Local Cancer Survivor To Share Her Story of Hope

Did you notice the trees lining State Street looking more festive than usual this September? The teal ribbons around the trees commemorate National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and were tied personally by Newtown Borough resident and cancer survivor Susan Hutchinson.

It was September two years ago when Hutchinson was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. But in a dramatic turnaround, she is now in remission and sharing her story with others as the featured speaker at Washington Crossing United Methodist Church (The Crossing) on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

"If you told me two years ago that I’d be doing this I wouldn’t have believed it,” said Hutchinson. “The diagnosis took me on a journey filled with ups and downs, doubts and revelations, tears and laughter. Most of all, I learned the importance of keeping my sense of humor.”

Hutchinson’s talk, “The Gift of Life,” kicks off the fall "Ladies Night Out" event series sponsored by the church’s Women’s Ministry. Women of all ages and faiths are invited to attend.

“The purpose of this event is to give women in our congregation and in our community the opportunity to connect and enjoy each others’ company,” said Pastor Ruth Hendrickson. “We want women who walk away from our events to be inspired, refreshed, and encouraged.”

A member of Washington Crossing United Methodist Church, Hutchinson hopes this first speaking engagement will be the first of many.

“One day I realized that God has given me the gift of time, and I should use it wisely, maybe to help other people,” Hutchinson said. “Whether they have cancer or are devoid of hope for some other reason, my goal is to encourage other women, offer hope, and stir up thoughts for them about their faith.”

Part of Hutchinson’s desire to reach out to others stems from the tremendous support she received from friends and family while she was sick. Like the meals and Christmas decorations provided by her friends, Hutchinson hopes her words of encouragement will help others cope.

“Everybody has strife,” Hutchinson said. “Nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. Our job is to live and enjoy each day because that's what we're given.”

This infectious sunny outlook was instilled in Hutchinson at a young age by her father.

"My dad used to say, ‘isn't it a great day to be alive?’ and I always approached life that way,” Hutchinson said. “I have always been a person who loves and appreciates my life. That has really done me well with what i'm going through.”

Now in remission, Hutchinson cherishes time spent with Michael, her husband of 39 years, and their children and 10 grandchildren, including the family they “adopted” from Sri Lanka.

"I love to be with my family and watch the children grow,“ said Hutchinson, also known as Mimi to her grandchildren. “I want to be around to play a part in their lives and in their journey through life."

To hear Hutchinson speak, register online or call the church office at (215) 493-5080. There is a $5 registration fee for admission and refreshments.