Week of October 27, 2022
$1.00
An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of
VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 49
Councilmember Sweetland talks breast cancer diagnosis, recovery Regular mammograms recommended BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In January of 2021, Centennial City Councilmember Christine Sweetland felt something unusual — a big lump in her right breast.
With no family history of breast cancer and staying current on recommended mammograms, Sweetland decided to get checked out. After some tests, on the morning of Feb. 4, which is World Cancer Day, Sweetland was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sweetland’s experience When Sweetland got the call that she had breast cancer, she did not
know what stage it was. After more tests, doctors learned the cancer had spread to at least four lymph nodes, which required both chemotherapy and radiation. The cancer was fast growing, Sweetland said. Not wanting to take a risk going forward, she decided to get a double mastectomy. The surgery took place on March 1, 2021. After the surgery, it was determined the cancer was in 34 lymph
nodes, she said, meaning she had stage 3 breast cancer. “Mentally, it was really hard,” she said, recalling times where she cried in the shower, seeing how her body had changed. Her husband was an amazing caregiver, Sweetland said, and he would ask her to go on walks with him. A short time after the surgery, SEE RECOVERY, P4
Domestic violence affects 30% of Colorado residents Abuse include physical, sexual, emotional BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Giuffre, who lives in the Englewood area, said her favorite part was dancing to the music of Soul School, a local band who performed lively covers of songs including “Come Together” by The Beatles, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson, “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem.
Throughout the month of October, more discussion and attention is given to a national, year-round issue — domestic violence, which affects more than 30% of Colorado residents at some point in their life. Domestic violence can range from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to psychological abuse, according to Arapahoe County’s website. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an estimated 36.8% of Colorado women and 30.5% of Colorado men experience intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner sexual violence and/or intimate partner stalking in their lives.
SEE WARMER, P18
SEE ABUSE, P13
Soul School, a local band, performed a variety of lively covers during the Oct. 22 event.
PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW
Metro area residents enjoy Centennial Whiskey Warmer Tastings and live music featured BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
As energetic, live music radiated from center stage at Centennial Center Park, Tina Giuffre danced
in the grass field with a smile spread across her face. She was among a large crowd of people who attended Centennial’s second annual “Whiskey Warmer” event held on Oct. 22. The celebration — featuring live musical performances, yard games, food trucks, vendors and whiskey tastings — attracted attendees from across Colorado.
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 22
Check out
School of Choice In this week’s paper!