In time, the disease took her life.
Watching Luella struggle valiantly against this disease was both an inspiration and a heart ache. She was a bit afraid of the potential bad news a mammography might reveal so she had not taken advantage of the technology. Because there is a validated familial history of breast cancer, Luella’s three daughters ware taking the small amount of time required to have routine mammograms. Having a digital mammography system would make that procedure more efficient, productive, comfortable, and easier to obtain, especially if it was local.
Luella’s grand-daughters are still a few years away from needing regular mammograms, but know how important it is to be proactive about their health and some have begun having mammograms early, because of the family history. Additionally, we are teaching the next generation (Olivia and others) the importance of safeguarding you health.
The memory and legacy of Luella includes the gift of awareness and the importance of mammograms. We choose to honor her by taking care of ourselves, supporting awareness, and helping to bring digital mammography to the West Branch area. Olivia can then share Luella’s gift with future generations.
Luella Goforth (Mom)
Debra Abraham (Daughter)
Elisa Dack (Granddaughter)
Olivia Dack (Great-granddaughter)
