Retired science teacher, cup-half-full seeker, breast cancer patient

The statistic is sobering: One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

Ruby Walker wanted a plan.

She was 47 years old when a doctor discovered a lump during a wellness exam. The eighth-grade science teacher at Trenton Middle School decided if cancer was in her future she would tackle it with her ever-present optimism—and a well-honed strategy.

The call confirming her cancer came at 5 o’clock on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015. Ruby sprang into action.

Like any teacher worth her salt, she did her homework. She consulted breast cancer survivors and grilled them about where they went, what they did, which doctors they liked. By Saturday evening she’d narrowed her choices to three oncologists, three breast surgeons, and three plastic surgeons.

She chose Wright Memorial Hospital. One compelling reason was because the hospital gives back to the Trenton community with free sports physicals for local student athletes.

“I wanted to reciprocate that support by putting my trust in them,” Ruby said. “And my experience has been remarkable.”

Because Wright was so close to home, Ruby could work a half day, receive chemo treatments just a short drive from school, and spend the weekend recovering. She could rely on help and support from her family.

Ruby’s husband handled all the insurance so she could focus on healing. After her mastectomy, he took charge of cleaning her drainage tubes each night. Her mother cooked special meals and knit soft hats to cover Ruby’s tender scalp. Her sister sought out information about treatment options. Her 16-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son gave her much-needed hugs.

Always able to see the silver lining, Ruby even spun the awful parts of cancer into positives.

“The weight loss, getting perky boobs, lots of trips to the city—every woman wants those things,” she said with a laugh.

The upside to lying sick and weak on the couch for three days after each treatment? For Ruby, it was complete domination over the remote control.

Her friends provided support as well. Fellow teachers sponsored a pink-wristband fundraiser and online sign-ups for meal deliveries. Other friends and fellow church members made hats and prayer shawls.

“The outpouring of blessings from our community was unbelievable,” she said.

And her community has grown even larger since her diagnosis. She now feels a real sisterhood with other breast cancer patients.

“I am so grateful to the women who came before me,” she said. “They fought the insurance companies so we can get better coverage for treatments. They fought for time off work without penalties, for quicker diagnoses and treatments so we can now survive and have it so much better than they did. They are the real heroes.”

Now retired from teaching, Ruby doesn’t believe her journey is done. She wants to help other women who are living with breast cancer to feel the same empowerment about their health that she feels.

“Beautiful can be missing fingernails, baldness, and fragility,” she said. “Beauty is everywhere.”