scans A smile on the face of Patricia Powell Hargrett. She has been asked about his 25-year career in teaching elementary school children.
"I miss the children so much. But I do not miss the paperwork, "she said, and laughed.
Her house is decorated with memories of a life lived fully. A teacher Year 05 trophy and map the day of oversized mother sitting on the shelves, and pictures of his children and grandchildren disperse walls. All evoke a sense of accomplishment.
ever amid these 25s Patricia suspect that teaching in the public school system could be subject to a toxin that would one day threaten his life.
And this is not the only place where it was potentially exposed.
Her husband of 44 years, Coolidge "Jerry" Hargrett, served in the air force and Patricia with him when he was stationed in Germany. They had a child in Germany and enjoyed the time spent in the country, totally unaware that asbestos products were widely used on the bases of the Air Force and military housing.
A Bright Beginning in Chicago
Patricia and Jerry met in a college in Chicago and married just before Jerry was sent to Germany. Upon returning to the US, they both returned to school and continued to expand their family with the adoption of two children, a brother and a sister.
Both interested in education and public administration, Patricia became a public school teacher and Jerry became a police officer. They enjoyed raising their three children and watch the college, have children and to explore the possibilities of life. One son, Chrisdon Hargrett, a track star in the dashboard 100 and 0 meters, participated in the semi-finals qualify for the Summer Olympics of 08.
After 25 years child teaching more than 25 countries, Patricia has retired and stayed involved in his community through church events and other activities.
Jerry pursued graduate studies at institutions such as Harvard University and Rollins College, worked other jobs in the public service, and for years now he has been assistant professor for Columbia Middle School. They joke about how many times he retired, which is more than three or four times now.
But when Patricia was diagnosed in October 2012, Jerry knew it was time to retire for the last time.
An annual physical is the difference
After a regular annual physical examination, Patricia was told that his calcium levels were abnormally high. Her doctor sent her to another doctor, and follow-up tests led to a shocking diagnosis :. Peritoneal mesothelioma
It was the first serious medical concern someone in his family has faced. And they did all subsequent decisions that the diagnosis as a family.
Patricia was lucky. They caught the cancer early, when the tumor was just beginning to form. His story highlights the importance of annual reviews as a form of preventive medicine, especially for those who may have worked around asbestos.
Choosing to work with doctors at MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, Patricia underwent cytoreductive surgery to remove as many cancer cells as possible to his peritoneum, the protective layer that lines the abdomen. Surgery was followed by four cycles of chemotherapy for several weeks, each session lasting two or three hours.
Patricia spent about two weeks recovering at MD Anderson, and returned home to a loving support system. Always think of ways it can be used, Patricia has launched a non-profit project while recovering from cancer treatment. Lined warm necks, she knitted 45 scarves for the Coalition for the homeless while recovering and hopes to donate more scarves again this winter.
Patricia received many cards of friends and neighbors during recovery she had to store them in a huge box. Freshly cooked meals help around the house, Patricia was supported countless ways.
"All my neighbors, my friends... I do not miss anything," she humbly sharing. "I always used to do for other people. I do what any my life. And when it happened, it seemed that you do not really know how many people care until something like this happens. "
A Return to Living Life Fully
ThereApproximately two months, Patricia began driving again. People say it all the time how she looks, that they never think that it has recently faced a cancer. She taught her husband how to play piano and they love to travel and spend time together dancing, gardening and catch up with friends and family.
There is a month they took their first big trip since being diagnosed with Patricia, a cruise to the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Islands. They traveled to Chicago in July to visit family, and because Patricia loves the beach, they make their way down to Fort Myers, Florida. In August. Background The Big Easy, they will visit New Orleans in September and New York in November for something high on the bucket list of Patricia :. Thanksgiving Day Parade Macy
When asked what advice she would give to other mesothelioma face, Patricia said: "The best advice I can give to anyone is to trust God and have faith that God will see you through any situation. Also, do not be afraid to accept help from others, they are blessed in helping you. Be open, you can change the lives of others through your experience. And do not forget to live life and help someone in the process. "
His smile is so bright, her eyes so full of light. Everyone likes to be around it. The presence of a cancer survivor from someone with such faith and optimism is the opportunity for others to wake up to something that we often forget. It is so easy to become blinded by our fears and regrets that we forget to acknowledge the present moment, the pure gift of life.
Patricia, with a heart of tenderness known only by those who loved so well, gently reminds us: "Take it one day at a time, moment by moment, we are not alone"
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