The older you get, the more meaningful the little things in life tend to
become.
For Bonnie Beachy, both Struthers High’s and Kent State University’s
all-time scoring leader, visiting her respective alma maters this weekend and
spending time reconnecting with old teammates, friends and teachers has taken on
added importance.
Diagnosed with late stage cervical cancer six years ago and in remission
until six months ago, she is battling the disease for a second time with an
intensity and fight that translated into 1,448 career points in high school and
another 2,071 collegiately.
“When I was first diagnosed six years ago, I became a very private person
and just didn’t want anyone to know what I was going through,” Beachy said.
“Back then, the survival rate was five years and I beat the odds. My doctors
were even surprised.
“I am currently going through chemotherapy and while the cancer is not in
remission yet, doctors expect that to happen by December.”
Beachy’s cancer is rare — it is diagnosed in approximately 20,000 people in
the United States each year.
“My cancer was due to a gene defect that I never knew I had. I have five
brothers and sisters and it can be passed down, so early detection is the key,”
Beachy added.
“This particular gene defect causes ovarian cancer in about 45 percent of
the people and breast cancer in nearly 70 percent. When I was first diagnosed
and saw those numbers, I had a double mastectomy as well,” she said.
Beachy, who lives in Cypress, Texas, where she is an assistant principal,
remains optimistic and said there was an upside to the diagnosis. Click for the article By Greg Gulas Friday, October 19. 2012 Youngstown Vindicator