Judy’s daughter, Kathy Orlopp, was 35 years old in 2004 when she found a lump in her breast while showering. Kathy was the mother of three teenagers and a clinical leader at Geneva General Hospital. Tests confirmed the cancer and Judy went to her daughter’s appointments with her and helped her as she went through her cancer treatments. 

In 2006 Kathy went back to work as it looked like she was now cancer free and in remission. Unfortunately, the cancer returned. Tests showed the cancer had spread throughout her body and in 2007, at the age of 38; Kathy lost her battle with cancer. 

Judy talks of Kathy’s love of nursing, children, animals and flowers. She tells of the time Kathy saved a turtle and of the horse she loved, but had to give up due to medical bills and being unable to ride as she got sicker. Kathy not only had to suffer through her illness and couldn’t work; she couldn’t afford the mortgage on her house and eventually lost her home. 

So what is a mother’s mission after losing a child to cancer? Judy doesn’t want another parent to have to go through the pain of losing a child. Her tears turn to words of frustration as she advocates for breast cancer awareness and encourages everyone regardless of their age to do monthly breast exams and to have any abnormality checked out whatever their age. She encourages young mothers to breast feed because it’s not only good for the baby, but helps the mother prevent breast cancer. She believes breast health should be taught in schools and that every mother should be teaching their daughters how to do an exam no matter how old they are. She describes the hole in her heart that can’t be filled due to the loss of her daughter and how faith gets her through. 

Programs such as the Cancer Services Partnership provide breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings FREE to men 50 and older and women 40 and over who meet program eligibility requirements. Women under 40 years of age are also eligible for mammograms if they meet certain criteria such as a family history of breast cancer or an abnormal breast finding. For cancer screenings call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262). 

There are local cancer assistance programs in our area as well. S2AY Rural Health Network for instance can assist with some cancer related uncovered costs and are always seeking donations of time, money or in-kind resources to assist local residents with these expenses. These donations help offset the uncovered costs and help others in our local area. Donations can be made by clicking on “Donate Here” on the left hand side of this page. Donations of time and in-kind resources can be arranged by calling the Network at 607-962-8459. 

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