Survivor: Pat Winter

When she began her cancer treatment at June E. Nylen Cancer Center in 2000, Pat Winter of Le Mars didn’t know her life would change for the better.She went through the usual ups and downs associated with the discovery and treatment of breast cancer – not once, but twice.Five years after she finished chemotherapy and radiation treatment at Sioux City’s cancer center, she found herself in the same situation. Except this time, she felt she had been given a second chance at extended years filled with fun and excitement.Some of that excitement is leading to a celebrity status of sorts, as Winter is one of 11 people showcased on area billboards featuring hometown residents who are cancer survivors.“Pat and our other survivors are truly amazing people,” said Karen Van De Steeg, Nylen Cancer Center executive director. “They inspire us every day. To pay tribute to their spirit, we wanted to feature Pat and other survivors on billboards and showcase their positive news along with our lifegiving care.”Winter’s billboard message? “I’m a Survivor!”After her first bout of cancer, Winter and her husband, Gilbert, did something they never thought they’d do – they built their dream house. The idea came about after coming home from her hospital stay, when Winter came upon a house plan while reading a local newspaper“I told myself this is my new life,” said Winter. “My husband and I thought about where we were in our lives, and where our futures were. We thought that building a new home was the best thing we could do.”The Winters built their beautiful new home six miles from their current farm home, where they ran a successful cattle feedlot business.Now, a year after dealing with cancer a second time, Winter finds her determination to succeed is even stronger. The load of her journey was lightened because of the caring staff at the Nylen Cancer Center and the support of Dr. Donald Wender, she said.“I feel like a new person,” she said. “I can get through each day without pain, and that is huge for me.”Eight board-certified physicians at the Nylen Cancer Center and a staff of 100 employees work together to deliver and provide support services for radiation therapy and chemotherapy.In addition to offering clinical trials to help patients live longer and increase understanding of cancer, the center provides a nutritional, spiritual and social emotional support.The medical oncologists also see patients at 16 area satellite clinics, including one at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.The beginning of 2008 is a perfect time for Winter and her family to count their blessings and consider the hope and healing of the Nylen Cancer Center.“Without their support I don’t see how a patient could get through their illness and treatment.”Next || Previous || Share your story