“I would never put being diagnosed with breast cancer on my list of one of life’s wonderful experiences. But dark clouds have silver linings, and as it turns out, the relationships I formed with the caregivers at Catawba Valley Medical Center were wonderful indeed.

“When Dr. Sigmon told me I would need 33 radiation treatments after chemotherapy, I looked forward to them with a sense of dread. But the moment I first walked into the Radiation Oncology Department, Debbie Pitts and all the other ladies there made me feel right at home. And as crazy as it sounds, after a few days I began looking forward to my visits, not for the treatments, but for the opportunity to be in the company of such warm and welcoming people. “It was obvious that they care very much for each other and cared very much for me, both professionally and personally. I was only there a total of 15 or 20 minutes each time, but I always felt I was treated like a family member.  I loved the music they played during the sessions to lighten the mood. I loved the way they gently teased  each other.  And I loved their dedication to their work. 

“As I said my goodbyes my last day there, I felt my eyes fill up with tears. Because as happy as I was that the treatments were over, I was equally as sad knowing that I would miss the company of my deeply caring, new friends.”

                        – Mary Beth Turner