Every day's a victory

Lewis Hayton doesn't frazzle easily.

"I've jumped out of a plane. Throw me in a stream with a great white shark. There's nothing that can scare me like that call I got from my doctor after my biopsy that said, 'You have cancer,'" said the 40-year-old Colorado Springs man. I had a meltdown down for about a week. I just freaked out."

Sunday, Hayton and his family joined about 150 people in the National Cancer Survivors Day "Celebration of Life" at Rock Ledge Ranch at Garden of the Gods.

The event sponsored by Pikes Peak Oncology Nurses Society was for anybody who has experienced cancer, spokeswoman Susan Burget said.

"We are celebrating their survivorship. From Day One, they are survivors," Burget said.

"We celebrate making it day-to-day. Even if you won't survive the cancer, you are still able to enjoy the next day. It is so different now than even 10 years ago. Our cure rates are going up."

The cancers represented were as diverse as those who battled them.

Hayton was diagnosed four months ago with lymphoma.

"Any kind of get-together you can have with people who have gone through it is awesome," he said. "You feel alone and on an island by yourself and don't have anyone to turn to."

Hayton, whose parents died of cancer, said a good attitude is important.

"When my mom got sick, she said, 'I'm done for.' I am determined that I won't go quietly into mine," he said. "I have three young kids."

Maria Smallwood came to the event with her children, mother and grandmother. Her grandmother is the first family member to be diagnosed with cancer.

"Four generations are here," Small- wood said. "We are hoping for the best. She is getting a lot of information here."

Cancer survivors wore badges of honor.

Trina Johnson's said "Six years."

Johnson, 25, was diagnosed with leukemia in June 1999.

"I said. 'Let's get this done.' I knew I would be fine," she said. "This is a special day for me. It is good to know I wasn't the only one who went through it."

Three-year-old Hannah Richter raced through the grass, undaunted by the year of leukemia treatment behind her or the five months of chemotherapy ahead.

"It's a horsie!" she squealed at the hay wagon that would take her and her three siblings for a ride.

The Air Force brought the family to Colorado Springs from Wisconsin, said Hannah's mother, Alyssa.

"The support behind this is amazing," she said. "It is difficult, especially when you hit low spots. Our closest family is 1,100 miles away."

Robert Walker was only 21 when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer four years ago.

Midway through treatment, he was given a month to live.

Sunday, he strolled through the pine trees with his wife and young son.

"Every day is just beautiful," he said.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0253 or abrown@gazette.com

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