Maj. John and Lorraine Newton, who is battling breast cancer

Maj. John Newton, Commander, 45th Security Forces Squadron, and wife, Lorraine, who is battling breast cancer. Maj. and Mrs. Newton thank everyone who has assisted them, encourage women to see physicians for screening, and for those with cancer, to remain resilient during a trying time. (Photo courtesy of Maj. John Newton)

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Breast Cancer Awareness: We're all in this together

Published Oct. 27, 2011
By Maj. John Newton
Commander, 45th Security Forces Squadron

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- My wonderful wife, Lorraine, and I wanted to take a moment and share our experience with her diagnosis and subsequent treatment for breast cancer.

We chose to write this note during October to piggyback on the month-long Breast Cancer Awareness campaign that is coming to a close. Our message is three-fold.

First and foremost, we would like to thank each and every one of you that have assisted us during this trying time. The surgeries and chemotherapy treatment Lorraine is enduring are difficult and many of you have contributed greatly to helping us through this process.

Secondly, we encourage ladies to see their physicians regarding screening. Lorraine's cancer was found during her regular mammogram screening and thankfully, was found early. These screenings are one of the most effective ways to identify this form of cancer
in its early stages before it has an opportunity to spread to other portions of the body.

Last but not least, breast cancer can be defeated but it's going to be a difficult journey that demands resiliency! Just as our latest Wingman Day theme portrays, all of us will face adversity in life and therefore, must maintain resiliency in order to contend with issues.

Lorraine put it best early on when she stated, "Chemo ain't for sissies." Her resiliency to make it through the surgeries and then to fight through six months of chemotherapy has been nothing short of phenomenal. No matter what you are going through, you've got to reach deep inside yourself and find your resilient strength to endure.

You can do it!

Again, we thank those who have assisted our family along the way. We also hope that our message about breast cancer screening and resiliency helps others that may be in need of encouragement and support.

Maj. John and Lorraine Newton, who is battling breast cancer