In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we are featuring a breast cancer survivor who has recently found a home among the Ergon family and is living life to the fullest while encouraging others to do the same.
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MEET CHANITA WARD
Ward is a driver for Ergon Trucking in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She joined the Ergon family in 2022 and agrees it is of the best career decisions she has made. “They actually treat you like family,” said Ward. “I love driving anyway, but as far as the company, this is the best company I’ve ever worked for.” Ward has been driving trucks for 18 years, beginning with flatbed trucks and eventually transitioning to tankers.
In 2013, Ward was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy, one year of chemotherapy and 45 radiation treatments before going into remission in 2015. When asked her perspective following her stint with the disease, Ward said: “It makes you appreciate life a whole lot more. There were a lot of days I could barely even get out of bed. It makes you appreciate the little things like being able to cook, clean and take showers by yourself and having hair. It’s those little things you appreciate in life after you beat it.”
Now, in addition to participating in breast cancer awareness walks and other fundraisers, Ward encourages others to get regular checkups. “I try to encourage people to get mammograms and checkups for early detection,” she said. Ward is also part of a group that shares helpful tips for going through chemotherapy. “If you give somebody an idea of things that worked for you when you went through it, it may help them,” said Ward.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Ward moved to Mississippi from Arkansas to work for Ergon Trucking. She has been overwhelmed by the support and family she has gained. She is also grateful to work for a company with a heart of service that puts forth consistent efforts to help others, including helping to fund the fight against breast cancer.
Since 2020, under the leadership of our Ambassador of Breast Cancer Awareness Larry Tomkins, the Ergon family has supported the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative, helping to fund research for a cure as well as partnering with companies to provide transportation for cancer patients who need treatments.
This year, Ergon has a goal to reach $175,500 in donations on behalf of the organization. If you’d like to join us in our efforts, consider donating here: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/ltomkins.
