Even though her lung cancer diagnosis toward the end of last summer understandably served as a “shell shocker,” Sharon Summerfield says that she has managed to maintain a positive outlook in recent months.
“I have a goal not to get aggravated. I don’t get upset anymore. I walk away,” said Summerfield, who lives in the Millersburg area in Dauphin County. “It’s changed me completely. I appreciate things, even the little things.”
That appreciation extends to Vickie’s Angel Foundation, which has been providing Summerfield with financial assistance by sending her gift cards. They have helped her to pay for the gas that has allowed her to travel to chemotherapy and radiation treatments, as well as other medical appointments.
Summerfield said that she wouldn’t have made it to many of those appointments without the assistance from Vickie’s Angel Foundation, especially because of escalating gas prices. The 63-year-old former factory worker and custodian said she’s been incredibly grateful for the help during a trying time.
“They have blessed me with all this help. I didn’t think I would make it without them,” Summerfield said. “They are really great people. They don’t play games and they give people the truth.”
As for her prognosis, Summerfield said she has transitioned to a period in her treatments where she is taking medication during a break from chemotherapy and radiation. Her doctors tell her the goal is to shrink her cancer and a recent cat scan confirmed it is working, Summerfield said.
She acknowledged the process is not working fast enough for her liking, but she’s still managing to stay optimistic. As a woman with a very large extended family, she has been leaning on her loved ones, including her brothers.
“That’s what made me strong because they talked to me. They encouraged me to keep going,” Summerfield said. “My [one] brother puts tears to my eyes. He says, ‘Sis, you’ve been through worse. You’re going to beat this. You’re not going to give up.’”
Summerfield also is receiving love and support from her rescue animals, including a dog, two cats and a ferret. She said that her dog especially has recognized that she is sick and has taken to sleeping right next to her at night. That has been a change from his prior sleep routine, she said.
Additionally, Summerfield said her landlord, who is battling prostate cancer, and his wife have been supportive of her. They offered to drive her to one medical appointment. This was another act of kindness that made Summerfield appreciate all the help she has received.
“It’s amazing,” she said. “I didn’t realize how blessed I was.”
About Us: Vickie's Angel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission of helping families fighting cancer who cannot pay their bills because of going through cancer treatment. The foundation’s goal is to take away the financial worry from the family, providing a temporary bridge that allows them to focus entirely on beating this disease. Since 2003, Vickie’s Angel Foundation has raised over $3.8 million and helped more than 2,000 families. Importantly, 100% of all online donations, and monies received at our walk; along with 100% of net proceeds from sponsored events, go directly to those in need.