Page 16 - Innovation-Spring-2016

EILEEN SMALL

Breast Cancer Survivor Named 2016 Day of Hope Ambassador

Regional Medical Center Foundation funded genetic testing
program proved the answer—yes, there was a family genetic
predisposition to cancer, and now Eileen’s family is able to take
preventative measures to avoid the development of cancer for
current and future generations.

In May of 2015, Eileen underwent her last chemotherapy
treatment. She proudly cried tears of joy as her oncology
nurses who have become her dear friends serenaded her with a
celebratory “Happy Last Chemo to You” song.

Every so often an extraordinary individual comes along who A lover of the ocean and avid Paddleboarder
touches countless lives and inspires others is special ways. before her surgery, Eileen was inspired
For the medical professionals of Marian Cancer Care, breast by her journey with cancer to help other
cancer survivor Eileen Small is one of those special people. patients. Now in remission, Eileen
and her husband, John, developed
Eileen’s cancer journey began well before her own diagnosis. a paddle boarding and kayaking
Within a two year period, Eileen supported both her sister and program for local Marian Cancer
mother as they fought breast cancer. Due to a family history Care patients and caregivers.
of cancer, physicians speculated that Eileen’s sister, Melissa
Ferrari, had a genetic syndrome, but unfortunately Eileen’s Eileen concludes, “I’ve learned what’s
sister lost her battle with cancer at the young age of 39 before really important in life: to slow down
completing genetic testing. and take the time to enjoy the
simple moments. For me,
“The Marian Cancer Care team of physicians, nurses, and having cancer was just a
support staff truly became a part of our family—always there to little speed bump and a
give a hug, answer a question, or just provide an encouraging small chapter in the story
word to stay positive,” explains Eileen. of my life.”

It was through this established feeling of trust that Marian
Cancer Care nurse navigator Liz Elliott, RN, and breast
surgeon, Monica Rocco, MD, encouraged Eileen to schedule
a full breast evaluation following her sister’s passing. During
Eileen’s evaluation a mass was found in her right breast and a
biopsy revealed a cancerous tumor. WEDNESDAY

Soon after, Eileen underwent surgery and began treatment APRIL 13
to fight the cancerous disease. She also initiated genetic 2016
testing to finish what her sister, Melissa, started. The Marian

Breast cancer survivor Eileen Small is the Day of Hope 2016 Ambassador. Marian, in
16 partnership with the Santa Maria Times, invites you to join Eileen and hundreds of volunteer
community members for the third annual Day of Hope on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.