Decatur, Ga. – (Dec. 22, 2009) DeKalb Medical employee and past patient, Dorothy "Dottie” Carter was recently honored by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Decatur-DeKalb Chapter, Inc. for being a breast cancer survivor who has used her experiences to make life better for others facing the disease. At the Fifth Annual Pink and Black Affair on November 7, she was joined by her father, Mr. Richard Carter, and her colleagues:
- Betty Castellani, D.Min., director of the Charles Eberhart Cancer Center
- Rev. McLellan Cox, D.Min., chaplain
- Rose McKeever, R.N., oncology nurse case manager
They are just a few of the people who supported Carter throughout her cancer recovery journey. Carter's mother, Mrs. Iva Carter, who cared for her at home while she underwent radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery, passed in 2008.
Dottie Carter has fought cancer repeatedly. She has had breast cancer in both breasts at different times, and recently battled melanoma, a form of skin cancer. When she was first diagnosed with cancer in 1994, she joined the breast cancer support group at DeKalb Medical and became a tender and calming presence to the other women in her group. She found so many kindred spirits while learning and teaching what it means to be a cancer survivor. At the time of her diagnosis, she resided in Rex, Georgia, but chose to receive treatment at DeKalb Medical because of the quality of care.
In appreciation for all the love and caring that she received, Carter started volunteering at the Cancer Center, in the library, answering the phone, and "doing anything that needed to be done to help DeKalb Medical provide the best care to our patients,” says Castellani. Carter was so committed and passionate about giving back that she used vacation days from her full-time job to serve at the Cancer Center. When patients came in, she listened to them and reassured them, while extending a hand of hope.
In 2002, when a staff position opened at the Cancer Center, Carter applied and got the job. Her coworkers say that she "brings a calming presence and eagerness to comfort all the people who come through our doors. She has always been thankful that her days of difficulty became a gift she could use to help others.”
This year Carter was diagnosed with melanoma. Once again, she faced the disease with courage and determination, adding yet another story to tell about what it means to be a cancer survivor. Castellani says, "Dottie is a blessing to the patients and staff who work in the Cancer Center. She has made a difference in more lives than we could ever measure, and we are so happy that Dottie received public recognition for all the things she has done behind the scenes to improve life for others facing cancer.”
About DeKalb Medical
DeKalb Medical continues to be a leader in cancer research and treatment, one of only 20% of hospitals in the United States to achieve an additional three-year approval as a community hospital comprehensive cancer program from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.
Also a leader in heart attack treatment and orthopedics, DeKalb Medical is a non-profit hospital system serving half a million patients annually. Founded in 1961, the system includes the 451-bed DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, which was named in the top 5% of all U.S. hospitals in 2009 for clinical excellence by HealthGrades®. DeKalb Medical at North Decatur was recently awarded 5-Star ratings by HealthGrades for 2010 for Heart Attack Treatment, Heart Failure Treatment, Overall Orthopedic Services, Joint Replacement, Total Knee Replacement, Hip Fracture Repair, Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Bypass and Treatment of Sepsis. In addition, the System also operates the 40-bed DeKalb Medical Long Term Acute Care at Downtown Decatur and the 100-bed DeKalb Medical at Hillandale in Lithonia. For more information on DeKalb Medical, visit www.dekalbmedical.org.
Tori Vogt
DeKalb Medical
Media Relations Coordinator
tori.vogt@dekalbmedical.org
404-501-2885