By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
ELKHART – Elkhart Mayor Jennifer McCoy lately introduced her prognosis and upcoming surgical procedure for breast most cancers, as associates, household and clients provide prayers and assist. McCoy has been the mayor since 2019 and owned Firehouse Ice Cream and Espresso Cafe in downtown Elkhart since 2020.
McCoy went for her mammogram in Could, and a few weeks later docs advised her they discovered a spot they had been involved about. Eager to do extra exams and a biopsy, docs advised McCoy they didn’t just like the look of the spot and needed to test it instantly.
“I type of had a intestine feeling at that time it was going to be most cancers,” McCoy stated.
Sadly, her instincts proved appropriate, as not solely was she identified with breast most cancers, nonetheless in stage one, in regards to the dimension of a lima bean, however a grade three most cancers – the aggressive variety which strikes quickly. Docs set surgical procedure for Aug. 8, with a number of rounds of chemotherapy after that.
Listening to the devastating information, McCoy considered these round her, quite than herself.
“I used to be not too nervous about me, however I used to be simply nervous about how my children would react, my husband would react,” McCoy stated. “I’m very lively. I’m lively on the home, I’m lively with my animals, with the neighborhood and with my enterprise. I’m going to have to take a seat again and have surgical procedure and never do these issues. So, how are they going to do all this?”
McCoy has been overwhelmed by the response from the neighborhood, from folks stopping by the enterprise to supply prayers, hugs, something to assist – to survivors of breast most cancers sharing their tales and giving her hope. She was glad she had her oldest son along with her when she obtained the information. Much like her, the response was stoic, accepting the prognosis and planning how one can cope with it.
“Given an issue or an emergency, we’re simply going to look it useless within the face and say, ‘Okay, what do we have to do?’” McCoy stated. “If I took one other member of the family, they’re going to be too emotional and doubtless get me upset.”
McCoy has confronted as much as this subsequent part of God’s typically undecipherable plan, readying herself for the powerful highway forward. The mayor pro-tem will hold metropolis enterprise going throughout her operation, the enterprise will reduce its hours and McCoy has already began reducing her hair, realizing the consequences of chemotherapy.
“When it’s time for my hair to fall out, I will probably be rocking the baldness, so I’ll haven’t any disgrace on that. I would put on some beanies…” McCoy laughed.
Nonetheless pondering of metropolis enterprise, McCoy totally plans to assist with bringing the circus again to city this 12 months in October, sponsored by the hearth division.
McCoy stated getting common mammograms is essential. In her case, she obtained hers a few year-and-a-half late, which oddly, could have saved her, as docs inform her her likelihood is good, since they caught the most cancers in time. It’s humorous to suppose, if she had executed the mammogram on time, the most cancers won’t have confirmed up, resulting in a 12 months earlier than she was checked once more, and by then, she might need been in stage two or worse.
Counting on her religion to assist get her via, McCoy appreciates the presents for assist, however actually asks just one factor from those that want to assist.
“I don’t want something, simply pray for me,” McCoy stated. “I’ve a great residence base, a great work base and my religion is nicely grounded.”
Anybody who is aware of McCoy is aware of one in every of her many passions is something to do with a sure Harry Potter. From the numerous intricate toys and souvenirs adorning her cafe, to her many pilgrimages to Potter websites, the tales play an enormous function in who she is.
What classes has she gleaned from Harry Potter that are serving to her get via this case?
“By no means hand over. Harry by no means gave up and had a great assist workforce,” McCoy famous. “Harry had his finest associates and all his lecturers behind him, and I’ve my finest associates and all my neighborhood and everyone else behind me, too.”
Greg Ritchie may be reached at [email protected]
