On Sunday November 6, the Cecil B. Highland, Jr and the Barbara B. Highland Cancer Center of the United Hospital Center presented it annual Celebration of Life Brunch. This event is held every year to celebrate cancer survivors. 

 

Approximately 200 people were present at the brunch to hear a keynote address by Sharon Randall, nationally syndicated columnist and speaker.  Mrs Randall spoke to the audience of her introduction to cancer in her family and how she survived the care required of her and the assistance she gave her family to face this crisis.

 

Linda Carte, vice president of UHC Cancer Services was in charge of arrangements and the event. It is always a wonderful opportunity to see friends who share the wonderful experience of cancer survival.  

 

Every year at this luncheon, an individual is recognized who provided support to a cancer survivor throughout the survivor's diagnosis and treatment for the previous year. The "UHC Cancer Center Guardian Angel" award was won this year by my longtime friend Ruby Oldaker. In fact, I had the pleasure of nominating Ruby for this recognition.  I was so happy when I received the phone call from UHC that the selection committee selected Ruby.  

 

Ruby provided support and encouragement to me during my diagnosis and treatment, never missing one of my doctor's appointments or treatment.  She was there with me every step of the way.  When times were dark her faith uplifted my spirit and instilled in me the thought of success in fighting this disease.

 

Ruby is a nurse and she works at the John Manchin Sr. Clinic in Fairmont. She has two children, AmySponaugle and Scott Oldaker, both of whom were present for the presentation.  She also has four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ruby is a a very active member of her church.

 

 The award was also shared by Radiation Tech who was recently killed in an accident.

 

Thanksgiving will soon be here.  I urge you to concentrate on all that we have to be thankful for. 

 

Most of us spend a great deal of time planning our Thanksgiving Day menu and concentrating on just what we will have to eat. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to gather with our families and friends.  The real meaning of Thanksgiving is just what we are thankful for. If we take but just one minute I am sure we can compile a long list of all we have to be thankful for.  If you take a minute to look around you will also be reminded of all the blessings that have been shed on each one of us.  Be sure to share your Thanksgiving with those who are less fortunate than you.

 

I am thankful that I am in good health this Thanksgiving season.  I am also thankful to have had the opportunity to share my success with Ruby Oldaker, my family and with all of my readers who enjoy and share the Grapevine. I urge you to keep in touch with me and I am most thankful for all your prayers throughout this past year.

 

Enjoy the fall weather and until next week Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine."

 

Editor’s Note:Pictured is  Rosalyn Alonso, UHC Vice President for Cancer Services Linda Carte, 2016 Guardian Angel Award recipient Ruby Oldaker, Amy Oldaker Sponaugle and Scott Oldaker.