OSU alumna celebrates her survival by raising money to support CARDV outreach
10 May 2010 | 9:18 am
Pierson-Charlton beats cancer, renews passion for life
(c) The Daily Barometer
After being diagnosed with cancer in July and facing the biggest challenge of her life, OSU alumna Candace Pierson-Charlton fought back with faith, courage and with the help of her husband of 25 years by her side.
Marking the sixth-month anniversary of her cancer being in remission, Pierson-Charlton participated in the 8th annual Center Against Rape & Domestic Violence Mother's Day Run/Walk for Safe Families last Saturday as an affirmation of her survival.
David Charlton assists his wife, cancer survivor and INTO student services coordinator Candace Pierson-Charlton during the 8th annual Center Against Rape & Domestic Violence Mother's Day Run/Walk.
"Around the Fourth of July, I went to visit my mom and I started feeling sick," Pierson-Charlton said. "I hate going to the doctor, but I went in and the doctor thought I was anemic."It wasn't until the doctor suggested doing a cancer screen last summer that the results came back positive and she was officially diagnosed with cancer.
"After the diagnosis, I started chemo and radiation; I lost all my hair," she said.
Treatment was a grueling process that forced Pierson-Charlton to be absent for four and a half months from her job as student services coordinator at INTO OSU.
"People respond differently during chemo and radiation, but in my case it made me really sick," Pierson-Charlton said. "I couldn't really do much."
In the good times and the bad, her husband David Charlton provided a constant presence and support. Many times it would be Charlton who would drive her to the doctor appointments.
The couple feels that going through a life-threatening experience only strengthened a love that endured the most difficult of situations.
"I love him even more," Pierson-Charlton said. "I know how fortunate I am to have him in my life; he's a kind, supportive and understanding man."
During her cancer treatment, with her husband's support Pierson-Charlton decided to participate in the CARDV Mother's Day Run/Walk for Safe Families.
"I will be doing the walk and will have people pledging money to CARDV for every kilometer I walk," she said. "I believe in their mission and want to support their cause, as well as it serving as a self-affirmation."
The goal was to not come in last, and once again, she succeeded.
With the sun shining and a smile on her face, Pierson-Charlton's joy was obvious.
"I felt great the whole way. I had my husband by my side," she said. "I was telling him as we walked that the race was a metaphor of my battle with cancer - I wouldn't have made it without him."
The couple's love and appreciation for each other is mutual. But more than anything, Charlton is proud.
"I am thrilled I was able to help and be supportive of Candy and such a great cause," he said. "I was a bit concerned for her but she did great."
Pierson-Charlton was able to secure 20 pledges and raised close to $700 for CARDV.
The annual race is supported by many members of the Corvallis community.
"We had about 500 participants," said Debbie Bird McCubbin, co-chair of the event.
The proceeds go to CARDV and help fund educational outreach in schools, safe shelters, advocacy programs and a 24-hour hotline.
"This is one of our biggest events to fundraise, and I get involved because I have a passion for trying to rid society of sexual assault, provide services to people who need them and raise awareness," McCubbin said. "We had a great turnout, the weather was great; I'm very happy."
A second chance at life
After beating cancer, Candace Pierson-Charlton has dedicated her life to doing what she loves. This includes being back with her students, who she has worked with for the last 10 years.
At INTO OSU, Pierson-Charlton meets with international students to make sure they are adjusting well and finding success.
"I help them with things such as time management, study strategies and finding them tutoring if they need it," Pierson-Charlton said.
She was eager to return to work with her students after battling cancer.
"I find them so interesting and love learning about their cultures. The fact that they are pursuing a degree in their second or third language just amazes me," she said.
Another new hobby that brings the cancer survivor joy these days is playing the banjo. She began taking lessons after she went into remission.
"Everybody always asks, why the banjo? I tell them it's happy music," Pierson-Charlton said.
That idea sums up her current theme: being happy and enjoying life to the fullest. In light of that, Pierson-Charlton and her husband hope to take a trip this summer.
"We have hopes of going to Norway," Charlton said. "That's where we got married, and this summer will mark our 25th wedding anniversary."
Pierson-Charlton's illness put life in perspective for her husband, although he was confident that she would survive.
"I always say she did the hard part, and even though it was a life-threatening situation, I never doubted she would make it through," Charlton said. "She has a strong will."
Pierson-Charlton is optimistic about the future and what lies ahead.
"I'm very hopeful that I won't go through everything again, but if that is the case, you do what you need to do to make it," Pierson-Charlton said.
Accepting each day as a gift, she sees the world with new eyes.
"Everything is brighter and more beautiful," she said.
Yadira Gutierrez. staff writer
737-2231, news@dailybarometer.com
