this is why we ruN

by stevie williams with photos courtesy marshall & whitson

Early detection is critical in a cancer journey,” says Laurie Marshall. “My first mammogram saved my life,” agrees Marshall’s sister Rosemary Whitson.

The two sisters began their shared cancer journey in the spring of 2020. Today they are the honorary chairpersons for Miles for Mammograms.

Miles for Mammograms annual 5K and 2K races will take place Saturday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. in downtown Bartlesville at the Tower Green at Unity Square. The funds raised by Miles for Mammograms directly support Family HealthCare Clinic’s Free Mammogram Program, providing free mammograms to people in the community who desperately need, but cannot afford, the life-saving screenings.

Laurie’s cancer journey began in March 2020 when she felt a lump in her breast. Her doctor immediately sent her to have a mammogram screening. As she was only 37 at the time, Laurie had never gotten a mammogram and had to face many of her medical appointments alone since it was during the period of strict COVID regulations in the health care industry.

Those appointments were difficult, but fortunately her husband Justin was able to be with her when she had some serious decisions to make regarding her surgery and cancer treatment. Being young and otherwise healthy, Laurie opted for an aggressive treatment including a double mastectomy and the most intense chemotherapy cocktail dubbed “The Red Devil.” She wanted the cancer gone.

On that first day when Laurie received her cancer diagnosis, she called her older sister Rosemary to relay the news. Rosemary was concerned for her sister, but also realized that she should make an appointment for her first mammogram as she had just turned 40 a few weeks earlier.

Right away, her doctor said Rosemary needed to get additional images as something out of the ordinary appeared in her mammogram results. The following week, Rosemary’s biopsy showed that she had the same breast cancer diagnosis as her sister - Invasive Interductal Carcinoma. Fortunately, Rosemary’s was caught early in Stage 1, same as Laurie’s. Rosemary also decided on a bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment.

Laurie was in disbelief that Rosemary was facing breast cancer at the exact same time. The two sisters braved treatment together, along with their friend Jessica Dobson who was also diagnosed with breast cancer at about the same time. They went to chemotherapy together, which was a comfort as it was still at the time during the pandemic when patients could not bring anyone to support them during treatment. They are thankful for the amazing medical staff who helped arrange their schedules to allow them to be together during their “Girls’ Day,” as they called their chemotherapy days. It was anything but a reenergizing spa day, as Laurie talks of often taking three days of sleep to recover after chemo. Still, the three amazing ladies kept smiles on their faces during those scary times.

The sisters found

Laurie Marshall and Rosemary Whitson. Rosemary Whitson with husband Kevin and daughter Ava Kate.

Above: Justin and Laurie Marshall, Rosemary and Kevin Whitson. Top right: Son Burke helps shave Laurie’s hair during chemo treatment. Middle right: Rosemary and Kevin with Ava Kate, winter 2020. Bottom right: Laurie Marshall’s 2020 Christmas photo with husband Justin and boys Burke and Asa.

strength in supporting each other, plus had amazing support systems with each of their husbands, their mom, and their friends and family. The recovery was lengthy.

Rosemary advises those who are faced with a cancer diagnosis to “ask for and accept help and find time for yourself and the things you enjoy.” Laurie agrees and says, “Focus on spending time with those you love and prioritize your life to do the things you love.”

“There is a lot of information out there about cancer and many people have experienced it either themselves or with a loved one,” says Laurie. “Use the information you find, but in the end, go with your gut when it comes to decision making.”

Caregivers are part of the journey as well.

“It was important to me that my husband Kevin got a break from taking care of me, our daughter, and the household,” Rosemary said.

Laurie is grateful to her husband Justin.

“Being a caregiver can be a lonely and overwhelming job,” Laurie said. “The caregiver needs to remember to take time to grab a coffee with a friend, get a massage, or do whatever it takes to feel more like oneself. Many people forget that the caretaker is going through a lot and needs to be supported as well.”

Rosemary and Laurie had heard of Miles for Mammograms in the past, but in 2020 each participated actively. Rosemary registered as a “Sleepin’ In” participant and became keenly aware of the importance of a mammogram. “I couldn’t imagine a situation where I might not have been able to get a mammogram due to lack of insurance.”

Laurie’s co-workers formed a team for the 2020 Miles for Mammograms virtual race called “Marshall Strong.” It was then that Laurie decided she needed to have a Miles for Mammograms team every year to help raise money and awareness.

“If someone can detect their cancer at the very beginning, it makes a huge difference in keeping it from spreading throughout the body,” Laurie said.

Laurie and Rosemary both recognize the importance of early detection. “Everyone should be able to be screened if something doesn’t seem right with their bodies, regardless of insurance,” Laurie says. “I appreciate that Family HealthCare Clinic provides that.”

This is why we run! Rosemary shares the same sentiment.

“This is an amazing service provided directly in our community by Family Healthcare Clinic,” she said.

Family HealthCare Clinic’s mission is to provide quality, affordable health care and health education to individuals of all ages, regardless of medical insurance. In 2002, Family HealthCare Clinic took over the Mammogram program from Bartlesville YWCA and since then has been helping women in the community with often life-saving detection.

This year’s event will occur, rain or shine. T-shirts will be guaranteed for those who register by Sept. 1 and will be available at packet pick up on Sept. 29. The top three finishers in each age group will receive medals. Prizes will go to Top Male & Top Female. Prizes will also be awarded for Best Pinked Individual and Best Pinked Team.

To register for Miles for Mammograms 5K and 2K races or to donate by “Sleepin’ In” or to volunteer for the event, please visit www. milesformammograms. org or call Family HealthCare Clinic at 918-336-4822.