Approximately one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Rose Hartley never thought she would be one of them.
The diagnosis came as quite a shock in March 2002. It was a small spot on her nose right where her glasses sat, refusing to go away. Out of curiosity she went to see dermatologist Dr. Vickie Brown, where the spot was cut off and further examined. Soon after her visit to the doctor, the phone rang and her heart dropped, “I’m sorry Rose, it is cancerous”.
“I was terrified because all I could think was having to continuously get my nose cut into,” said Hartley.
After a second visit to Dr. Brown, she had more tissue removed and the treatment lasted six months. Hartley sincerely hopes she never has to hear those dreadful words again. Although it was a mild case, it was still frightening. There are no small cancers and she was fortunate she caught hers at an early stage. She was able to get through this tough time with God, the wonderful Dr. Brown, the support of her family and friends and of course her loving husband, Phillip Hartley. Phillip is also a cancer survivor and won the battle with prostate cancer.
“I am very active in Relay For Life because I never want my children or grandchildren to have the diagnosis of cancer.”
She began volunteering for Relay For Life as a Team Captain of the Oak Hill Middle School where she worked as the secretary. She retired two years ago and became the registration chair for the Baldwin County Relay For Life.
“Rose is a very dedicated volunteer who is willing to help whenever asked. She and her husband are very involved in the Milledgeville community and enjoy helping people in any way possible,” said Relay For Life Event Chair, Jan Nutt.
Rose Hartley defeated skin cancer and is a true survivor.
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