Paula Breedlove and Erica Newman

 

Paula: "Just when I was beginning to make real progress with song writing, with recordings by Lane Brody, Terri Gibbs, and Marie Osmond, cancer hit me multiple times. In 1990, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and in the following year, I received my own diagnosis. Then in 2000, my daughter, Erica, became the fourth generation of my family to have breast cancer. 

Music has provided a saving grace. Song-writing is what helped me get through the pain and hard times. When I was in the hospital after surgery, a song I wrote - 4th & Goal - was becoming a hit song! That helped get me through everything. I enjoyed bragging to every doctor or nurse who came into my room about my #1 song! I always say I write music to survive.” 

Erica: "I was born at Aultman Hospital, had my son at Aultman and am thrilled to have worked at Aultman over 19 years now! With my family history, I knew it was not a matter of “if,” but “when” I would be diagnosed. However, I did not think I would be diagnosed one week before my 32nd birthday! Not the birthday gift I wished for at all. I listened to my body and went to my doctor after feeling a lump. Early detection was key for me!

My mom was with me every day and being a survivor, she knew what questions to ask and the best way to support me. She helped me understand it was okay to laugh and to cry. She is my hero and my champion. Also, I knew I was going to get great care at Aultman, where I work, for any surgeries or treatments I would need. I got through this trying time because of ALL the wonderful, compassionate doctors, nurses and staff members at Aultman! My co-workers took care of me and were there every day for moral support. Aultman is FAMILY. They helped me believe, cancer is not a death sentence anymore."

To learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference for cancer survivors in our community, please visit the Timken Family Cancer Center's page.