Marva Edwards was one of eight siblings in a bustling Indiana household. The family was going about life, and then the words breast cancer became part of their vocabulary. “I experienced the impact of breast cancer in high school. My mother had been diagnosed, and she leaned on us kids to help take care of her, said Marva. “I would take the city bus during lunch to the hospital and feed her lunch and then return to school for afternoon classes.”
Her mother was diagnosed at age 53. She received surgery and radiation but passed away at age 55. It was not too long after that Marva would get a phone call that someone else in the family had been diagnosed. And then another. After a while, it was all too frequent.
Marva married and lived in many countries and cities/towns across the United States, had children, and raised her family. As (not so much) luck would have it, she was diagnosed at age 53, just like her mother. “The medical provider saw something on the mammogram and ordered further diagnostic tests. It was breast cancer, and my mind went blank. Luckily, I had a village of family and friends from church to support me. From cooking, driving, and shopping, to attending many, many appointments. They helped me understand what was said and the next steps.”
Marva’s treatment was a typical protocol of surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstruction. Everything was going as planned, but the breast expander was the most difficult part where she experienced a traumatic event. Her intestines stopped working. She was admitted to the hospital for twelve days. The doctors were perplexed about what had caused this event. Then a nurse came into her hospital room and offered her a popsicle. “I had had no real food in many days and jumped at the chance. I relished that popsicle and the visit with the nurse.” Suddenly, Marva felt movement in her stomach, and they realized her intestines had started functioning again. That was a good day.
Marva was soon released from the hospital and continued with her treatment and reconstruction, which would last for 18 months. During this time, Marva continued her ministry work with youth and adults. She became a counselor of sorts to those with major health issues, especially cancer. It took all her strength to attend church, listen to congregants, and have influence in the community. “Some Sundays, I would arrive at church and be overrun by pain. I would leave the stage to take a nap in another room until my pain medicine kicked in. It was a life-altering ordeal, but I got through it,” she said.
Since then, a close member of her family would be dismissed when they explained symptoms to their medical providers only to pass away from the disease. Marva wondered why her sister was denied. Why were none of them ever offered genetic testing?
Nevertheless, she has a positive outlook and maintains hope for the future. A true testament is her service to others and her desire to be a life-long learner. She made a bucket list and has been checking items off for years.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Marva completed her bachelor’s degree. During the pandemic, she received her master’s degree in theology, and now she is working on a doctorate at 81 years young. She likes to learn something every day and stays busy reading, cooking, and volunteering. Marva supports the Pink Lemonade Project staff with important projects to best serve people affected by breast cancer.
The staff cherishes Marva. She is so funny and supportive and completes projects with lightning-fast attention. Everyone considers her part of the team and is grateful for her.
When asked what Marva’s message is to others, she said, “Know your health and get your mammogram annually, eat and drink nutritious foods and beverages, and lead with a glass-half-full mentality.”
