Brooke

Jun 5, 2023

MESSAGE FROM A SURVIVOR — Geary Bee of Weirton was one of two cancers survivors who shared their stories with area residents attending the Brooke-Hancock American Cancer Society Relay for Life on Saturday at Wellsburg's Central Park. Rachel Culver of Follansbee also offered advice based on her own experience. -- Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — Each year the Brooke-Hancock Relay for Life is held to raise funds for efforts by the American Cancer Society to find a cure for cancer, aid patients being treated for the disease in its various forms and educate the public about cancer prevention.

But the event also has offers encouragement to those facing the disease through the participation of peers of various ages and backgrounds who have shared their own experiences battling it.

Turnout for this year's event, held Saturday night at Wellsburg's Central Park, was lighter, but it raised more than $11,000 for the cause while drawing 18 cancer survivors for its first lap.

Among them were Geary Bee of Weirton and Rachel Culver of Follansbee, who also took time to share their cancer stories.

Bee explained he was diagnosed two and a half years ago with prostate cancer. He said he observed no symptoms and would not have known if he hadn't undergone a routine workplace drug test involving a urine sample.

The test used wasn't typical for such occasions, and it was a fluke that anyone noticed any red flags before outward signs of the disease appeared, he said.

"Your attitude for recovery is such an important thing. Having a good sense of humor, I can't sell that enough," said Bee, who noted his daughter gave him the T-shirt he was wearing.

The shirt bore the symbol for a nuclear reactor, a reminder of the numerous radiation treatments prescribed for him. He said his treatment also included hormone suppression to shrink his prostate.

Bee added he benefited from the support of a group of close friends and others.

He said following his treatment, he has adjusted his diet somewhat but he had always been fairly active and has returned to participating in local runs.

Stressing the benefit of early detection in cancer treatment, Bee advised, "Don't be afraid to get checked."

The American Cancer Society recommends most men 50 and older talk to their doctors about a prostate cancer screening, which involve a blood test.

African American men and men with a father or brother who was diagnosed with prostate cancer before they were 65 years old are deemed at higher risk of getting prostate cancer and should consider screening at age 45, according to the organization.

Those with more than one first-degree relative (father or brother) who was diagnosed at an early age are encouraged to be screened by age 40.

Bee invited anyone to speak with him personally following his talk.

"If I help one person today and that person helps another person and so on, that's how the snowball gets started," he said.

Culver said she has lived with metastatic breast cancer since 2005, revealing her discovery of the disease was even more unusual.

She said she dreamed one night that she saw her late mother and father, with a bright light behind them she identified as God. Her parents said nothing but approached her in tears, placing their hands on her chest.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women, age 45 to 54, undergo mammograms, which are low-dose x-rays of the breasts, every year, while those 55 and older may speak to their doctor about switching to them every other year.

Officials with the organization note early detection is key in successfully treating the disease through less aggressive means.

Culver said tests showed she had stage 3 cancer and she underwent a double mastectomy. Six years later she learned cancer had spread to a lung and two areas of her spine, with the uterus and liver following afterward.

"The cancer is sleeping by this point. That's how I think of it," she said.

Culver said when facing cancer, "You have to live with it, you have to have hope and you have to be positive."

She said while it may not be the path for everyone, her faith in God and her church, family and friends have helped her through it.

"There's a lot of bad times I’ve had in these 20 years, but it also gave me good things," she said.

Culver explained she had been living a fast life before she was diagnosed and the cancer forced her to slow down and put things in proper perspective.

"The little things in life are actually the best things," she said.

Culver said prior to his death, her husband also was a strong supporter. An Air Force veteran, he encouraged to look at each new challenge as a battle to be fought in a larger war. Her family and friends are her generals, she said, while God is the top commander.

"I don't know, ‘why me,’ but I trust in God," Culver said, adding, "I know he has a plan for me and this is the road I have to take."

She said religion may not be the path for everyone.

"All I can say is, stay positive, keep fighting and keep a goal in mind," said Culver.

April Kimball, who was among volunteers behind this year's event, said it's important that all cancer patients know "We can fight this with every little bit of money we raise."

She added the event helps bring together people who can help each other by sharing their experiences and by spreading the word about the benefits of early testing.

As in years past, two large, purple signs spelling the words, "Hope" and "Cure" were displayed at the park and lighted, along with hundreds of luminaria placed around the park as participants took laps around its perimeter.

Organized by co-chairs Tammy and Paul Hornick and many others, it included music provided by volunteer disc jockey James Ewing.

The American Cancer Society received boosts earlier this year from disc jockeys Music Done Knicely with a retro dance that raised $10,000 through admission and drawings for prizes donated by local businesses and a fundraiser held by students and staff at Brooke Intermediate North in memory of Millie Fillinger, a teacher at the school.

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

EAST PALESTINE — It has been four months since the Norfolk Southern train derailment and one month until Gov. ...

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden promised voters in 2020 that he knew how to get things done in Washington ...

Flag retirement service set A U.S. flag retirement service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at James Funeral Home ...