Bai von Lozen, May. 10, 2017,图/网络
102-year-old Lucille Donahue has no fear of the unknown beyond. For her, death is nothing more than the beginning of a new adventure. "I'm not afraid of death, not at all," she said, "and it seems to me that it would be another form of life." My motto in life is: cherish what you have, make the most of every moment, and never waste your time. ”
So when Donahue first suffered cancer at the age of 83, she was ready for the challenge. Every time she returned, she maintained the same positive attitude. To celebrate Donahue's three successful victories over cancer, she will be a survivor at the 22nd Annual Bay County Relay for Life event on Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in Winnona Park in downtown Bay City.
At the age of 83, Donahue was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. After experiencing symptoms of persistent digestive discomfort and persistent fatigue, she decided to seek medical attention.
At first, doctors were unable to identify the cause until a colonoscopy revealed the presence of cancer. "When the doctor recommended surgery, my mother's response was, 'Okay, let's do it!'" recalled Lucille's son, former Bangor Fire Chief Rick Donahue.
About 18 months later, Lucille Donahue underwent a follow-up examination, and X-rays revealed a new suspicion: a small spot appeared in her lung.
Upon further confirmation, the dot was also a trace of cancer. Her son said the diagnosis led to the removal of part of the lobe.
"But that didn't shut me up!" Lucille Donahue shouted optimistically.
Lucille's husband, Steve Donahue, was a smoker who died of lung cancer at the age of 63. She attributed her two lung cancer bouts to long-term exposure to secondhand smoke from her husband's smoking.
"In our family's experience, especially after we started participating in events like the Relay for Life, we have come to understand the devastating power of cancer and the painful impact it can bring to the whole family," said Rick Donahue. ”
Six months after the initial lobectomy, the lung cancer returned. After the first surgery, doctors waited for her lungs to return to health, and a second operation was performed a few months later.
In just three years, Lucille Donahue underwent two lung surgeries and one colon surgery. But as Rick Donahue says, all this predicament did not weaken her willpower.
"She's a very resilient woman," Rick admires, "and nothing stands in her way, and she sees all challenges as a process rather than an obstacle." There will always be hills in life that need to be climbed, and she always pushes forward. ”
In addition to this, she suffered two hip fractures in five years. Although she now relies on a walker, she is still determined to achieve every goal she has set.