The Oxford Press 26-Jun-09
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Surviving cancer one step at a time
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By Kasie Baltes, Contributing Writer
9:42 AM Friday, June 26, 2009
Cancer. It’s a word that can change someone’s life in an instant. It can lead to countless surgeries, chemotherapy treatments and can make someone very weak, yet this year’s Relay for Life honorary co-chairs proved to grow stronger as individuals and stand up to cancer.
Bob Holzworth was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in November 2005 after recovering from a car accident. After persistent back pain, he went in for a check-up only to find out he had cancer. “When I first heard the word cancer, it took my breath away,” said Holzworth.
Holzworth went in for surgery and then every three months after he went in for a CT to check for irregular cell growth.
Holzworth was asked to be an honorary co-chair and is expected to be speaking at this year’s walk. Holzworth said how he is humbled and honored to be a part of this year’s Relay for Life. “Having cancer is a club you never want to be a part of, but when you do belong, you can find there is a lot of strength and support,” Holzworth said.
Holzworth is the Support Services Lieutenant with the Oxford Police Department and is an active community member.
This November will mark his fourth year as a cancer survivor and he continues to look toward the future with optimism.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer affects more than one million people every year. This reality has also hit close to home with McKenzie Barrett, who was recently diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma.
This courageous 2-year-old has already undergone a liver transplant and continues to grow stronger every day.
Her mother, Megan Barrett, said that McKenzie remains strong with the help of her family and friends, especially those at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital. “It’s a big honor for McKenzie to be named honorary co-chair, anything we can do to give people hope. There is never a reason to give up,” said Barrett.
Megan Barrett will be speaking for her daughter at this year’s walk and McKenzie will be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony. This child not only characterizes strength, but also remains a happy toddler through every treatment and doctor visit.
“The outcome of Relay is wonderful; hopefully one day we find the cure for cancer, so we won’t have to worry about the negative side to it. There is always a positive outlook to everything,” Barrett said.
McKenzie Barrett
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