Carol Cheney (center) is surrounded by former and current students as they showed their support of Cheney during Loganville Christian Academy’s “Pink Out” middle school softball game. (Photo by LCA)
Carol Cheney (center) stands in the pitcher’s circle of Loganville Christian Academy’s softball field awaiting the ceremonial first pitch. (Photo by LCA)
Carol Cheney, a fourth grade teacher at Loganville Christian Academy (LCA), is known by many names such as Carol, Mrs. Cheney and Mom. However, 19 months ago when she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, Cheney adopted a different name: “Thriver.”
It is not only a name, but a mindset for Cheney during this months-long journey.
“My cancer is incurable. I am [in] stage 4. I really don't identify well with the larger breast cancer ‘survivor’ community. I am different,” Cheney said. “I am a THRIVER, because even in the midst of managing a disease, God has given me healing and strength to be able to live my life to the fullest. I am thriving in spite of having cancer.
“Cancer does not get the last word in my life.”
Cheney was honored at LCA middle school’s softball game on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The Lady Lions dedicated their game as a “Pink Out” and specifically honored Cheney.
Head varsity softball coach Jon Stewart shared that the program honors breast cancer survivors each year. Stewart said that he enjoys this game every season “as it honors LCA staff or parents that have had to endure breast cancer.”
Prior to the game, Cheney threw out the ceremonial first pitch along with the assistance of fourth grade student Adler Nix.
Players wore their “Pink Out” jerseys and fans — which included a good portion of LCA faculty members — wore pink attire. Former and current students of Cheney’s were also present for this occasion.
Being surrounded by so much support is a huge blessing for Cheney as she continues this fight.
Adler Nix, a fourth grade student at Loganville Christian Academy, assisted Carol Cheney with the ceremonial first pitch to begin Tuesday’s “Pink Out” middle school softball game. (Photo by LCA)
“The support of the team and the LCA community means so much to me,” Cheney said. “It is a reminder that I don't walk through this alone and it is so encouraging.”
But the festivities didn’t end Tuesday night.
LCA softball players signed a pink softball jersey and set aside a game ball. Both items were presented to Cheney by Stewart, Chad Walker (LCA Athletic Director), and Kelly Loyless (LCA Lower School Principal) in her classroom at The Lodge the next morning.
Loyless recognized that Cheney is an easy person to celebrate, because of the inspiration she showcases every single day.
“Carol is a remarkable teacher and God-fearing lady. She is a vital part of our Lower School team. I love how Carol thrives and pursues life to the fullest, no matter what obstacles she faces,” Loyless said. “Her love of Jesus, education, and LCA is a beacon to all of us. I am certain LCA is a stronger school because of Carol.”
“Cancer does not get the last word in my life.”
While teaching on Wednesday morning, Carol Cheney (right) was surprised with a presentation of a signed “Pink Out” jersey from all the players and coaches. (Photo by LCA)
Cheney is in her fifth year teaching at LCA.
When she first found out about the diagnosis, Cheney was in shock and fearful. Today, though, she has a different perspective on life, learning what does and doesn’t matter.
Some of her go-to Bible Scriptures are: Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Ephesians 3:20-21, Lamentations 3:22-23, and many more.
Cheney cherishes every day and credits God as her lifeline.
“In my darkest moments, He was there. He showed me His faithfulness and His love in ways that I had never experienced before,” Cheney said. “In addition to His word, he used friends, family, doctors, and strangers to speak words of life to me.”
Carol Cheney (left) embraces Adler Nix after he threw out the ceremonial first pitch ahead of Loganville Christian Academy middle school softball’s “Pink Out” game. (Photo by LCA)
Now, Cheney is creating a new normal by adjusting to what her body can physically do. She is back in the classroom teaching, traveling, learning to deal with the effects of medications and making sure she is taking care of herself spiritually and mentally.
Throughout this journey, Cheney has a lot of lessons — both practical and spiritual — that she could share. There is one, though, that tops the list that she hopes people will take away from her journey.
“The truth that God will never leave you or forsake you and that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Life is a gift,” Cheney said. “Be mindful of what is truly important in life. Don't wait to take the trip, hug a neck, or mend a relationship.”
