A miracle mark for Vestavia resident
Five years ago, Suzanne Moore’s life was right on track.
The Vestavia resident and mother of two had recently taken on a marketing job for physical therapy practice TherapySouth. Whether she was looking after clients or her own children, Moore lived an active life, staying true to her passion for helping others.
“I was just being a normal mom, driving carpool and taking care of my kids,” Moore said. “I really thought, ‘This is it, my life is set.’”
One day, during a self examination, she found a lump in her breast. Moore’s mother had breast cancer in her 40s, so Moore knew she needed to take the situation seriously and immediately made a doctor’s appointment.
At 36 years old, Moore was diagnosed with HER2-positive, an aggressive form of breast cancer. One week after the visit to the doctor, she had a double mastectomy.
In a matter of three weeks, Moore saw her life change 180 degrees.
“I went from taking care of everyone to being bedridden for months,” Moore said. “It really put things in perspective for me.”
During those difficult months, Moore was overwhelmed with support from family and friends. She became part of a support group at Shades Mountain Baptist Church.
“When I was having a bad day for whatever reason, these people really understood what I was feeling,” Moore said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, when breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.
Moore credits her faith for carrying her through the experience.
“I solely relied on God,” Moore said. “My faith was what kept me going.”
Five years later, Moore is using her experience to give back to the community in a variety of ways. She is involved with the Young Breast Cancer Survivorship Network, an initiative of the UAB School of Nursing. Their focus is to improve the quality of life for young breast cancer survivors as well as their loved ones through education, support and networking. Moore is also helping launch a new breast cancer rehabilitation program at TherapySouth’s Vestavia location.
“I’ve been able to help people that have gone through it,” Moore said. “I am thankful that I’m here, trying my best to live in the present.”
Moore’s son is starting middle school and her daughter is now starting high school. She feels her experience has made her family stronger, and her priorities are focused on what matters.
“There was a point when I didn’t think I was going to be here to watch them grow up,” Moore said. “Five years is a big mark. Life is uncertain. Now, I’m really trying to just enjoy every day.”
For more information about the Young Breast Cancer Survivorship Network, visit youngsurvivorsbhm.org.
Breast Cancer Awareness Events
Komen Race for the Cure
Linn Park
Saturday, Oct. 11
Visit komenNCalabama.org
Key to the Cure Pink Party
Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham
Saturday, Oct. 16, 5-8 p.m.
Contact Elizabeth Worrell, 298-8550