OPINION
I need to do this, too, but ladies, please go get a mammogram.
Jana Witherspoon, an educator in Aubrey ISD, has been incredibly open and vulnerable about the challenges she's facing upon being diagnosed with breast cancer-invasive ductal carcinoma in January.
If you know Jana, you probably love her.
She is a caring person who has dedicated more than just her own work to helping school kids have a great experience.
She and her family have also raised Bella, the therapy dog who has been a well-known face in Aubrey ISD for years.
I am exactly five years younger than Jana. To the day.
I grew up watching her as a high schooler I looked up to, because we both grew up in the same hometown, and her mother was my UIL coach in high school.
She comes from a wonderful family, and she makes her family proud every day.
When our mutual friend, Karen Mattson, was diagnosed with cancer, Jana was there with her and for her to the end and beyond.
She has continued to stay in contact with Karen's mother so Jana can keep tabs on how Karen's beloved son, Gabe, is doing as he grows up states away.
Jana's support system has been incredible, with other AISD educators donating days to her so she can get the medical treatment she needs and people from both Hamilton and the Ranch Cities area buying T-shirts to support her.
What she has emphasized during this process is the importance of knowing what's happening with your health.
Two things about this situation.
One—I believe in the power of public school.
I formed a lifelong connection with Mrs. Brenda Edwards, Jana's mother, through her love for me in the halls of Hamilton High School.
My girls did the same with Mrs. Jana Witherspoon in the halls of Monaco Elementary, then-Aubrey Middle School and Owens Middle School. It is through those connections that we have formed a love and concern for each other over the years that extends past those school hallways. And two—support Jana and others like her who are experiencing life-changing medical emergencies.
She has done more good than we will ever be able to quantify, and she deserves to have that kindness and love paid back to her in a real, lifechanging way.
If you need a way to get checked for breast cancer yourself, keep in mind that the Pilot Point Health Fair is planned for July 18.
We had Texas Health Resources out last year for on-site mammograms, and we plan to have that again.
Put July 18 on your calendar to get checked and be well.
Abigail Bardwell is the Editor & Publisher of the Post-Signal. She can be reached at [email protected].
