For the past several years, Denny Everett has attended the National Cancer Survivors' Day picnic to support friends coping with the disease. This year, however, Everett came with a different point of view -- she was diagnosed with breast cancer six months ago.
"I have been here before as a support person for my good friend Judy, but two years ago I would never have seen myself as a participant,” said Everett of Traverse City, who recently finished a round of chemotherapy and is set to begin 35 radiation treatments.
Everett compares her experience with cancer to a bad case of deja vu.
"Thirty-five years ago, when my husband died of Hodgkins disease, you had to say the 'C' word. No one would even talk about cancer. We have come a long way since then,” Everett said.
Everett attended the 20th annual picnic, sponsored by Munson Medical Center's Cancer Services, Sunday with her friend and fellow cancer survivor Mary McGonegle.
More than 300 survivors, their friends and family members attended the picnic featuring music, food and friendship as they celebrated life on the grounds of Building 50.
McGonegle, who has been in remission from ovarian cancer for four years, finds strength in coming together with fellow survivors.
"It is good to get together and remember where you were at and where you are now,” said McGonegle, of Traverse City, who - along with Everett - attends weekly Yoga classes for cancer survivors through Munson Cancer Services.
"Cancer teaches you gratitude. It is much easier to be grateful for the little things, not to sweat the small stuff,” she said.
Grandfather and 10 year cancer survivor, Joe Kelly of Traverse City is feeling very grateful these days -- granddaughter Shenna Throop, who just finished her last chemotherapy treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, does not require any radiation treatments.
"We are celebrating big time,” said Kelly, who along with Throop released doves at the culmination of the event.