By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS - Pat Maxey is packing up her science classroom for the move from Central to new Dowagiac Middle School.
That gladdens her because on Nov. 12, 2001, when the bond issue passed to build the $23.7 million building for seventh and eighth graders on Riverside Drive, Maxey never dreamed she would survive to see it constructed.
Maxey spoke at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life luminary ceremony Saturday night at the Cass County Fairgrounds.
The 4 1/2-year ovarian cancer survivor was introduced by Mistress of Ceremonies Tanya Kimmey of Pacific Quest Day Spa and herself a cancer survivor.
Maxey recounted her treatment regimen and living cancer-free for two years. But last February, going six months between check-ups, another lump was found and she underwent additional surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
She's grateful for "the knowledge that the doctors had" who sent her to a gynecologic oncologist for her tumor. "I had no idea there was such a thing" until she traveled to Grand Rapids. She has been working with an oncologist and his medical staff in St. Joseph in the years since.
According to a newsletter she gets, ovarian cancer survivors are up to 1,061 combined years. The oldest has survived ovarian cancer for 37 years.
Maxey is thankful for time. "Time helps me look forward to events. I got to see a high school graduation. I got to see our daughter Julie's college graduation, her first year of teaching and I hope I'm around for a wedding next summer. I have things to look forward to."
Her faith gave her strength. "I've been on prayer lists all over the state," Maxey said. "That helps me know that there are people who care and keep me connected. It also helps me to know that I'm not alone. Prayer is a good thing and it's always available.