Claudette Strudwick - cancer survivor, caregiver

Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

OCHO RIOS, St Ann:CLAUDETTE ANGELLA Strudwick has been described as a phenomenal woman. She is a survivor, having defeated the monster of cancer when it reared its ugly head in 2002. Since then, she has been helping others stricken with the disease, and also assisting those who are free of it to become more aware.

Strudwick is a member of the St Ann/St Mary Chapter of the Jamaica Cancer Society and is chairperson of the Survivors Group, which consists of persons who have survived cancer.

In October, she was chosen International Hero of Hope (Jamaica, female) for 2011-2012 by International Relay for Life, affiliate of the American Cancer Society. Strudwick is one of 32 persons from 15 countries so chosen. (Jamaica's male winner is Dr Audley Betton)

The Gleaner spoke with her about her experience as a cancer patient, her work with those affected and the award.

"Every year, the American Cancer Society has this competition where they invite all cancer societies from around the world, who have fulfilled objective or criteria set down by the American Cancer Society for Relay For Life. I was nominated by the St Ann/St Mary Chapter.

"An' dem sey ah mi win!" Strudwick ended in a jovial manner.

The award was not something she had set out to win, as her work to assist victims comes naturally.

"No, no, I didn't expect to win," Strudwick explained. "I think that having had such good support after I was diagnosed with cancer, especially from the late Hyacinth Franklyn, (she was a member of Jamaica Reach for Recovery, a group with the Jamaica Cancer Society) when I went into remission from cancer, I thought it was just one of the things to do, basically to just go back out there and give back to somebody, support other persons affected by cancer."

Looking back to that fateful day in 2002, Strudwick recalled how she felt when she got the news. It was August 30, 2002, that her doctor revealed the outcome of tests carried out on a lump in her breast.

not good news

After discovering the lump in her breast, she did a mammogram which showed that the lump was fatty tissue. She decided to do a fine-needle biopsy.

"I did the lump removal and Dr Thomas told me he did not have any good news for me. I had breast cancer and it was also very aggressive. When he told me, it was on a Friday, and it was like I had received my death sentence," Strudwick recalled.

She was not prepared for it. Even though having discovered the lump, she realised the possibility of cancer, she was optimistic and thought, "no way, not me!"

"You see, even though you go through the things, you do them because you're knowledgeable. You usually do a mammogram when you're 40 or over and I was not in the 40-and-over age group then. So even when you take out the lump, you're still convinced it's nothing. When you sit down and reality hits you, I mean, I felt like I was given a death sentence."

But with support from Franklyn, along with family members and friends, Strudwick managed to cope with the situation.

Now, in between her job and law studies, Strudwick finds time for others in need of support.

"I've been helping others. I am the chairperson for the survivors group in St Ann and St Mary, and I mentor a lot of persons. Basically, all I'm trying to do is just to give back because so many persons gave to me when I was diagnosed, nothing else."

She was part of the team that helped raise $3.5 million for the St Ann/St Mary chapter at its annual Relay For Life in Ocho Rios, St Ann.

It is her work with others that has earned her the award from the American Cancer Society/International Relay For Life.

Strudwick is encouraging women to do monthly self-examination and also annual examinations at their doctor, as early diagnosis is key to overcoming the disease.

As for her, she's doing fine now.

"When I got my results four weeks ago, I was in total remission and I want to stay in total remission, so I'm staying stress free!" she exclaimed.

rural@gleanerjm.com

Source: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120107/news/news5.html

jonestown hayden panettiere torrie wilson greg oden snooki john dillinger atlanta hawks