INTHEVUE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2023 79 INTHEVUE.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 79 B y M a i z e M a r t i n P h o t o s b y A m b e r T a y l o r THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES, WE OFTEN hear harrowing stories about cancer. However, we never truly consider the possibility of it happening to us. My name is Maizie, a 19-year-old student attending classes at WKCTC while working at Re/Max Realty Group, pursuing my dream of becoming a realtor. On July 5, 2023, my family and I received the news that my mom had been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. This news left me in a state of utter disbelief. “Finding out was a complete shock,” my mom says, “I thought I was too young to have breast cancer.” It was difficult to come to terms with the fact that someone as kind and selfless as my mom was dealing with such a devastating diagnosis. My mother is my hero, and I couldn’t help but question - why her? My mom has spent her whole life taking care of us all. She loves to help, and her natural instinct is to take care of others. She is giving and generous, always thinking about everyone around her, far before she considers herself. While I feel Community HEROES Created and sponsored by Jan Matthews Team - Homes for Heroes Affiliate and VUE Magazine burdened for her, I am proud that it is my turn to take care of her. My mother’s first appointment, we met with a breast surgeon, Dr. Howard, who took the time to provide a detailed explanation of the diagnosis, which we had very little understanding of. Dr. Howard’s positive demeanor was uplifting and reassuring. Following that, we met with Dr. Claudino, my mom’s oncologist, who provided us with a comprehensive overview of her treatment plan. He explained the various types of treatment she will have, their efficacy, and the expected duration of the treatment. Dr. Claudino exhibited an exceptional level of thoroughness and was more than willing to clarify any questions we had. According to my mom, “Dr. Howard and Dr. Claudino have been exceptional, and Paducah is very fortunate to have them.” The third person we met is a registered nurse named Beverly Wilson, this month’s community hero. Beverly has been an RN for almost 15 years, the past three being in the outpatient infusion center. Beverly worked on the 4th floor for six years, Homes for Heroes is an amazing program that focuses on helping heroes, such as firefighters, EMTs, police officers, military, active and inactive, medical professionals, and teachers. For more information, please visit: https://rem.ax/homes4heroes.
