In our kind of business we hear and witness a lot of cancer stories. Not all of them have very happy endings. Sometimes folks ask us about why we are involved with Relay for Life, usually wondering whether we have a cancer story. It turns out that we do have a story.
Nancy's mother went from colonoscopy to colon surgery in a day. The cancerous mass was large and advanced. There was no time to think about it. Arlene, still half-sedated from the colonoscopy procedure, went marching into battle against a dangerous aggressor. She didn't have a lot of choice but at least her medical generals had some weapons and a plan that just might work if she was tough enough. As the initial shock of the situation moved into good recovery from surgery, one begins to sort things out. Nancy, just starting to get ready for a new season at fledgling Redbud Creek Farm had a little problem. First her mother had a really serious health problem. That same mother was also her only real employee at the Farm. Without this key employee, how will enough of the various tasks for a new season ever be completed?
As soon as Arlene regained a semblance of good health her next step was chemotherapy. In those days, not that long ago, chemotherapy was a really big deal for most colon cancer patients as these amazingly toxic chemicals were administered aggressively enough to terminate the cancer without quite terminating the patient. With each administration of the drugs the negative effects on Nancy's Mom zoomed, several times sending her back to the hospital. As the situation worsened, Nancy faced increasing concern about her mother and it became increasingly obvious that Mom wasn't going to be deadheading plants anytime soon.
Amid all of the trauma of watching your mother grow sicker and wondering how this crazy business was going to get off the ground, a customer named Kim appears in the checkout line and asks Nancy how things are going. Nancy tells Kim about her mother and the fact that she is not only really sick, but Nancy's only day to day worker. Kim mentions that her own mother whose name is Phyllis just quit her job and might be able to help out. Nancy wonders if this exchange about a potential new helper was arranged in heaven. Within a few days Nancy has hired her first employee-Phyllis is working at the Farm. And the wonderment about that conversation with Kim and the gift of Phyllis has never diminished. Phyllis has brought so much to the Farm-her can do attitude, her generosity, her friendliness, her skills and work ethic, and all her props and furniture and connections-she has very much contributed to the unique atmosphere and mission that make Redbud Creek Farm so special.
Nancy's mother went through two regimens of chemotherapy until she nearly died from it. Apparently the cancer cells were killed or retreated so deeply that they haven't reappeared yet. Arlene slowly recovered and eventually resumed several tasks at the Farm. And even now, well beyond normal retirement, she still keeps track of employee hours, compensation, and reports to the governmental authorities. It has grown into quite a job-there were 17 different employees to keep track of last year.
And Phyllis too, still works at the Farm mostly on special projects. She did most of the seeding this year which is kind of a big deal since we grow all of our vegetables from seed as well as some annuals. Phyllis has been dogged by several cancer episodes too including all the diagnostic routines followed by surgeries, additional post op treatments, and watchful waiting. Through it all she has managed to retain her positive attitude and sense of humor.
At the Farm we have been blessed in many ways including the contributions of two special women; Nancy's mother. Arlene, and our first employee and very good friend, Phyllis Hecathorn. Not so many years ago cancer would have claimed both these womet. Instead their lives have continued to unfold in fairly normal ways, and all of us at Redbud Creek Farm have been enriched. We are grateful to have Relay for Life, it could not be more aptly named or more important to the essence of who we arte at the Farm. Won't you join us?
Nancy's mother went from colonoscopy to colon surgery in a day. The cancerous mass was large and advanced. There was no time to think about it. Arlene, still half-sedated from the colonoscopy procedure, went marching into battle against a dangerous aggressor. She didn't have a lot of choice but at least her medical generals had some weapons and a plan that just might work if she was tough enough. As the initial shock of the situation moved into good recovery from surgery, one begins to sort things out. Nancy, just starting to get ready for a new season at fledgling Redbud Creek Farm had a little problem. First her mother had a really serious health problem. That same mother was also her only real employee at the Farm. Without this key employee, how will enough of the various tasks for a new season ever be completed?
As soon as Arlene regained a semblance of good health her next step was chemotherapy. In those days, not that long ago, chemotherapy was a really big deal for most colon cancer patients as these amazingly toxic chemicals were administered aggressively enough to terminate the cancer without quite terminating the patient. With each administration of the drugs the negative effects on Nancy's Mom zoomed, several times sending her back to the hospital. As the situation worsened, Nancy faced increasing concern about her mother and it became increasingly obvious that Mom wasn't going to be deadheading plants anytime soon.
Amid all of the trauma of watching your mother grow sicker and wondering how this crazy business was going to get off the ground, a customer named Kim appears in the checkout line and asks Nancy how things are going. Nancy tells Kim about her mother and the fact that she is not only really sick, but Nancy's only day to day worker. Kim mentions that her own mother whose name is Phyllis just quit her job and might be able to help out. Nancy wonders if this exchange about a potential new helper was arranged in heaven. Within a few days Nancy has hired her first employee-Phyllis is working at the Farm. And the wonderment about that conversation with Kim and the gift of Phyllis has never diminished. Phyllis has brought so much to the Farm-her can do attitude, her generosity, her friendliness, her skills and work ethic, and all her props and furniture and connections-she has very much contributed to the unique atmosphere and mission that make Redbud Creek Farm so special.
Nancy's mother went through two regimens of chemotherapy until she nearly died from it. Apparently the cancer cells were killed or retreated so deeply that they haven't reappeared yet. Arlene slowly recovered and eventually resumed several tasks at the Farm. And even now, well beyond normal retirement, she still keeps track of employee hours, compensation, and reports to the governmental authorities. It has grown into quite a job-there were 17 different employees to keep track of last year.
And Phyllis too, still works at the Farm mostly on special projects. She did most of the seeding this year which is kind of a big deal since we grow all of our vegetables from seed as well as some annuals. Phyllis has been dogged by several cancer episodes too including all the diagnostic routines followed by surgeries, additional post op treatments, and watchful waiting. Through it all she has managed to retain her positive attitude and sense of humor.
At the Farm we have been blessed in many ways including the contributions of two special women; Nancy's mother. Arlene, and our first employee and very good friend, Phyllis Hecathorn. Not so many years ago cancer would have claimed both these womet. Instead their lives have continued to unfold in fairly normal ways, and all of us at Redbud Creek Farm have been enriched. We are grateful to have Relay for Life, it could not be more aptly named or more important to the essence of who we arte at the Farm. Won't you join us?
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