Mary's Story

In 2009, I was hesitant to attend my annual mammogram screening until I was post-humorously reminded by my family the prevalence of breast cancer in my family. I was reminded to make it a priority and to not put it off. That year, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. After a lumpectomy and 3.5 weeks of driving a 3-hour round trip for double dose radiation, I was ready to keep spreading kindness.

Fast forward to this year, 2025, it was time for my yearly mammogram. I asked my doctor if I could get an MRI instead of a mammo only because the results from the mammos are always unable to detect due to density. I’m not sure what pushed me that direction, but the MRI found a spot in a location that the mammo did not show. The needle biopsy result was going to take 2 to 3 days, yet in less than 24 hours the results were in - positive for breast cancer.

I come from a family of breast cancer survivors - grandma, mom, and sister. A line of strong ladies! My surgeon told me that with my positive attitude, I will heal quickly. Your mental status really can affect your physical status. I am usually the caregiver, not the recipient of care. I am the one that wants to be positive instead of the doom-and gloom. I am the activity director at a nursing home. I have loved working at Stoney Brook, Good Sam, and now Maple Crest. I have had the honor to spend time with the amazing “historians. ” It brings me joy to help put smiles on residents faces and to keep them enjoying life and not just existing in life. Just because you are in a nursing facility does not mean God is going to come get you right away. It doesn’t mean life is over. “Mary’s Happy World” is what my family deems my attitude to be. Having to miss work for a minimum of 6 weeks is going to be awful for many reasons, but receiving this help from CMH is really going to lighten my stress!

I ended up having not just one surgery, but two (with an almost 4-hour round trip each time)! I had a hematoma two days after my double mastectomy, so emergency surgery was my fate. On a fun note, the only available room over night was in the pediatric unit, which some say is quite appropriate for my attitude. I refuse to let this bring me down! I always remind myself there is always someone that has it worse. I am blessed with my daughters, Megan and Aubrey. I am blessed with my 5 sisters and 3 brothers! I am blessed with friends and residents! I am also blessed to receive this gracious gift from CMH! This will help ease some financial stress. I am not financially rich, but I am very rich in all I have

Breast Cancer Awareness Meal Auction

This October we are raising money money for breast cancer awareness. Our recipient is Mary Davis, mother of Aubrey Klosterman.