ZTA, YMCA team up to fight breast cancer
Toni Merriss
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Features
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Robinson, who is originally from Gadsden, went to University of Nebraska in Omaha for her undergraduate degree in recreation. She returned home and attended JSU for her master's in physical education. She explored a few other options before making the YMCA her home eleven years ago.
A self-described "fitness professional," Robinson was blindsided when she received the test results last January that indicated she had breast cancer.
"I didn't even take anyone with me. I thought I would pop in, get my negative results and then be on my way. When you get news like that, everything kind of changes," Robinson said.
She was so surprised that she didn't even call to tell her husband until after she had made the appointment for the next Tuesday to have surgery.
"My first thoughts were that I wanted to get through with the surgery and chemo as fast as possible but still stay healthy," Robinson said.
Sept. 12th marked a special day for Robinson. It was her last chemotherapy session.
"The support I have had here has been wonderful. I hope that maybe I can do for others what has been done for me," Robinson said.
One of the things that helped Robinson during her more discouraging times was the belief that she was going to be okay.
"People would come up to me once they found out and would share their experiences with me," Robinson said. "It really encouraged me to stay positive. I know that I am very lucky to still be here, so whatever I can do to help, I will."
Robinson is now back to working full time at the YMCA. There to welcome her back on Wednesday, Oct. 10, were some of the sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha. ZTA's philanthropy is the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
More information on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Susan G. Komen Foundation is available on the Web at www.nbcam.org and www.komen.org, respectively.
Toni Merriss is the editor in chief of The Chanticleer. She can be reached at (256) 782-5701 or at chantyeditor@gmail.com.
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