TWO WEEKS AGO, I met a wonderful woman who is a three time cancer survivor turned triathlete. Dr. Andrene M. Taylor, PhD, has dedicated her life to empowering others to share their experiences to help other people. She is the president of ZuriWorks for Women’s Health. Her non-profit is putting cameras in the hands of women and teaching them how to use the cameras to give voice to their stories. Their goal: to inspire others to take control of their health and community.
From August 15, 2013 to October 24, 2013, ZuriWorks is hosting the The Big Chop to Stop Cancer campaign. This campaign brings together leaders in the hair care industry, including Johnny Wright (Michelle Obama’s hairdresser) to cut women’s hair to raise cancer awareness. The hair will be donated to make wigs for women recovering from cancer.
In 2011, I lost my sister, Allison, to brain cancer. She was 43 and left behind a husband and four children. So when I was asked to support the efforts of ZuriWorks by writing this story about a husband and father who stood by his wife as she fought her battle with cancer, I was eager to do it. In her honor and for the women like her, PLEASE DONATE $10 TO ZuriWorks TODAY! Your support of their efforts is greatly appreciated. And now…the story.
The General Store
“Can I buy you an ice cream cone?” This was Herman Cannon’s opening line. This line would beautifully change the rest of his life. If you asked him if he knew what he was doing — if he planned it that way — he would resoundingly say, “YES! As beautiful as she was…YES!”
But he would have planned it a little differently.
It was an average day in Southwest Washington, DC in 1953. Herman was headed to the store. When he walked into the store, he saw this girl. She was with her brother, but that was not a deterrent because, as Herman put it, “She was a beautiful, beautiful girl.” Brown complexion…Indian looking…with big eyes. Herman was 17 years old.
“Can I buy you and ice cream cone?”
“Uhhh…no.” she replied, trying to avoid the awkwardness of her brother’s presence. Awkwardness? Whatever! Herman didn’t care. Like a gentleman, he backed off …for the moment.
But he remained on the hunt. He hung around the store…trying to time their departure. And when they left…so did he.
“Can I walk with you to wherever you’re going?” Herman boldly asked. Her name was Ashbennett. She was 14 years old. She permitted him to walk with them.
They walked and talked until they came to the intersection where she had to cross the street to go home. There, they said their goodbyes…for the moment.
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What a beautiful couple and a touching story. I really hope we find a cure for cancer soon. It has taken so many lives.
Thanks Briana.
What a beautiful beautiful story of love, respect and admiration. and the way you told it was just everything, I feel like I know Herman and Ashbennett and I am so sorry for their loss. Thank you for sharing this and please send me a flyer or something so that I can post Zuriworks initiative on my social sites. Peace 🙂
Thanks Stacey. The only marketing collateral I have is ZuriWorks website. They have a youtube video and some copy. I hope that is sufficient. http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/zuriworks-exposures-project-other-faces-of-cancer
Wow, this was such a beautiful story, literally making me tear up. I’m so sorry you lost who sounded like an amazing sister. I will keep her husband and children in prayer. Thank you so much for sharing this with us Heath. We definitely have to continue to fight against all cancer until we no longer have to suffer loss. I will definitely be sure to share.
We definitely do Christine. I appreciate you prayers for my family.
sounds like Scooter and Allison to me. She told me how he took care of her.
This is such an inspirational story! I know that word is overused, but I don’t know how else to describe it! I always say that God has an amazing ability to turn a burden into a blessing, and this is a living example of that! Thank you Heather for sharing the story.
I think your sister would be proud of you for continuing her fight here on earth. Despite the pain, I am glad she experienced such pleasure. I would be truly blessed to find a husband like Herman:) They are an amazing example of true love and til death do us part–although I’m positive she never parted from Herman’s heart!
Thanks Heather. It is important to me that we get the word out about cancer awareness. I’m glad you were encouraged by their story.
With eyes wet, I say thank you for sharing this story and opportunity to help with Cancer Awareness through ZuriWorks
Thank Utokia. They appreciate your support.
What a beautiful story. I am a cancer survivor and was married to someone who chose to abandon as I struggled to get well. I have been afraid to date. This story is amazing, it’s hard to find men who are so selfless and are loving leaders. We need to hear more stories like this one. Thank you for your efforts with this website. God bless.
That sucks Patricia! My heart just breaks to hear your husband left and would not stick by your side when you were fighting for your life. I hope this story gives you some encouragement that there are men of noble character out there. I hope your find love that knows no bounds (if you haven’t already found it). God bless.