Community
‘Stay Positive’: Debbie Mason’s Journey with a Daunting Diagnosis (article)
Published
3 years agoon
By
Kelsey AsherGood health is something that many might take for granted, right up until the doctor sees a funny spot on an x-ray or a questionable result on a test. Peachtree Corners resident Debbie Mason probably didn’t expect to hear the dreaded six-letter word (cancer) when she went in for a routine checkup last November.
After taking a CA125 blood test, some unusual results led to further inspection and the discovery of a polyp in the uterus. Determining the malignancy of this polyp involved a fair bit of supposedly routine, but nevertheless disconcerting, procedures including a dilation and curettage (D&C) and removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries that, due to age, were no longer needed. Then the news came that Debbie had a carcinosarcoma indicative of endometrial cancer.
“I can still remember exactly the words the doctor used. He said it was the worst kind of cancer a woman ever wants to be told she has. At that time, I couldn’t hardly catch my breath. I just figured I would get my affairs in order,” Debbie said.
Strong resolve for the journey
Those in this community who know Debbie know that she is somewhat of a cornerstone of this young city, as the dutiful wife supporting her husband Mike Mason in his role as mayor, as well as her vital role as Vice President organizing the annual Peachtree Corners Festival. So, of course, news of this magnitude would come as a shock, to say the least.
But in typical make-do-and-mend fashion, Debbie went back into surgery in the hopes of beating the odds. A different surgeon went in and removed her uterus. At that time, it was determined that the cancer was at Stage 1, because it had only progressed through the wall of the uterus up to 60%.
“I was grateful for it, but it would have been great if it had only been 50% because then they wouldn’t have recommended chemotherapy,” Debbie said.
The belief was that with chemotherapy and radiation, Debbie had a better chance at a good outcome. She started her first round of chemo in January and dealt with harrowing symptoms and scares, including hair loss, jaundice and liver failure.
Liver failure is a rare side effect of chemotherapy that affects less than 1% of those undergoing it, and Debbie was referred to a liver specialist who thought she might even require a transplant. Luckily it never came to that, but it meant that Debbie was not able to resume chemo.
Despite this setback, Debbie trudged on. After waiting about a month for her liver values to blessedly return to some version of normalcy, Debbie began her radiation therapy. She has undergone three rounds of radiation treatments with very few side effects and is now about six months into it. Her first CAT scan came back clean, showing no signs of recurrence.
Awareness leads to early detection
Debbie has been very open and honest about her journey, even sharing pictures online that illustrated the toll that her illness has taken. It is worthwhile to note that this upcoming September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and that Debbie’s awareness of her condition first became apparent because of the concern of a friend who had recently lost his mother to ovarian cancer.
It was a matter of dire importance to this friend’s mother that he compel the women in his life to get a CA125 blood test. This test is a common indicator for abnormalities related to ovarian cancer and similar cancers. So Debbie had requested the test be included in a standard physical and, as a result, doctors detected the disease much earlier than it probably would have been.
“Early detection is key. The reason why everything is so gloom and doom when you read about carcinosarcoma is women find it late,” Debbie said.
Thankful and positive
Debbie made special mention of her gratitude for the thoughts and prayers of the Peachtree Corners community, adding how nice it was to have a whole city praying for her and that “there can’t be too many prayers.”
Though no one can say for sure what lies ahead, Debbie remains cautiously optimistic. When asked what advice she would give to those given a cancer diagnosis, and their loved ones who want to support them, Debbie had some wise words of encouragement.
“My advice is stay positive. Don’t act like you’re dying. Eat healthy and exercise,” she said. “I have made it a point to take all toxic things out of my life, and that has helped tremendously.”
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Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.
Community
Holiday Glow Event Offers Chance to Give Back While Celebrating the Season
Published
20 hours agoon
November 20, 2024The City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive have partnered to support local non-profit, Because One Matters, at this year’s event.
It’s time again for one of Peachtree Corners favorite annual traditions: The Holiday Glow Lighting and Concert on the Town Green.
With live musical performances, trackless train rides, fun holiday activities and sparkling Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings — along with complimentary hot chocolate for guests — this festive, all-ages celebration has become a holiday tradition for many families in and around the city.
Kids and adults can immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere, mix and mingle with neighbors, friends, family and entertainers and experience the magic of the season beneath the night sky and twinkling holiday lights.
Partnership for a special cause
Special for this year, the City of Peachtree Corners has partnered with Intuitive to support Gwinnett County non-profit, Because One Matters, at the event.
The organization provides assistance to children and families in the foster care system through donations and fundraising.
“[The] holiday event … is a good place to partner with companies like Intuitive and non-profits like Because One Matters to get their message out and allow more people to be involved [in helping] a good cause,” said Louis E. Svehla, director of communications for the city.
“Intuitive came to us, wanting to be more involved in the community,” Svehla continued, “We [looked at] a list of all of the non-profits that are [located] in the city or that help assist in ways in the city … and they [chose] Because One Matters.”
A custom-designed holiday ornament
Together, the city, the company and the non-profit decided to partner for the Holiday Glow event and do a limited-edition ornament — custom-made, custom-designed and hand-numbered to 200 — making it available as a gift to anyone who brings an item to donate from the organization’s wish list.
The city designed the ornament with input and agreement from both Intuitive and Because One Matters.
“And now here we are,” said Svehla. “It’s our first time offering a limited-edition ornament for people at the event who donate clothing, toiletries, things that [the organization] needs — it’s not a cash donation. And we’re hoping that we can do this every year, whether it’s a different company or a different non-profit, to do a series of [Holiday Glow event] ornaments to bring companies in, to support locals, to support non-profits and make sure we’re giving back.”
