Brenda Ladun, a well-known news anchor from ABC Birmingham, Alabama, has an inspiring story of resilience, faith, and advocacy. Her journey through breast cancer, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery has touched many lives. Ladun openly shared her experiences, offering hope and practical advice to those facing similar challenges.
The Initial Shock and a Prayer Answered
When Brenda Ladun received her breast cancer diagnosis, her first thoughts were filled with shock and uncertainty. As she told Kristi Watts on CBN.com, "You ask yourself when you hear the word 'cancer,' am I going to die? How long am I going to have here on this earth?" This life-altering news immediately brought her to her knees, reinforcing her reliance on God. While she had always been a Christian, this experience deepened her faith and brought her closer to Him.
Interestingly, just a month before discovering the lump, Ladun had prayed for a greater purpose. As she said, "Lord, I am so blessed. I have a great husband, a great home, a great career, great kids. I feel like there is something else out there that I am supposed to do for you." At the time, she was teaching Sunday School but felt a burning desire to do more. The diagnosis clarified her mission: to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage others that life continues, and hope exists through Christ.
Going Public with a Personal Battle
Ladun made a courageous decision to share her breast cancer journey publicly. As a television news anchor, she understood the power of her platform. She explained, "When I was diagnosed, that is when I knew what my mission was, that there were others with cancer right then that didn't know it." She felt compelled to spread the word about breast cancer, emphasizing that it could affect anyone, even those who felt healthy. Her aim was to encourage people to stay hopeful and know that life goes on with Christ.
Faith as a Source of Strength
Faith played a crucial role throughout Ladun's battle with breast cancer. She recounted the initial disbelief upon receiving the diagnosis, admitting she repeatedly asked if it could be benign. The reality was difficult, especially when she had to tell her young children about her illness and cancel a planned trip to Disney.
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Ladun had to confront the topic of death, something she had previously avoided with her children. She shared with her 7-year-old and 4-year-old that God would be with them during her hospital stay and recovery. She taught them to give their worries to God, acknowledging her own inability to handle the situation alone. Ladun firmly believes that her faith in Christ provided the strength she needed to endure treatment and surgery.
Wrestling with Questions and Finding Acceptance
Like many Christians facing adversity, Ladun initially prayed for immediate healing. However, she felt a sense that she was meant to go through this experience. She even had people praying that her hair wouldn't fall out during treatment. Eventually, she realized that this journey was part of a larger mission to help others. While hair is often considered important for women, Ladun discovered that true beauty lies within and in the impact we have on others.
The Support of Family and the Importance of Emotional Expression
Ladun's husband provided unwavering support throughout her ordeal. A fellow Christian, he initially wanted to fix everything, but Ladun's surgeon, Dr. Susan Winchester, advised that it was okay to cry and express emotions. Studies have shown that tears can benefit the immune system. Ladun drew strength from the biblical figure of Job, who mourned his losses but never blamed God. Similarly, Ladun held onto her faith and asked for strength to endure.
While she questioned why this had happened to her, Ladun acknowledged that she didn't have any obvious risk factors for cancer. She didn't smoke or lead an unhealthy lifestyle. She came to understand that sometimes bad things happen, but good can emerge from them.
Sharing Lessons Learned: Books and DVDs
After being cancer-free for five years, Ladun felt compelled to share her experiences and insights with others. She authored "Getting Better, Not Bitter: A Spiritual Prescription for Breast Cancer" in 2002, detailing the challenges of living with the disease and how it strengthened her faith.
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Ladun released "Behind the Scenes of Breast Cancer: A News Anchor Tells Her Story of Body and Soul Recovery," along with an accompanying DVD. The book shares personal stories and accounts from others who have overcome significant health obstacles. She hopes these stories will encourage others by illustrating how God's glory can sustain them through difficult times.
The DVD focuses on the physical aspects of recovery, featuring interviews with experts such as physical therapists, massage therapists, personal trainers, registered dieticians, swim instructors, and plastic surgeons. Ladun aims to empower women to improve their well-being after surgery. She emphasizes the importance of seeking information and finding advice that can aid in recovery.
One specific issue addressed in the DVD is lymphedema, a swelling of the arm that can occur after lymph node removal. Ladun felt compelled to address this after meeting a woman who suffered from the condition due to a lack of information about therapy. The DVD also covers topics such as healthy eating, posture improvement, stress management, and prayer walking.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Peace
Ladun emphasizes that individuals facing struggles are not alone and should maintain hope. She encourages trusting in God for both significant and minor matters, which can bring greater peace.
The Amplify Study: Fighting Weight Gain in Cancer Survivors
UAB's Amplify study addresses the issue of weight gain in cancer survivors. Obesity is a known risk factor for cancer and can negatively impact cancer patients' health. The study provides encouragement and resources for maintaining physical and mental well-being, including healthy eating and exercise.
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Dr. Michael Carter, a prostate cancer survivor, participated in the Amplify study as a beta tester. He found the program helpful in managing his weight and improving his overall health. The online program provides weekly vignettes with information on exercise, diet, mental health, and preventing secondary cancers.
The program director, Dr. Wendy Demark, highlights the link between obesity and cancer, emphasizing that obesity is a risk factor for 13 different cancers. Amplify aims to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors by promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
The Ketogenic Diet: Another Approach to Weight Loss
Ashley Putman shared her success with the ketogenic diet, which focuses on burning fat by consuming foods previously considered taboo, such as bacon, eggs, ranch dressing, and meat. She has maintained a 25-pound weight loss for several months and feels stronger and calmer on the diet. With its emphasis on protein and low carbohydrate intake, she says the diet has made her feel years younger.
New Hope Publishers: Amplifying Voices of Faith
New Hope Publishers, a division of Woman's Missionary Union, has played a significant role in publishing inspirational works, including Ladun's books. The publishing house seeks to provide relevant content for women's lives and has seen significant growth in recent years.