Community

‘Stay Positive’: Debbie Mason’s Journey with a Daunting Diagnosis (article)

Published

3 years ago

August 23, 2021

Kelsey Asher

Photos by Tracey Rice.

Good 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

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

Gwinnett County Public Library Receives Innovation Award

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The library system was honored with the Urban Libraries Council’s 2024 Innovation Award in Workforce and Economic Development

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries, has named Gwinnett County Public Library a Top Innovator for 2024. This recognition is in honor of the library’s New Start Entrepreneurial Incubator (NSEI), which offers business training and mentorship to formerly incarcerated community members.

Originally funded by Google through a grant from the American Library Association (ALA), the six-month program helps participants build the knowledge and skills necessary to start their own businesses.

“I’ve seen the life of each person who goes through this program change profoundly and significantly,” said Charles Pace, executive director of Gwinnett County Public Library. “We believe that people deserve a second chance. The New Start program gives them the tools, knowledge and support they need to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.”

ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its more than 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of our urban communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.

Top innovators and honorable mentions

A distinguished panel of judges selected Gwinnett County Public Library as a Top Innovator. The project won in the Workforce and Economic Development category for its originality, measurable outcome and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 230 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.

Six public libraries received the Top Innovator designation, and six libraries received an honorable mention in recognition of their work. There is one top innovator and one honorable mention for each award category.

AWARD CATEGORY	TOP INNOVATORS	HONORABLE MENTIONS
Advocacy and Awareness	San Francisco Public Library (CA)	Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA)
Education: Children and Adults	Virginia Beach Public Library (VA)	New York Public Library (NY)
Equity and Inclusion	Miami-Dade Public Library System (FL)	Broward County Library (FL)
Health and Wellness	Denver Public Library (CO)	San Mateo County Libraries (CA)
Library Operations and Management	Toronto Public Library (ON)	Pioneer Library System (OK)
Workforce and Economic Development	Gwinnett County Public Library (GA)	Memphis Public Libraries (TN)

“This year’s Innovations Initiative honorees exemplify the evolving role of libraries as dynamic public institutions that are integral to the fabric of our urban communities,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “The innovative projects highlighted this year demonstrate the power of libraries to not only adapt but to actively shape the future of our cities, ensuring that all community members have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Information about the winning project from Gwinnett County Public Library and that of other honorees is available on the ULC website at www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations.

About Gwinnett County Public Library

Gwinnett County Public Library is a free provider of education and information. Located in

metro Atlanta, the Library has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials and programming for people of all ages.

For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visit www.gwinnettlibrary.org.

Community

Olympian Jasmine Jones Visits Her Local Alma Mater

Published

3 weeks ago

September 25, 2024

Shawne Taylor

Olympic athlete standing with a school mascot

Olympian Jasmine Jones, a standout alumna of Greater Atlanta Christian School (Class of 2020), returned to her alma mater on September 12 to speak to and inspire the next generation of students there.

GAC staff interviewed Jones and also took questions from the students during a Q&A session that included every grade level.

Female Olympic athlete being interviewed onstage — photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

As a member of the U.S. Olympic team and a 12-time Georgia state individual champion during her time at GAC, Jasmine’s visit was a homecoming filled with motivation and reflection. She spoke passionately to the students about the importance of perseverance, goal-setting, and embracing challenges, drawing from her journey from GAC to the University of Southern California and the global stage of the Olympics.

Jones qualified for the Paris Olympics on June 30 and made the U.S. team in women’s 400m hurdles after placing third. She went on to place fourth in the women’s 400m hurdles final at the Paris games.

Female Olympian meeting members of the audience in a school auditorium — photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

Students and staff at GAC cheered Jones on during the Olympics. And they cheered her again as she took to the school’s stage to address the audience. Before and after the event, Jones posed for photos, gave high-fives and took time connect with some of GAC’s enthusiastic students and faculty.

Female Olympian meeting students at her alma mater — photo courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian School

Her words — and her accomplishments — left a powerful impression on the crowd, reminding everyone of the heights that can be achieved with dedication and faith.

For more about GACS, visit greateratlantachristian.org.

