2008 Woodie Awards
Cancer survivors speak
Amy Farnsworth
Issue date: 10/27/04 Section: News
There are times in life when people may feel invincible. It's not until a serious situation occurs that can make one realize that reality can strike at any moment.
In December of 2003, Suffolk junior Lisa Antonangeli learned that her mother, Judy Agnes, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Lisa had just finished taking her final exams and had come home for winter break when her mother announced the news. "It never crossed my mind that anything bad could happen to her," Lisa said. "It was then that I realized how much I needed my mother."
During the next couple of months, Agnes' breast cancer experience only brought the family closer. "There was no doubt in my mind that she couldn't overcome this," Lisa said.
Agnes continued to work two jobs, one as a schoolteacher and the other as a medical psychiatric nurse, treating patients with depression after being diagnosis of breast cancer. Although people were upset that she was working while sick, Agnes believed that work was a therapeutic experience for her.
While undergoing treatments, Agnes made it a point to attend every single one of her daughter's Suffolk basketball home games, as well as some away games. "My mom never complained and wouldn't admit that she was sick," Lisa said. Even after she found out that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Lisa's mom insisted that she still attend a basketball tournament in the Bahamas. On the court throughout the academic school year, Lisa and her Suffolk teammates continue to wear wristbands sporting the pink ribbon symbol in order to promote breast cancer awareness.
Lisa began to search for ways to help her mother through her breast cancer experience. She began to confide in Suffolk communication and journalism professor Norine Bacigalupo for advice on how to help her mother. When Agnes became frustrated about not being able to participate in everyday activities such as working out, Lisa would be there to comfort her mother, explaining that it was okay to rest, even though she wanted to continue to live her normal lifestyle despite her illness.