Tewksbury Woman Walking for a Cause Close to Her Heart

• By Jeff Shmase, Contributed to Patch

TEWKSBURY, MA – Two years ago, lifelong Tewksbury resident Jeannie Hayden was informed of news that rocked her world: the breast cancer she thought she had defeated in 2007 had returned.

“The first time I was diagnosed, I was shocked and overwhelmed. I went to another world basically because I couldn’t believe this was happening to me,” said Hayden, who works full-time in the mortgage banking industry. “I had just lost my dad to cancer the previous October so we were all trying to get over that and move along, so it was like what was going on?

“I quite honestly felt I was done, I was over it (cancer). So the second time I was diagnosed it threw me more than the first time because I wasn’t expecting it to happen again. I was doing everything I was supposed to do, so I couldn’t believe it came back.”

Thankfully, the clinical team at the Lowell General Hospital Cancer Center caught it early. Whereas before Hayden was prescribed a chemotherapy (or drug) regimen to remove the cancer cells in 2007, in ’14 she opted – in consultation with her husband and surgeon – to have radiation followed by a double mastectomy.

“I just didn’t want to go through this again,” said Hayden of the reason to have a procedure performed.

Each time, however, Hayden said the cancer center staff was invaluable in helping her deal with the physical, psychological and emotional battle of having a cancer diagnosis.

“The staff is so caring and wonderful,” Hayden said. “When you are there, it’s all about you. No matter what you are going through, for example if the chemotherapy has you down, they are so giving, from the doctors and nurses to the social workers and staff.

“The first time I was diagnosed, I lost my hair and I was shown where to get a wig and scarf. They were super nice.”

Hayden is also grateful to have comprehensive health care services near her home.

“I am not a city girl and I get anxious when I have to go into the city,” she said. “To have a center next door in Lowell was huge. It took a big burden off of me, knowing I’d be so close to home.”

One way Hayden pays homage to the cancer center staff is by participating in the hospital’s annual TeamWalk for Cancer Care, this year to be held May 22 at the Tsongas Center. Between 20-25 friends and family walk with Hayden annually to raise money for the cancer center. All funds raised from the event fund services such as prescription drugs, wigs and support groups. Hayden benefitted as well when the center helped her pay some bills during her treatment, a process she said was handled with the utmost professionalism.

About TeamWalk for CancerCare

On Sunday, May 22, Lowell General Hospital will hold its 17th annual TeamWalk for CancerCare. With the help of generous corporate partners and more than 5,000 participants, TeamWalk raises funds to support the Cancer Center’s services for patients and their families. Since its inception in 2000, TeamWalk has raised more than $9 million to help over 24,000 patients.

TeamWalk (www.teamwalk.org) funds make a difference in the lives of today’s cancer patients by paying for medications, nutritional supplements, wigs and prostheses, support groups, skilled nursing visits, transportation, mini-grants, and supportive services to patients of all cancer types. Funds raised enable Lowell General Hospital to provide assistance, support, and services to help people feel better, build confidence and instill hope throughout their battle with cancer.

The walk begins and ends at the Tsongas Center, starting at 7:30 a.m. with registration and ending at 11:45 a.m. with a closing ceremony. Participants can either walk or run a three or 6.2 mile route.

Courtesy Photo