"They made me feel like I wasn't alone"
Penni Hairston draws comfort from the doctors and team providing her cancer treatment.
World Cancer Day is a time to celebrate the unique stories of individuals like Penni Hairston from Roanoke, Virginia. Her journey exemplifies resilience, made possible by early detection and a dedicated team of providers who support her every step along the way.
“United by Unique” is the 2025 World Cancer Day theme. Observed on February 4, the international campaign is designed to place people at the center of care and their stories at the heart of the conversation.
Hairston isn’t shy about sharing her story and hopes her experience will inspire others to get regular cancer screenings.
Hairston has scheduled yearly mammograms since she was in her 40s. Her screening in October 2024 revealed a suspicious spot, prompting the 57-year-old to make an appointment for an ultrasound and biopsy.
Doctors discovered early-stage breast cancer in one place. After undergoing a lumpectomy in December, Hairston began chemotherapy in January. Her sister-in-law, Dawn, came along to keep her company during the first infusion treatment.
“The staff has made me feel comforted and informed,” said Hairston, who is receiving care at LewisGale Medical Center from Dr. Vandana Karri and Dr. Jolene Henshaw. “The staff is so nice and has taken excellent care of me.”
As a cancer patient, Hairston emphasized the importance of feeling heard and cared for during treatment. “Dr. Henshaw, in particular, made me feel like I wasn’t alone. She consulted with both me and my husband, reassuring us that we had caught it early and that everything would be okay.”
Hairston hopes her story will encourage people to get regular cancer screenings. Screening tests can help detect cancer at an early stage before symptoms appear.
Hairston expressed gratitude for the exceptional care she has received. “I feel optimistic about the future. We get to ring the bell when we finish treatment, and I can’t wait to ring that bell.”