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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Sue Terrell: Dedicated Homeless Advocate Faces Breast Cancer
Sue Terrell, who leads efforts at Hands Across Decatur to assist the city's homeless community, recently opened up about her personal struggle after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis in 2024. Terrell, renowned locally for her outreach and commitment as a homeless advocate, received the news when she visited her doctor for what she thought would be a routine checkup for breast reduction surgery.
Surprise Diagnosis and Emotional Response
Terrell's life changed when her gynecologist called a few days following her appointment, confirming the unexpected breast cancer diagnosis. Reflecting on that moment, Terrell shared, “When I got a phone call from my surgeon that I had breast cancer, I went into a dream. This couldn’t be happening to me.”
Navigating Treatment and Finding Acceptance
Terrell described experiencing profound fear and uncertainty after her breast cancer diagnosis. However, as time passed, a sense of acceptance and a new perspective emerged. Terrell credits this shift with helping her face each stage of her breast cancer treatment. She continues to undergo mammograms and MRIs every six months and commends her oncologist for the support received throughout her journey.
The Importance of Early Detection and Ongoing Screening
One noteworthy aspect of Terrell's story is the absence of typical symptoms. “There was no lump, there were no symptoms and whenever that you take out tissue, it goes to pathology and the pathologist found it,” she noted. This scenario underscores the critical importance of early detection and regular breast cancer screening in discovering cancers that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Continuing Her Mission During Treatment
Despite the challenges she faces as a cancer patient advocate, Terrell has been able to persist in her work with the homeless community. She explained that going through this health challenge has expanded her awareness of the barriers others may face in accessing breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. “I don’t like talking about it with people because I don’t want them to tell me that I’m going to die, but I’m not going to die because I’m too tough for that,” Terrell said. She expressed hope that, in the future, diagnoses and treatments will become more readily available, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Call for Volunteers and Continued Community Health Efforts
Hands Across Decatur, the organization where Terrell advocates, is currently seeking volunteers to support its ongoing mission. Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the group's programs can find information on the organization’s website. Terrell’s story highlights not only the importance of breast cancer awareness and early detection but also the persistent need for community health initiatives and cancer support, especially among at-risk groups.
Source: whnt.com.
