Sherryl Kinard was the last person to enter the mobile mammography van at her job in 2009.
She was number 31 and usually they do not see that many people, Kinard says.
It was that day where Kinard’s life would forever be changed as she would later be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Kinard credits the mobile mammography van, courtesy of Lexington Medical, for coming to Kraft foods. It only comes a few times a year and Kinard says that because the screening detected the cancer early enough for her, her life was saved.
“Early detection saves lives,” says Kinard.
While Kinard has her own doctor, she says that the mobile van unit is wonderful because many women don’t have doctors or may be too busy to go. By having the van come to the work, it helps them out.
She definitely wants it around more in the Newberry area and says that it actually does come to the Peak family doctor.
In fact, Kinard is all about having more health screenings, physicals and other healthy activities to help save lives and give hope.
Hope can come in the form of a support system and Kinard has that.
Kinard has a support system which she is thankful for and family and her faith.
Kinard also echoes what her friend, co-worker and survivor, Ruby Sheppard, says about cancer, that cancer is not a death sentence.
Although she says that when she told her family, they were afraid at first but she believes that the it has made her and her family stronger and not afraid of challenges.
“It has definitely given me a different outlook on life,” she says, “Through it all, we got victory.”
Kinard knows the importance of having a support system as she tells of a coworker who killed herself because she was without support and depressed.
Kinard explains that technology has changed so much and there is so much research and information out there now to help others.
In addition to the technology, Kinard says it’s important for survivors to constantly educate themselves, listen to their bodies and if they feel something wrong to have it checked out.
Kinard actually worked all the way through up to her treatments, although she did take some rest time afterwards.
She said nutrition is important and to avoid greasy and fried food and she also drank a lot of water to help flush out the poision from the chemotherapy.
While the effects such as losing hair was harsh for Kinard, she says the Look Good, Feel Better program through the American Cancer Society was a big help.
She went to classes at the Wellness Center and says that, “they make you beautiful.”
“It definitely makes you feel better about yourself,” says Kinard.
In addition to the LGFB program, Kraft has been supportive as has Relay for Life in Newberry.
Kinard is looking forward to the Relay event this Friday at Newberry High and says that many friends have been made along the way and it’s a beautiful atmosphere.
Kinard plans on being there with Sheppard, saying, “Miracles do happen are we are miracles.”
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