By Susan P. Wheatlake

They demolished, they constructed, they plumbed, they wired, they painted, they made cabinets, they laid carpeting, they walked, they golfed, they wrote checks, they brainstormed — whatever it took, someone always stepped forward and made it happen, all with one goal in mind. The steadfast generosity of countless volunteers who gave willingly of their talents, their time and their resources made the Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Resource Center a reality!

On Oct. 30, 2008, we celebrated a new resource in our region to help those individuals whose lives are affected by a cancer diagnosis. And for me, the center’s opening is especially meaningful.

In early fall of 2005, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. From the moment my doctor gave me the results of my tests, the word “cancer” became all-consuming. I began what would be the greatest challenge of my life, both emotionally and physically. When friends and family spoke to me, I’d respond as best as I could, but truthfully everything seemed surreal and unbelievable.

My diagnosis snapped me back to reality when I saw the fear in the eyes of my family.

My next doctor’s appointment was a little over two weeks away. There were so many questions. Two weeks seemed like forever. I didn’t know if I was capable of waiting that long. I started to blame myself for my condition. Could it have been the food that I ate or even the air that I breathed? My mother died from ovarian cancer and all but one of my relatives from the previous two generations had been diagnosed with some type of cancer. Why hadn’t I prepared myself?  

I was afraid and I was angry. I read and reread my biopsy report. The only word that made sense to me was “invasive” and that terrified me. I wondered if I’d have another Christmas with my family. Would I be here for the important milestone events in the lives of my children? My husband’s eyes told me that he, too, could not fully grasp our situation. How could I bring some normalcy to our lives and keep my situation from consuming us? My only answer was to try and keep it together until my next doctor’s appointment. And that answer sure didn’t work.

One day a friend called and said that her friend’s sister, who was a breast cancer survivor, suggested that I read a particular book. I took her advice and it changed my life. I read and reread it. I went back to the bookstore and bought more books on breast cancer.  My reading helped me to begin to understand my situation and my options. Slowly but surely I was strengthening myself emotionally to fight a battle for my life. When my husband and I had our first consultation with my oncologist, we were knowledgeable enough to converse with a specialist and empowered enough to ask questions.  

Throughout my cancer journey, I found that I wasn’t alone. I realized that information in making decisions about cancer treatment is critical. Our experience with a cancer diagnosis prompted my husband and me, along with the encouragement and support of Mecosta County Medical Center and its MCMC Foundation, to initiate the Susan P. Wheatlake Women’s Cancer and Wellness Fund. This fund will support the volunteer-staffed center, which will offer free booklets and pamphlets on different cancers as well as computer access for on-line resources. Books can be checked out by anyone who is interested in learning more about cancer. This Cancer and Wellness Resource Center serves those affected by a cancer diagnosis within a 50-mile service area.

The Wheatlake Fund is championed by a 16-member volunteer advisory board. To establish and maintain this key cancer service, the fund has raised over $300,000 with plans to reach the center-sustaining goal of $2 million.  

The Cancer and Wellness Resource Center is located in the Professional Office Building just east of the main entrance to Mecosta County Medical Center at 705 Oak St., Big Rapids. Our pink Leadership Mecosta Year of the Dawg statue welcomes visitors at our entrance.   

Knowledge is power. Please help us spread the word. For more information or to donate to the Wheatlake Fund, please contact Tom Hogenson, MCMC Foundation director at (231) 592-4409.