In her own words, Janet Wilder details a battle with breast cancer that began with a diagnosis at age 42.
As a wife, mother and teacher, she was fearful of falling short on her responsibilities. But through support from her family, her medical caregivers and her local community, she was able to win her battle.
The Pontotoc resident continues to win that battle today. Read more from her at djournal.com/lifestyle/health/breast-cancer-awareness.
PONTOTOC - I was born and raised in Natchez but blessed to have been a part of the Pontotoc community for 26 years. I am married to Johnny Wilder, and we are blessed with five children and grandchildren.
Early one morning in 2004 while trying to get a toddler settled back down from a dream, I crawled back in bed and, in exasperation, rested my hands on my chest.
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- Read survivor stories, tips and more from our team
Breast cancer survivor Brenda Boozer of Amory models an outfit for The Blue Owl in Aberdeen. She has beat not only breast cancer but Stage 3 lymphoma and colon cancer, and modeling has given her an outlet to share her cancer journey with other people fighting diseases.
- COURTESY
PHOTOS: Faces of Fighters
This collection of photos, provided by residents across Northeast Mississippi, show the faces of people who fought against the disease of breast cancer. Some won their battles; others did not. But all were strong when faced with such a terrible enemy.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we salute these fighters.
Candy Allred-Houge of New Albany mom, daughter and sister - 1982-2015 1982-2015
Kim Surber of New Albany - 1963-2022
Denise of New Albany has been cancer-free for two years.
Hilda of New Albany has been cancer-free for 18 years.
Kim of Pontotoc is still fighting.
Linda of Myrtle has been cancer-free for 12 years.
Mabel of New Albany is five years cancer-free.
Jewel Moore of Black Zion is a two-time survivor, who has been cancer-free since 2013. She will be 81 on Jan. 26. She is pictured with her granddaughter, Audrey Watson, in 2016.
Ardella, who passed away in 2004, was a mother, grandmother, sister and fighter.
Amanda Sheffield of New Albany has been cancer-free since Oct. 23, 2023.
Holly of New Albany is three years cancer-free.
- Knox, Leigh Anne
Mabel of New Albany is five years cancer-free.
- Knox, Leigh Anne
Sarah Denning of New Albany, 1951-2019
Roberta Ray of Pontotoc has been cancer-free for 11 years.
Mildred Taylor worked as a typesetter at the Pontotoc Progress for 21 years.
Dan Taylor is pictured with his mother, Mildred.
Mildred loved animals and she is holding a little dog, Jojo, who she gave to a youngster.
Deloris Cobb of Pontotoc is a 20-year, two-time breast cancer survivor.
Fulton native Jimmie Nell Davis
Kathy Hill of New Albany is a six-year survivor.
Roxanne Ellison poses for a portrait on Thursday, Sep. 19, 2024, in Houston, Miss. Ellison was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2023 and is now cancer-free.
- Hunt Mercier | Daily Journal
Regina Beyer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023, credits early detection to being cancer free now.
- COURTESY
Beth Kuykendall of Ripley, a 10-year survivor.
Harley Tucker of Nettleton rings the bell.
Natalie Mohler of Amory rings the bell.
Breast cancer survivor Brenda Boozer of Amory models an outfit for The Blue Owl in Aberdeen. She has beat not only breast cancer but Stage 3 lymphoma and colon cancer, and modeling has given her an outlet to share her cancer journey with other people fighting diseases.
- COURTESY
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