Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/396235
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S C O T T B U S C H M A N Feature LAUREN REIBSTEIN didn't want anyone to know. She didn't want people feeling sorry for her after being di- agnosed in 2009 with Stage IV fallopian tube cancer, which spread to her lungs. Reibstein un- derstood everyone needs a helping hand. For years she ran a program at Sequoia High School in Redwood City called "Building Bonds" that offers a support system for newcomers to the U.S. But the science and dance teacher didn't want cancer to "define" who she was. Her colleagues and students found out anyway and rallied in support while she underwent chemotherapy, a hysterectomy and lung surgery. "The response at school was overwhelming," says Reibstein, Sequoia District Teachers Association. "Teach- ers donated their sick days. There were gifts, cards and good wishes. A student showed up at my door with flow- ers, which was very nice." Reibstein had a best friend who died of breast cancer. Naturally, she was terrified of the same fate. "When I found out I had cancer, I felt every emotion possible. The first reaction is to cry hysterically. But my fear immediately shifted into 'Let's fix this, I don't have time to waste.'" She recently celebrat- ed five years of being cancer-free. Her school still supports Reibstein, who for the past two years has led Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society. She says it's "empower- ing" to "give back" via a school fundraiser, and she's now proud that "cancer survivor" partially defines who she is. "I wrote a letter to my students saying they'd helped me in profound ways to heal. My goal is now offering hope to others and educating people about cancer. It's possible to live and thrive — and not just survive." Surviving Cancer KAREN DAWKINS was so focused on being a social worker and taking care of her daughter that she didn't make time for herself. In fact, she hadn't had a regular checkup in four years when she suddenly became ill with bronchitis back in 2000. During a coughing fit, she grabbed her sides and felt a lump in her breast. She believes that if she hadn't been coughing, she wouldn't have noticed the lump. She had Stage II breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. "My daughter was young, and I got so caught up in taking care of others, I didn't make time for myself," admits Dawkins, who upon her recovery decided to earn her teaching credential and is now a science teacher at Gunderson High School and San Jose Teachers Association member. These days, she tells her students, friends and colleagues to get regular physical exams from their doctors, self-check their breasts for lumps once a month, and be aware of any unusual phys- ical changes. Having cancer has made her a more empathetic person. "If someone is rude or a driver cuts me off, I think maybe they have something going on in their life. You really have no idea what other people are going through. Maybe not everyone would agree that I am kinder, but I am usually willing to give people the bene- fit of the doubt." The response at school was overwhelming. Teachers donated their sick days. Lauren Reibstein didn't want anyone to know. She didn't want people feeling sorry in Redwood City called "Building Bonds" that offers a support system for newcomers Take care of your health Find a support system 12 www.cta.org