Walking For The Ones Who Can't

by Jeff Jacomowitz

Every October when "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" arrives, hundreds of personal stories throughout the country surface via the media. These stories are there to remind us all that although early detection is the key to beat the disease, we still live in an era where breast cancer exists, although cases have been decreasing since 2000. These stories, either heart-wrenching or life-saving, fuels us to be out there for this cause, either in person at local walks for a particular foundation or online through various social media channels.

On Sunday, October 15, staff members from four Rhode Island facilities within the Centers Health Care family including Bannister Center, Oak Hill Center, Park View Center and Kingston Center walked in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk at Kennedy Plaza in Downtown Providence. Wearing pink t-shirts saying, I hate walking, even from the front door to the car, I hate cancer more, the four facilities raised more than $1,350 for the day.

Two very special people who were among the walkers were Providence residents Ms. Shirley Lomba, a certified medication technician and certified nurse's assistant at Bannister Center and her 12 year-old 6th grade daughter Journee, who's birthday was just on Monday, October 16, the day after the Walk. What touched Shirley was when she asked Journee about having a birthday party on Sunday due to Monday being a school and work day, her middle school daughter declined, saying that she'd rather be walking for breast cancer awareness.

"When I asked Journee whether she wanted to do the Walk or have a birthday party, I really thought she was going to say a birthday party," said Shirley. "However, she turned to me and said she would do the Walk. I was very proud and happy that she made that decision. We did have cake and ice cream for her but just at home with our immediate family on Monday."

What makes Shirley and her daughter so special is that they represent the millions who thankfully don't have the disease but are walking for those who do. They represent the heart of this country who are blessed because they think of others, those who are less fortunate and are currently fighting disease in any way they can to beat it. Shirley also represents the thousands who are connected to someone, a family member or a friend, that has the disease. In Shirley's case, two of her friends are sadly fighting the disease.

“There are friends that I love who are fighting breast cancer now and walks like these remind us all of our loved ones who are fighting for their lives but cannot be here, at least we can," said Shirley. "We hold them true to our hearts, not just in October, but all year long. Also, since my employer was a part of this walk, I think it's great that they take the initiative to support such a great cause.”

Shirley's husband works for a home/estate appraisal service company and back in June, they celebrated their 30th year anniversary. Together they have four children, three older boys and Journee, the youngest.

“Rather than a birthday party, I chose to be here with my mom because I know how much this Walk means to her,” said Journee. “These are people’s lives and doing this instead of a birthday party makes perfect sense to me.”