BURLINGTON, N.C. — Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, according to the American Cancer Society.
Two Burlington women say their faith and family kept them strong while they fought back after receiving their breast cancer diagnoses.
What seems like a simple embrace means so much more for Regina Burnette and Jennifer Barksdale. Both are winning their battles against the disease, but that doesn't mean it was easy.
"It's very mentally challenging," Burnette said. "You got to stay strong. And like you say, you got to have your faith. If you keep your faith, God will bring the power. And then like that stuck to me the whole time."
Barksdale had to fight back twice as hard when she was diagnosed with breast cancer twice in the same year.
"When you hear the word cancer, you just, it's devastating, and you don't want to tell your family because like that's the hurtful part of it is telling your family and friends," Barksdale said.
Those families and friends gave Barksdale and Burnette support in their times of need. What the two didn't know they needed while facing the diagnoses was each other.
We've known each other for years — since 1992," Barksdale said. "(Burnette) is the reason why I decided to share my story. >
Barksdale is in the recovery process right now after having surgery just a few weeks ago. She said getting a routine mammogram saved her life. It first started with her body not feeling right.
"When i started feeling fatigued, I felt in my body that there was something going on, but i wasn't sure exactly what," she said.
Both women said the support of their families let them face each day with optimism.
"Know that there's support and there's love out here," Barksdale said.
"With my healing process, I just had to say I try to stay strong," Burnette added. "Like (Barksdale) said, I have a daughter, I have a daughter too and I'm her only parent. So like I got to stay strong and be here for her. That's what gave me the strength to do this."
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