Cancer Survivors' Association

Joining Together: Our Beginning

In 1997, Janet Bowman was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer. She was given a 1% survival rate and told she had six months to one year to live. When Janet heard this, she went home and cried. Then she realized she had a choice. She could sit and wait for the cancer cells to destroy her body or she could fight. Janet chose to fight a courageous battle against this terrible disease.

During this time, Janet had tremendous support from her husband, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers. During her weekly chemotherapy sessions, she quickly realized that many others were battling cancer without the support she had.

Did Janet's life change during these six years! You bet it did. Janet was determined to beat the 1% odds she was given. She was even more determined to help others.

In 1998, a close friend for over 25 years, Judy Snyder, was diagnosed with breast cancer. On the last day of her chemotherapy, Judy felt there should have been some kind of a celebration for what she had just been through.

Based on their feelings and experiences, Janet and Judy began to think of ways they could help other cancer patients in Centre County.

In 2000, Let's Talk , now called the Cancer Support Group, was created to provide monthly encouragement meetings for survivors with all types of cancer.

Celebration of Hope was developed to celebrate the accomplishments of all people living with cancer who have completed either chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Celebration of Hope baskets contain items that are customized for a man or a woman per their individual interests and are delivered to the celebrant at their home. This has been a very popular service and the Association has received numerous thank you notes from recipients. The baskets are distributed to those finishing their cancer treatment at various local treatment centers.

Celebration of Hope Basket

The other main project of CSA is the Tote Bag of Hope given out to new cancer survivors. These bags include a blanket to keep warm in cold treatment rooms and an organizer to help the patient navigate the confusing new world they are entering. The popular bags are currently being distributed through local medical center offices and by request, with over 100 received in the first year.

As time passed, it became clear to Janet and Judy that other programs needed to be developed.

A variety of programs are available to all Centre County residents who are battling cancer. Visit the programs page to learn about the variety of programs offered by the Cancer Survivors' Association, including:

          Cancer Support Group monthly meetings
          Tote Bags of Hope
          Rays of Sunshine
          Celebration of Life Baskets
          It's Party Time
          Volunteer Opportunities
          Financial Contributions

The Cancer Survivors' Association believes family, friends and neighbors are also affected when a person is diagnosed with cancer. All of our programs are designed to include the survivors' extended family.

After years of cancer treatments, remissions and relapses Janet passed away December 17, 2003. Judy followed her on April 5, 2007. (Link to obituary in CDT) Both women leave behind this organization that continues to help newly diagnosed and ongoing cancer survivors.

Because of Janet and Judy's continued efforts toward their vision of having a community join together to build social and emotional support for everyone in Centre County as they battle this terrible disease, the Cancer Survivors' Association is a vital part of your community. Please review our programs and contact us if we can help.