CANCER survivor Marion Darrell is pulling out all the stops in a bid to make a full recovery from her serious illness.Mrs. Darrell was presented with a $400 cheque from CARF publicist Mrs. June Caisey-Dill to help offset her medical bills.

Accepting the cheque on Mrs. Darrell’s behalf was her daughter Germaine, who has marvelled at her mom’s positive attitude through this trying time.

A call from her physician to have a biopsy after her test produced results that were a shocker at first, but she did not let it show, according to her daughter.

“The only time I saw her nervous was when she was told she would need an operation. She had that done locally and that was a success. Her spirits are good and has received lots of support from friends and family which is what she needs,” Germaine said.

Mrs. Darrell will be undergoing radiation treatment next month over a five-week period abroad. Germaine and her daughter will visit and towards the end of the treatment other family members will accompany Mrs. Darrell home.

Not much else has changed for Mrs. Darrell as she continues to be active and working and learning as much about the disease as possible.

“I would really like to give a special thanks to Gladys Dillas, the Salvation Army Hamilton Home League family and Jupiter Asset Management, Karon Wolffe and Joann Binns. She has been inspired by Granny Louise Franks (my Mom’s granny) who encourages us to keep our faith,” Germaine added.

During a brief chat, Mrs. Darrell was upbeat and a genuine treasure.

“I just keep my faith in God. He keeps people in our lives and keeps our strength up. God is our refuge and strength and I always refer to Psalm 46 for added inspiration,” Mrs. Darrell said.

Germaine sports a breast cancer awareness pin and has been a long-time advocate of cancer research.

“Denial is deadly. Don’t be in denial about anything.

“I have always been an advocate in cancer awareness and wholeheartedly support charities and organisations involved in cancer research.

“Before my mom’s situation (the late) Lori Mello had always been in our prayers and one of her friends who works with my mom kept her abreast of her ups and downs and supplying her with cancer related information.

“My mom has always been a fighter and has a positive attitude and doesn’t let anything bother her,” she said.

For those wishing to know more about CARF (Cancer Assistance Research Foundation) and the work it does, you can e-mail the foundation at ccan<$>@hotmail.com or log on to their web site www.carfinfo.com