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A Pink Ribbon Story

Dedicated to

Sharon Dapp

Despite the fact that cancer hits you hard, and hits you suddenly, life must go on and this was Sharon Dapp’s main inspiration as she challenged herself to keep things as normal as possible in her life.

It was in August of 2005 when Sharon discovered she had breast cancer. And it was by no mishap. At the time, she was accompanying her daughter, Selena, for support to the Breast Health Center in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Previously, Selena had been screened for a lump in her breast, and was scheduled to have it removed. In the meantime, Sharon had a routine mammogram that revealed an abnormal mass in her right breast. Both women were scheduled for surgery the same day.

Fortunately, for Salena, hers turned out to be a benign cyst, whereas, Sharon’s biopsy was diagnosed with the beginning stages of cancer. She was only 49. Selena got to go home that day after her surgery, but Sharon did not. She remained for further testing and surgery was scheduled shortly afterwards to remove a large mass from Sharon’s breast. It looked like a “big splatter.” She was able to go home the same day as the scheduled surgery, and a few days later Sharon went back to the hospital for radiation treatments.

Throughout the remaining days, family and friends said she remained strong and calm. Sharon had to endure 50 radiation treatments, and she would go every day after work Monday through Friday for about 8 weeks.

Co-workers said she was exhausted but she wanted to still work everyday working at a small newspaper office as the office manager. “Yes I was here when she had breast cancer.... so sad, but she was determined to fight and be strong and that she was! , said Crystal Shrawder from Hughesville and one or her assistants. “She handled her treatments so very well, it was amazing!”

Although she was extremely tired, Sharon felt she needed to work as they were short on help as it was, and it made her feel needed. She had been employed with the company since she was 18.

On the last day of her radiation treatment, she and her best friend, Linda Neupauer, celebrated. Every year when her birthday comes around on March 8, Sharon celebrates being a survivor. “I beat it, and no chemo was needed” she said, and every year that goes by without detection is a blessing for her. “I regret I can’t give blood anymore. I was a regular donor up until the cancer,” she said.

“On the day of her last radiation treatment in October, she wanted to go shopping at the Reading Outlets,” replied her best friend, Linda. And to this day, the twosome still take an annual three day shopping trip every October to celebrate being a survivor.

Sharon Dapp

As written by Barbara C. Barrett

Sharon Dapp lives in Montoursville, PA with her husband Andy. She loves to shop with her best friend and visit the casinos when they have time.

A Sprinkle of FUN from the Author…

“I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb and I certainly know I’m not blonde.”

-- Dolly Parton