My journey with breast cancer started in early January 2005. I was sitting on my bed in our bedroom watching TV and accidentally found a lump in my breast. My first thought was that I was imagining this but the more I felt it I knew that it was true and my second thought was that I would not say anything to my husband until I could go to the doctor the next day and find out for sure.

I’ll never forget the day I had to face the fact that I had cancer, Thyroid cancer. I was not ill or did not seem to have any signs other than a small knot that I had noticed about two months before. My wife noticed my neck was different. After much persistence I told her about the knot. This was on a Saturday and by Monday morning she had an appointment with a physician for me.

I had a regular checkup and mammogram July 17, 2001 as I had done since surgery in 1974. Up to this point the reports had been clear.
However, this time we were called to come in for additional testing. These included needle biopsy, lumpectomy and biopsy of surrounding tissue then the news: CANCER!

I am a breast cancer survivor by the grace of God.
 March 2008, I dreamed I was leaving a golf course. I found myself at Unity’s emergency room. A nurse was about to give me a shot in the chest when I told her no! She replied, “If you don’t let me do this you are going to die!” At that, I awoke.

This story is about a very special survivor! Devin Randall Ross was born on March 13, 1996, in Salt Lake City to Randall and Alisa (Woods) Ross. From the moment he was born, he was a beautiful little curly headed boy. He was always wise beyond his years, and curious to learn about everything around him.
Then, when he was seven, something was going very wrong. This healthy, happy little boy was suddenly sick way too much. Numerous visits to his pediatrician and referrals to specialists offered up the diagnosis of severe asthma. Then one night, Devin could not breathe when he was lying down. He was taken to the emergency room, where an X-ray was ordered.

Pete Bonicelli Jr., an electrician at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, and a former Shawnee resident, is working in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Heroes! They come in all shapes and sizes. Many are deemed heroes for running into burning buildings, being in the line of fire, or saving someone’s life in the ER.
These people truly are heroes. The hero I write about today, however, has a heroic nature of a much subtler type. Though many may never know her name, she is a hero to me all the same.

Four high school boys, Larry Hart, Dudley Tankersley, Tom Brown and Cy Raymer, were beginning the summer vacation at Shawnee High School. They had nothing else to do.
One of these boys knew of a truck stop in Shawnee where lumber trucks frequented the place, traveling from the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico eastward past Shawnee.

I have a great memory of my first day in second grade. 
We had moved to the country and I would be riding the bus for the first time. Needless to say, I was a little scared.
The year was 1952, and as I stood at the intersection of State Highway 9 and Highway 102, fear of the unknown really set in. 

This area is so blessed to have such an excellent doctor and good man as Dr. Scott Stewart. In this fast-paced, busy world, it is hard to talk to people who actually care or have time to even talk.
We are patients of Dr. Stewart. He happens to be the most caring, compassionate physician. My husband and I enjoy talking to him and we like to see the sparkle of love and pride when he mentions his wife, three sons and parents.

Heroes come in all forms and sizes. There are super heroes, war heroes, romantic heroines and brave warrior champions. But have you ever known one who was a full-time volunteer, dedicates their life trying to improve the lives of the local youth, spends tireless efforts trying to make new and better opportunities for those around them, owns two businesses, is a loving wife, mother and friend?

Dear Daddy,
Just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. You know, I didn’t think you’d make it this far.
Well, I was really more scared that you wouldn’t more than anything. And like I’ve told you before, I’ve waited a long time to see you and Mama like this. To see you sober. You two are a lot happier now than you were before.

A man of integrity and inner strength is how I would describe my dad. He spent his life working hard, long hours as he maintained a dairy farm. Running a dairy farm requires hours and hours of hard labor, but he always had time for us kids.

Over the years, I have really come to understand my dad. When I was a child, I didn’t understand why he would say things like, “no,” or “it’s for your own good.” Although those are things I didn’t like to hear, it has helped me know that it’s OK not to give in to every request from a child.

My sisters and I are all grown-ups now, we have our own families. Our dad, Robert Hodde, deserves a lot of credit for his part in our upbringing. He has always held high standards for each of his children, as well as for himself.

Dad,

I will always be your little girl, but I am 18 years old now. I’m not so little anymore. I’m finally a legal adult, responsible for all of my future actions and decisions. I have a lot of important decisions coming up.

Dad,
 
I just wanted to let you know that you mean the world to me. Not just on Father’s Day, but everyday. I will never be able to say “thank you” enough for the unconditional love you give me. Just know and always remember that I love you unconditionally, too. You are truly my hero. I hope you have a wonderful Father’s Day and many more to come!

Dad,

Just wanted to say thank you for all you do as a father, a friend and role model. Your hard work and dedication to your family is greatly appreciated and inspirational to us all. We love you very much! Happy Father’s Day!

My father John “Tato” Brysky, age 84 of Kansas City, Kan., was born in the Ukraine. He was captured by the Nazis in 1937 and worked in a concentration camp at the age of 12 until he managed to escape. He came to America with nothing and worked in a steel mill.

I think my dad is a modern day hero because he is an Oklahoma State Trooper, he keeps people safe and locks criminals up to keep them from hurting anyone. My dad had to stay at a camp for many weeks to become a trooper. But for me and my mom it felt like two years!
Sometimes I worry about him getting hurt. I don`t know what I would do if something bad happened to him. One time he stepped on a railroad spike on a manhunt! It hurt his foot really bad. I had a migraine the next day; guess who was with me that day, my dad. That shows he is flexible.