SAN MARCOS, Calif. — When a patient beats cancer, oftentimes, they ring a bell to symbolize their victory.
In this Zevely Zone, I visited Kaiser Permanente in San Marcos for a special celebration.
Cancer could have killed Autumn Gray but she and her husband, family, friends, medical team and doctors had other plans. "We're heading up to Oncology to ring the bell," said Autumn Gray who is now 52 years old.
When the teacher was 48 years old, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.
"Honestly, my first reaction was I felt so bad for the doctor who had to give me the news," said Autumn.
Instead of thinking about herself, Autumn was more concerned about missing out on the 'golden years' with her husband Tom and missing major milestones with her children, Justin and Laurel.
"I think we went to Trader Joe's and bought health food is what we did," said Autumn. "I was 48 years old and there was a lot of life of theirs I didn't want to miss."
Autumn decided to fight.
"That's my only chemo picture," said Autumn. "That's my hair, I woke up one morning and all of my hair started coming out."
Chemotherapy was grueling, but she did it to protect the life she always dreamed about. She showed us pictures of a trip to Greece she took with Tom, the love of her life after beating cancer. Autumn was also able to see her daughter graduate from college.
The mother then helped her daughter shop for the perfect wedding dress. "It was," said Autumn who then went to the wedding. "I was very grateful. It was overwhelming," said Autumn.
So, was watching her son become an officer in the Marines.
"I was so proud," said Autumn. She then watched her son head off to flight school. "I was there. I was there," said Autumn. She lived to see fifty and on her mother's 70th birthday, they took a special trip together. "That's my mom right there," said Autumn who then treated herself to a puppy named Lady. "She is my sidekick we go everywhere together," said Autumn.
She has already lived a new life after cancer. "Oh. very intentionally so, absolutely," said Autumn. This is why the day we visited Kaiser Permanente in San Marcos was as special as they came for Autumn and her doctor.
"Congratulations, four years later," said Dr. Nicole Quenelle who says it's not often she receives flowers from patients. "I bought myself flowers about two weeks ago on my birthday," she laughed. Autumn then hugged her and said, "Happy Birthday!"
Autumn then returned to the Kaiser Permanente Oncology Unit, where the staff that saved her life lined up for the special ceremony. "This is how they feel about you. This is how they feel about the patients that they care for and come to work and show up every single day," said Amy Martinez who is the Oncology Department's Administrator. Amy said ceremonies like these are why the medical staff gets up in the morning. "Truly the most amazing staff I have ever worked with. Sorry, every time it brings me so much emotion," said Amy with tears falling down her cheeks.
Three rings of the bell symbolize the end of cancer and the start of a new life. "You guys were family, on top of health care," said Autumn with tears in her eyes too. The mother, wife and longtime teacher is four years cancer-free and with regular checkups, Autumn Gray plans to live for decades of additional sunny seasons.
"Thank you so much and I'll see you on Tuesday, ha, ha, ha," laughed Autumn as she hugged her doctor. Autumn beat cancer during the COVID lockdown. This was the first time her family and friends could gather to see her ring the Cancer Bell.