by Taryn Brown

For the last 25 years, Unity Health has celebrated women who have battled breast cancer and overcome, as well as those who are currently battling, at the annual Barbara Montgomery Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. 

The luncheon is named in honor of former Unity Health President/CEO Ray Montgomery’s wife, who lost her battle with breast cancer. 

Each year the hospital invites a guest emcee, a guest speaker to speak over breast cancer education or advancements in treatment and a survivor to share their story. 

Past years have included emcee Erin Hawley and Elicia Dover from KATV Channel 7, Unity Health oncologists Dr. Ryan Koch, Dr. Stacie McCord and Dr. Whit Robertson, dieticians and survivors from the community. 

During the luncheon, survivors, current patients battling breast cancer and those who have lost their battle with the disease are recognized and honored for their strength. Women are able to share their experiences, lift each other up and celebrate with a community of supporters. 

“I am honored to plan the luncheon every year to remember, celebrate and honor so many amazing women who have been impacted by this disease,” Unity Health Marketing Coordinator Anna Brumfield said. “Breast cancer impacts us all in different ways but it is a common enemy we all have. These women inspire us all by their strength, courage and faith, and I have personally been blessed to develop wonderful friendships and gain role models through this special event.”

The 25th annual luncheon was the first year breast cancer survivors were encouraged to write letters to those currently battling the disease and receiving treatment for any type of cancer at the Unity Health – White County Oncology clinic. 

The Pyeatt Family Cancer Center in Searcy includes the White County Oncology, CARTI and Radiology Associates, P.A. (RAPA) all at one location. The collaboration between all three clinics and being a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network allows patients to feel confident they are receiving the highest standard of care, and appointment scheduling is streamlined.

White County Oncology recently added Breast Cancer Navigator Lisa Hill, RN to the team. Hill’s role as Clinical Breast Cancer Navigator is to guide and support patients through the challenges of cancer. She is trained in providing resources and education to assist patients in making informed decisions throughout their diagnosis and treatment. She also works with the healthcare team to promote health and quality outcomes. Hill works side by side with a patients’ physician to ensure quality and timely care. She is also a guide for patients in connecting them with other providers in areas including dieticians, counselors and financial aid counselors.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with the disease in her lifetime. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation said it is estimated 271,270 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur in women in the U.S. in 2019, and there are more than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors alive in the nation today. Women ages 40 to 54 should receive mammograms annually. The 26th Annual Barbara Montgomery Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon was held Oct. 18 at the White County Extension Building Conference Center in Searcy. 

For more information about cancer services, please call White County Oncology at 501.278.3297. For more information concerning breast cancer, visit cancer.org.