Cancer doesn't stop woman from feeling grateful
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Gilda's Club Worldwide "Snapshot of Survival" winner Betsy Pankewycz was honored at an Aug. 7 reception held at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Her entry, "G is for Gratitude," is a photography collage of photos from the past two years while she has battled colon cancer. Her oncologist, Dr. Marwan Fakih, was there supporting her. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

Grateful. It's the best word Betsy Pankewycz of Amherst can use to describe what she has felt toward her family, friends and supporters during her battle with colon cancer.

A collage of photographs was the only way, for her, that she could put her feelings into a tangible display.

Her creation, "G is for Gratitude," featuring photos of her family and friends in the shape of a G, outlined in "G" words, was entered in the Snapshot of Survival contest, sponsored by Gilda's Club Worldwide and Sanofi-Aventis.

Her entry was chosen as the winner. "I've done collages before for family members, for presents," she said. "It was the only way I could bring it all together."

She chose pictures depicting her life with friends and family members.

Going through chemotherapy, Pankewycz was exhausted most of the time. But she said she loves photography and went through a lot of old pictures.

"It was a journey through the past two years," she said.

Battling cancer has been her life; as shown in many of the photos, she was wearing a black bag because she needed chemo infusions for three days straight.

Pankewycz was diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2005. Receiving treatments at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, she was informed about Gilda's Club of Western New York.

It was at Gilda's Club she was encouraged to enter the contest. At first she resisted because the treatments were leaving her exhausted, but she eventually decided to take the assignment.

She completed a round of chemotherapy in May and her tests have come back good.

Those who have been with her during the past two years were at the reception when she was honored.

Roswell Park Cancer Institute displayed her creation on Aug. 7 as several members of Pankewycz's Wellness Group were among those in attendance to support their friend.

"No one survives any cancer all alone," Pankewycz said.

Her oncologist, Dr. Marwan Fakih, has not only been there for her in a medical setting but also as a supporter. He attended the reception, congratulating Pankewycz on her winning entry.

He said art can help patients express themselves and can be a healing process for them emotionally.

"A lot of patients with cancer have a different view of the world ... they appreciate it more. Their art helps others see the world through the eyes of someone with cancer," Fakih said.

As a specialist in colon cancer, Fakih said screening is the best tip he can offer.

Colon cancer is the second most deadly type, behind lung cancer. But if signs are caught early, it can be treated and prevented.

Screening, by colonoscopy or other methods, can detect polyps that become cancerous.

Those with colon cancer in their family should be tested and others, when they reach the age of 50. It is also more common in overweight individuals, those who are inactive and those whose diet consists of a lot of fats and meats.

"It is estimated that more than 80 percent of colon cancer could be prevented if (people) undergo screening procedures," he said.

Fakih said that unfortunately, if someone is experiencing symptoms, abdominal pain, obstruction or bleeding, it's usually too late to treat. That is why regular screening is the best tool.

Following the reception, Pankewycz's work went on tour and will be displayed around the country until 2011, she said.

About her friends she has met through this experience at Roswell and Gilda's, Pankewycz said those are the real warriors out there, fighting.

She thanked those who have been her mentor and friend, and her piece, "G is for Gratitude" was another way to do that.