Air Force Family: Critical to cancer treatment Published Nov. 4, 2009 By Senior Airman Megan M. Tracy 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Family is one of the only things in this world that is with us forever. For some, family stretches beyond mothers, brothers, fathers and sisters. Mary Eveld is an only child whose parents are both deceased, so as a member of the 26th Operational Weather Squadron, her family is the Airmen and civilians that make up this very special group of people. "Family doesn't necessarily mean your blood related," Ms. Eveld said. "Family means caring and that's one of the things I find in the military. It doesn't matter what service, or what uniform you wear, everybody cares and it really is a big family. I have my Navy friends and now I have my family here at the 26th OWS. I don't know about different squadrons on base, but I do know this is a very special squadron." In recent months, Mary has had to rely on her squadron family more than ever after she received life altering news during the summer. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June, had surgery in July and now I'm starting my third chemotherapy of six treatments. The chemo causes fatigue and nausea and just knowing that somebody else cares about how you're feeling and what you're going through, makes all the difference in the world," she said. More than 45 members of the 26th OWS came together in a bid to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and to show their support for Mary. Airmen and civilians lined the hallway outside the commander's office ready to face the cameras, the clippers, and the loss of their hair. "Well, this event brings us all closer because it's really a symbolic gesture," said Lt. Col. Timothy Dreifke, 26th OWS commander, "It shows we care. We'll go ahead and endure some of our own embarrassment, have fun doing it, but as we all stand there in the morning at shift change sporting our short hair--that's showing we support Ms. Mary. She's part of our team and we're going through this with her." The squadron raised more than $930 for the charity. But for Mary, it was about something more priceless than money. "I can't explain to you how it made me feel, I really can't," she said. "The whole squadron, every time there's a tragedy or something happens, they always get behind whoever has the problem and help them out," she added. "It was pretty special, I almost cried." Though battling cancer and dealing with the fatigue and nausea that come along with her chemotherapy treatments, Mary has kept a smile on her face and laughter in her voice. "I'm trying to not let it change my life at all," she said. "I'm just considering it another phase and as soon as this is over I'm going to go back to doing what I was doing. "I like to do photography and I like to go down to south Louisiana and tour some of the swamps down there and take my pictures" Mary said. "As soon as this is over and I get my strength back that's exactly what I'm going to do." Mary may be heading back to south Louisiana to take photos sooner than expected. At her most recent chemotherapy appointment, the nurse brought her up-to-date lab results. "It's going good," she exclaimed. "I got the blood work back and so far it shows that I'm cancer free which is good. I've got three more treatments to go through and then a little bit of radiation. After that, we'll just go with the flow. " Mary is one of the lucky ones. According to the American Cancer Society approximately 40,000 people die from breast cancer annually in the United States. According to her, the best chance of catching the disease at an early stage before it spreads is to do self exams. "It takes five seconds to sit there, lie on the bed and examine yourself for anything unusual. If you see a change, go see your doctor. Don't wait because the longer you wait the more problems you come up with. Five minutes can change your whole life," she advises. For more information on the Susan G. Komen Foundation, visit their website at www.komen.org.