For more than three decades, Tammie McConnell spent her career helping others navigate difficult situations through the Division of Family and Children Services.
Then she faced a challenge of her own.
After losing her mother to breast cancer in 2013, McConnell remained diligent about mammograms. A previous scare had prompted twice-yearly screenings. Then a retirement and changes in routine caused an appointment to slip past unnoticed.
"I realized I hadn't had my mammogram, so I called and made an appointment," she said.
That decision led to additional testing and a breast cancer diagnosis.
When she met surgeon Dr. Paul Brock Sr., McConnell received encouraging news.
"We have good news. It's small. We can take it out with surgery," he told her.
Although frightened, McConnell remained determined.
"I cried and asked God, 'Why me?' Then I thought, 'Why not me?'" she said.
She even moved forward with a planned trip to Miami before surgery. The rest gave her energy to fight her next battle.
"I went and had a ball," she said. "It fueled my determination to beat it."
Following her lumpectomy, she received radiation and began taking a prescription to help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Although she initially kept her diagnosis private, McConnell found support and encouragement after telling others about the journey she was on.
"Friends brought groceries, sent flowers and even money," she said.
The woman who had built a career on helping others was now the recipient of help. It wasn’t an easy transition, McConnell said.
"My advice for people diagnosed with cancer? Accept the help. It's hard when you're used to being independent, but you will need a village."
Four months after diagnosis, McConnell rang the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center’s bell marking the end of treatment.
"I loved it. My family was so happy. It was a great day," she said.
Today, McConnell's portrait and story are featured in the Faces of Hope gallery at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center, where patients and families can draw encouragement from cancer warriors who have walked a similar path.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and serves as a reminder to schedule an annual mammogram and to keep the appointment. McConnell’s mammogram was the key to early detection, an important factor for breast cancer survivorship.