(WRCB) - Another day at her job at Siskin Steel finds Jeanna Richelson doing what she does best, helping others.
Her customer service job here now a conversation of emails, not phone calls the way it was 11 years ago when oral cancer claimed much of her speech.
"I'm a very independent person and I didn't want to stay in bed and have someone take care of me. I just wanted to get back to life and be who I was."
But getting that life back has been a fight, both for Jeanna, and her husband, Robert, five surgeries in just four years. Like most oral cancer patients, the diagnosis came without warning and without much hope.
"The doctor didn't tell us it was Stage IV. I guess he didn't want us to know because that's the worst."
Their search for a cure took Jeanna and Robert to MD Anderson in Dallas.
There, doctors discovered the source of the cancer at the base of her tongue.
The surgery an extensive one that would cost Jeanna simple things most of us take for granted. Her body produces little to no saliva, making swallowing and speech a challenge. Food now limited to soups and shakes.
Challenges that send many patients into seclusion, but not Jeanna.
"I'm not going to let the circumstances define me."
Or anyone else, if she can help it. So, years ago Jeanna started the first oral cancer support group in Tennessee. The initial meeting brought just a few people, but soon grew to 20 plus.
"It grew very fast in fact I got to the third or fourth meeting and opened the door and saw all those people and shut the door to make sure I was in the right room."
Gale Parish and Janice Clark now among this group who share a bond none ever wanted. Gale, a survivor. Janice, on a quest to keep her brother's memory alive.
"I can laugh, I can cry, I can be mad... They accept me," says Janice.
"We know by watching Jeanna that life goes on and we all can be survivors."
A walk each April another way Jeanna is fighting back. The first walk brought in 18 thousand dollars.. more than any other initial walk in the country, gaining her national attention.
Despite the success, the days bring worries to Robert that the cancer could return.
"Oh, very much so.... You think it's been 12 years and we've beat it but you just don't know from day to day."
But this petite woman with the infectious smile finds peace in the hope she gives and receives from others.
"We're here for a reason every one of us. Maybe this is my reason. But it's been a hard, hard journey."