Community

Miyabiya Japan Brings Kabuki ‘Lion Dance’ to Life for Students at ICAGeorgia

Published

3 weeks ago

September 20, 2024

Shawne Taylor

kabuki performers in front of an audience of K-6 students

The renowned performers wowed the audience with a thrilling presentation of dance, drama and fun.

Staff, students and board members of the International Charter Academy of Georgia were given a short-but-thrilling taste of Kabuki when dancers from Miyabiya Japan stopped by the school on September 16 for a special performance.

Offering a preview of the full show they’d prepared for center stage at JapanFest 2024, the troop presented a special short section of a dance titled “Renjishi: The Two Lions.”

Miyabiya Japan Kabuki performers — photo credit: Shawne Taylor

Considered one of the most famous pieces in Kabuki, Renjishi is known for its powerful choreography and dramatic expression. It tells the story of the relationship between a father lion and his young son. The powerful movements, dramatic expressions and percussive sound effects symbolize the passing of strength and legacy from one generation to the next.

How the show came about

Miyabiya Japan last appeared at JapanFest in 2016 to great acclaim. This year, with the excitement of their return, the performers made plans to offer a few shorter performances at other places around town in the week leading up to the festival.

School faculty and board members with performers from Miyabiya Japan Kabuki troop — from left: Takahiko Fujima, Miki Ito, Junko Jones, Aki Nozawa Felecia Tucker-Jones, Carol Freeman, Daniela Britton, Yuriko Evett, Annie Varghese, Robert Johnson and Yukimasa Futamura

Robert Johnson, an advisory board member of ICAGeorgia and a long-time friend of JapanFest and the Miyabiya troop, knew the dual-language, Japanese immersion school would be a great place for one of the shows. He helped organize the day’s demonstration and was on-hand to talk to the crowd and introduce the performers.

The performance

It was the first time having a Kabuki performance at ICAGeorgia. And, as students filed into the school’s gym, the excitement was palpable. The room was humming with happy voices before the show even began.

Johnson greeted the kids with a smile before introducing the award-winning Kabuki troop in both English and Japanese.

Kabuki dancers in motion during performance — photo credit: Shawne Taylor

“This special group from Japan will be performing at JapanFest, but today they’re performing here for you,” he told the excited crowd.

He went on to explain, “Kabuki is a special form of very dramatic and traditional Japanese dance. Two dancers today will do the Lion Dance.” The youngest children in the crowd shrieked with delight when they heard the name.

“The Lion Dance is like the story of the Lion King,” he continued, “with an otousan (father) lion with a long white mane and his son with a bright red mane.”

Kabuki performer with an audience of K-6 students — photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia

After the short explanation of what to expect, Johnson instructed the students (and the adults in the audience) to call for the performers to come out. To the sounds of “Miyabi-ya, miyabi-ya,” from the crowd, the dancers bounded out into the room, onto the space set up for their performance. They greeted Mr. Johnson and the students before getting into the story.

An interactive experience

The show started with a brief instruction of Kabuki movements that got the audience on its feet, following the red lion’s lead. It ended with a bang of confetti that thrilled (and surprised) everyone there.

Kabuki performer at a school — photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia

In between, the story of the two lions was beautifully expressed through the performers’ detailed costumes, traditional kumadori makeup, exaggerated expressions and dramatic movements. At times, the dancers even made their way into the audience. Students and adults alike were riveted from start to finish.

“I’m happy to have the performers come to our school,” said Junko Jones, a founding board member and CFO of ICAGeorgia. “Not all of the students will be able to go to JapanFest. So, it’s nice that they can experience Japan here.”

Kabuki performers in front of a K-6 audience — photo courtesy of ICAGeorgia

About ICAGeorgia

The International Charter School of Georgia is a K-6 Japanese immersion school located in Peachtree Corners. They currently have 250 students, with plans to expand the school to offer Grades 7–8 in the future.

Eighty-one of the students will sing onstage at JapanFest September 21 at 1pm. This will be school’s sixth time performing at the festival, having been there every year since the school opened. The students also performed at the state capital in January for Japan Day.

For more information about ICAGeorgia, visit internationalcharteracademy.org.

For more about JapanFest and Miyabiya Japan, visit japanfest.org