Because One Matters
With a mission of helping children in the foster care system as well as children and families in need, Because One Matters runs a variety of service programs throughout the year.
Their Wrapped in Love Closet initiative provides those families the opportunity to shop for new or like-new clothing items, toys and books, all free of charge. They also provide kids entering foster care with a duffle bag filled with essential items to increase comfort and security during their earliest days of placement.
Foster, adoptive or kinship families who would like to participate in the program, can find information on the Because One Matters website. For individuals, families or local businesses who would like to assist, a variety of donation, fundraising and volunteer opportunities are available.
During Holiday Glow, guests who bring an item to donate from the organization’s wish list will receive one of the special Holiday Glow ornaments in return — a great way to make giving back part of your holiday festivities.
“We are thrilled to be part of the Holiday Glow event and deeply grateful for the City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive’s incredible partnership,” said Andrea Barclay, CEO of Because One Matters. “Their support not only brings joy to the community during this festive season but also helps raise awareness and vital donations for our mission. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact for the children and families we serve.”
The donation wish list
- New underwear for girls (sizes 2T–14)
- New bath towels & washcloths (no white towels, please)
- New boy clothes (sizes 7–18)
- New girl clothes (sizes 2T–12)
- New boys’ boxers (no briefs; sizes 2T–14)
- Bath body wash (for sensitive skin)
- Non-spicy toothpaste
- Single toothbrushes
- Ikea bags
- New girls’ & boys’ shoes (all sizes)
- $50 store gift cards for teens
- Pjs for girls & boys (all ages)
In addition to the food, fun and festivities, the crowd will enjoy live performances from:
- Simpson Elementary Chorus
- Peachtree Elementary Chorus
- Pinckneyville Middle Band
- North Metro Academy of Performing Arts Chorus and Dance
- International Charter Academy Chorus
- Chabad Enrichment Center Chorus
The Town Green offers free parking directly on-site or in nearby parking areas, which are accessible by a short stroll on the center’s nature path. Guests can also access the Town Green via Peachtree Corners’ landmark bridge, which connects to The Forum and the city’s pedestrian and bicycle trail system.
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Community
PCBA Awards $3,500 to Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer
Published
2 weeks agoon
November 4, 2024The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community.
Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.
Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.
“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”
Supporting the community
“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.
For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.
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Community
Peachtree Corners Dedicates Memorial Garden to its First Lady
Published
3 weeks agoon
October 29, 2024Although Debbie Mason, the first First Lady of Peachtree Corners passed away in January 2023 just shy of her 72nd birthday, she left a lasting legacy on the community.
Her obituary summed up her attributes beautifully.
“If Debbie Mason believed in a cause, she could be counted on to work toward it tirelessly. Debbie was known to her family as a full-time mom, part-time Wonder Woman and occasional miracle worker. To her friends and community, she was a professional volunteer, fearless leader and perpetual truthteller.
Before starting her family, she worked as a legal secretary, where she began honing her exceptional organizational skills and trademark charisma, which made her the most formidable fundraiser. PTSA president, Scout den leader, drama club mom, sports team mom, volunteer organizer, teen-driving advocate, recycling and beautification champion — whatever her kids were involved in or called to her heart, she made it a priority.
A consummate ‘mover and shaker,’ there was little in her sphere of influence that didn’t receive a bit of ‘the Debbie Mason touch.’ She and Mike were founders of the Fox Hill Homeowner’s Association, where she worked to build community on the street she called home for 36 years. Hanging holiday decorations, throwing her annual Halloween party and even going door-to-door gathering signatures to have sewers installed in the neighborhood, Debbie spent so much of her time and energy in service of others.”
A loving memorial
At a memorial service in her honor, several members of the community stood around brainstorming a way to truly respect the impact she had on those around her.
“There were a group of us that just kept talking to each other and saying, what else can we do?” said Lynette Howard. “Debbie inspired us. She did so many things for us, and she gave up great things to the city. And the city was something that she just … it was her pride and joy, and she wanted to make sure that everybody was embraced and hugged in this city.”
A public garden in Debbie Mason’s name was born from that discussion. And a little less than two years later, a dedication was held on Saturday, October 24 to commemorate the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.
Her obituary went on to include her love of gardening and the outdoors.
“To nurture was her nature; she loved to look after her home and garden. Visitors often commented on how warm and welcoming the house made them feel and how beautifully decorated it was. She was an artist, viewing the backyard garden as her canvas and the flowers, plants and pots as her paints. Working in the garden restored her soul; it was her special place. She was brilliant, an independent thinker, honest, direct and utterly unique. There will never be another one like her.”
A legacy that will live on
As in life, her kindness, dedication and joy will live on.
“With the opening of this garden today, she will leave an imprint that will be enjoyed by Peachtree Corners citizens for generations to come,” said Dave Huffman during the ceremony.
Debbie inspired those around her to make a positive impact on the city, as seen in the garden project. The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee: Bob Ballagh, Pat Bruschini, Lynette Howard, Dave Huffman, Sarah Roberts, Gay Shook and Robyn Unger worked together to answer questions, prioritize goals and honor Debbie’s legacy.
To ensure the garden design and features aligned with Debbie’s passions and the community’s input, the committee thought about things the garden shouldn’t be: hectic, feeling noisy, unkempt, sad, forgotten, without a purpose, ostentatious, gaudy, overdone, devoid of interactive things.
“Did we accomplish it?” Howard asked the crowd during the ceremony.
The thunderous applause proved that Debbie would have approved.
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