Comfort and encouragement

Richlands resident featured in photography exhibit for cancer awareness

Christi McCall is the new face of survival. The Richlands resident was recently chosen to be featured in “The New Face of Cancer Care” photography exhibit for the newly built N.C. Cancer Hospital in Chapel Hill, which will be on display until Nov. 13.

The 35-year-old former Navy corpsman, wife and mother of three, was one of 61 patients, doctors and staff members who shared their personal battles with cancer and had their photo taken in honor of the new clinical home of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“I was thrilled, I couldn’t find out who nominated me, but I knew that it was one of the staff members or the doctors,” Mc-Call said.

Ellen de Graffenreid, director of communications and marketing for the cancer center, said that the exhibit was created to not only celebrate the completion of the new hospital but to celebrate the people whose lives were changed by it.

“The objective was to put a human face on what’s going on at the N.C. Cancer Hospital,” de Graffenreid said. “It’s the people who work there and are treated there that make it a special place.”

In January, McCall was pursuing a psychology degree at Campbell University’s extended campus aboard Camp Lejeune when her life immediately changed.

“I was in school at the time, and I began to feel a little pain so I did a self exam,” McCall said. “I found a large lump and I went to the Naval Hospital and they did a biopsy.”

The biopsy discovered an aggressive form of breast cancer, and doctors suggested an immediate lumpectomy surgery and chemotherapy treatments to stop the cancer from growing. With no immediate family history of cancer, Mc-Call was shocked by the news.

Her husband, Marine Staff Sgt. Anthony McCall, was heartbroken that his wife of 11 years was suddenly facing a life-threatening illness, but he remained strong for his family.

“When you get that kind of news it’s devastating, but you can’t wear your emotions on your sleeve because she looked to me for support,” he said. “I come from a time when you were diagnosed with something, and there’s nothing that can be done. I was ignorant to the way that technology has grown.”

Doctors at the Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital gave McCall the option of choosing where she would receive her treatments, and she decided to give the N.C. Cancer Hospital a chance.

“I heard good things about the hospital and got good recommendations by the staff at the Naval Hospital,” McCall said. “Everyone there was very attentive of my situation; they were caring and they knew that they were doing.”

The lumpectomy, eight months of chemotherapy and additional months of radiation took a physical toll on McCall and her family. She also became emotional by the harsh side effects of the treatments.

“I’ve always had long hair,” McCall said. “I was angry; I told my doctor that I wasn’t going to lose my hair.”

Her children, 11-yearold Darius and 9-yearold Kali witnessed their mother’s ordeal and helped out by bringing her dinner in bed and caring for their 2-year-old brother, Elijah, whenever she was in pain or felt tired. She also had a strong support from her pastor and fellow members of River of Life Church.

“My husband and my children are my backbone,” she said. “The church was really supportive by bringing us meals and calling to check up on us.”

In July, McCall was asked to be a part of the photography exhibit, and she was thrilled to accept.

“We asked our physicians and staff to nominate folks to be included,” de Graffenreid said. “Mrs. McCall was nominated by her surgeon, Dr. Keith Amos.”

With her long hair completely gone from the chemotherapy treatment, McCall decided to wear a wig for the photo shoot.

“When you lose your hair it’s very traumatic,” she said. “It felt good for someone to say that you should take a picture although you don’t feel that pretty. Your spirit is coming through regardless of what you look like.”

De Graffenreid said that “The New Face of Cancer Care” is not only open to the individuals who were featured in the exhibit but for anyone who has a story to share about their experiences.

“People can go online and share their stories,” de Graffenreid said. “They can upload their photos and share their own survivor and medical stories.”

McCall is now in the remission stage and is receiving weekly radiation treatments in Wilmington. After doctors discovered that soy estrogen intake of her diet may have contributed to the development of breast cancer, she is now focusing on improving her nutrition.

“I want to be able to eat right for myself, my daughter and for my whole family,” she said.

Her family and friends are grateful that McCall can share her story with people around the world, especially other cancer patients.

“Her story will give hope to those who have lost hope; as soon as you give up there’s nothing that can be done,” Anthony said. “There is a higher power and her stories will be a testimony for those who are searching for that word in their life. Everything happens for a reason.”

McCall also plans to finish school and pursue a career in psychology, where she can one day counsel people who may be faced with a situation like hers.

“When we help other people, we don’t have to go through anything for ourselves or by ourselves,” she said. “I want to give someone comfort and encouragement and help someone in my situation.”

For more information about the “The New Face of Cancer Care” exhibit and the N.C. Cancer Hospital, visit unclineberger.org.