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NEWS .............. 6 WHAM to hold Bowls of Hope charity event
FEATURES .... 19 Local entities partner to give kids coats
YOUTH ......... 22 Youth 4 Youth hosts Palo Verde parade
OPINION ...............10 BUSINESS.............. 15 SPORTS ..................16 CALENDAR ............17 FEATURES ..............18 OBITUARIES ...........21 YOUTH ..................22 CLASSIFIEDS ..........24 WEST
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The Voice of the West Valley for 37 years
November 30, 2022
Breast cancer survivor becomes nurse BY JOE MCHUGH
West Valley View Staff Writer
O
ne moment Lynne Lerman was chasing her dream of becoming a nurse; the next, she was floored with a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer, only treatable with chemotherapy. Seemingly faced with a decision to focus on recovery at the cost of her dream, Lerman took on the challenge that most would find too overwhelming and challenging to tackle — become a nurse while being treated for breast cancer. “It was devastating to get this diagnosis and then wonder, ‘Am I going to live?’” Lerman said. “But then still in the back of my mind I’m thinking, ‘Can I finish school?’ I have got to focus on living and surviving this, but at the same time, can I achieve that dream?” In June 2016, then 38-year-old Lerman was enrolled in nursing classes at both Glendale Community College and Arizona State University. In her last semester, she felt a sharp pain, and through self-tests she determined that she needed to get it checked out.
After an extensive process, it was determined that she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a rare diagnosis that is only treatable by chemotherapy. It only affects 13 in 100,000 women each year, and it has a high recurrence rate within the first five years. “It was a huge shock,” Lerman said. “I was stunned. And I really didn’t think it was going to be that, to the point where I didn’t even tell my husband to come to the appointment.” The journey was as difficult as it sounds, as balancing treatment and schooling was taxing on Lerman. But, she had a great support system around her, as the team taking care of her at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), Phoenix made her feel comfortable and gave her more hope that she could finish school strong. Her husband was also an integral part of her recovery and her success in school. “We would do these word searches, and he would beat me every single time,”
Survivor...continued on page 3
Despite a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer, Lynne Lerman beat the odds and graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelors of nursing degree. (Lynne Lerman/Submitted)
Westview student recognized with Award BY LAURA LATZKO
West Valley View Contributing Writer
F
or Janet Lopez, a senior at Westview High School, excellence is multi-dimensional. Along with being strong academically, she is also involved in yearbook, student government, sports team management, the National Honor Society and anthropology and Hispanic Heritage clubs. Recently, the Avondale City Council honored Lopez, 16, with one of the city’s Exceptional Student Awards. She was the only one from her school district to receive this honor.
Superintendent Nora Gutierrez and Westview Principal Natalie Quiñonez were in attendance during the ceremony. Lopez said the award speaks to how students can excel in different ways, including being involved in different extracurricular activities. “I don’t have a 4.0, and I don’t take all of these advanced or AP classes,” Lopez said. “I’m not the valedictorian or anything. I think it’s cool to see that it’s not all about academics but also about volunteering and how you present yourself to the community.
… You still want to have good grades, but sometimes, it’s not all about the academics.” Lopez has also received perfect attendance and GPA awards throughout her academic career. She was student of the month last May at her school. With plans to attend Northern Arizona University, Lopez is interested in forensics, criminology and forensic photography. Throughout her academic career, science and English have been Janet’s strongest subjects.
Student...continued on page 4