Patients and Caregivers Share Stories of Hope During Relay for Life of Yellowstone County
Back on the track this year at Billings West High School, patients impacted by cancer and St. Vincent caregivers shared stories of hope during the 2022 Relay for Life of Yellowstone County.
Survivors like Shilo, who began treatment for pancreatic cancer just a year ago, helped bring awareness to the challenges of undergoing treatment, the caring spirit of the caregivers that work in cancer care that provide hope, and the innovative treatments that saved his life.
He also made sure to recognize his nurses, like Ali, who helped him through his journey, “as amazing as all the doctors and surgeons are, the nurses are the ones who really run the show. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
(See Shilo’s story shared by KULR8)
The event was also an opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of screening in identifying and treating cancer early. Vonni Bray partnered with the Mobile Mammography team at St. Vincent to share her powerful story about the importance of convenient access to screening and care.
Vonni used the mobile mammography service for almost ten years, when it was available at her SCL Health primary care clinic in Laurel. During her annual screening last year, they found an abnormality. After additional tests, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and promptly underwent surgery and treatment and, now a year later, is cancer free.
She shared about the importance of screening and the impact it had on her care, “It’s such a simple thing you can do, especially with the ease of the bus, there really is no excuse.”
(Watch Vonni’s message about the importance of early detection and screening)
The St. Vincent caregivers are honored to care for and walk alongside our patients, like Shilo and Vonni, through their treatment and healing. As a presenting sponsor for Relay For Life of Yellowstone County, it is inspiring to participate and lift up all those in the community who have been impacted by cancer. The important event continues to support research and innovations in the treatment of cancer and support cancer patients in our community and provide a meaningful opportunity to honor those we have lost to cancer.
