Cass County Relay for Life: A Survivor’s Story

By RANDY GRIDER
randy@casscountynow.com

When Stephanie Bridges discovered that she had breast cancer at age 42, she was surprised. Cancer was not something that ran in her family.
“It was scary when I found it,” Bridges said.
Some people wanted to know the exact type or its technical name, but Bridges didn’t focus on that aspect.
“So many people asked me what kind of cancer I had. I didn’t harp on what kind it was. It’s a long medical term that no one is going to understand anyway. I just focused on that fact that I had breast cancer and it’s treatable.”
Amid other unrelated health issues including an iron deficiency that required a blood transfusion, Bridges underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy. Then she had the shrunken cancer mass removed.
Bridges, who is a substitute teacher with Atlanta ISD, has now been cancer-free for more than a year and said chances of it returning are slim.
“I credit much of it to family and friends’ prayers and church prayers,” Bridges said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better support group.”
Fighting cancer, memorializing victims and honoring survivors will be at the forefront this Friday when Cass County holds its annual Relay for Life event in Atlanta.
Even before she found out she had cancer, Bridges was a longtime supporter of Susan G. Komen (formerly known as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation). She also emphasizes the importance of local Relay for Life events.
“I had been with Susan G. Komen since my early 20s and would have never thought I would be a part of having a cancer. Organizations like Susan G. Komen and Relay for Life are very important. Even though [cancer] may not affect you right now, one day it could.”
Relay for Life of Cass County starts at 6 p.m. at Atlanta High School Rabbit Stadium and continues until midnight.
Cass County Relay for Life Event Chairperson Pam Boyce said the event promises plenty of food and fun for everyone.For more information, call Boyce at 903-691-2896, Christal Prince at 903-278-9680 or Miranda Johnson at 903-748-2753.