History

Katheryn Harlan, Founder and President, tells her story of the events leading to the formation of her 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, Through Healing Eyes:

I was diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer on Valentine’s Day 2003 (by my radiologist husband) at my yearly mammographic screening exam.  Just before my diagnosis, I had completed a 2.5 month stay at Duke University Medical Center as caregiver for my sister, who was being treated with a stem cell transplant for a radiation induced Metaplastic Chondrosarcoma of the breast, 26 years after radiation treatment for Hodgkin’s disease. Cancer in the radiation field is so common with radiation treatment delivered by the early equipment that it was almost expected with my sister. She is now 9 years post stem cell therapy, has suffered through 2 other cancers and their treatment, but is now cancer free.  My cancer was not expected. I may be one of the more unlikely women for this diagnosis, given the demographics for the majority of females with this disease. I have run competitively for over 25 years, biked competitively for over 15 years, have never smoked, am slightly below my ideal body weight, nursed all 3 of my children and preformed my breast self exam almost every month. After returning from my sister’s treatment, I dropped by for a routine mammogram, almost exactly 1 year after my previous normal study. This one was not normal.

After an extensive evaluation, biopsy and multiple consultations to assure I had been apprised of all the options, we made our procedural choice and was scheduled for double mastectomy without delay.

I was back to running and riding my bicycle as soon as the surgeon told me I was healed enough to resume my activities. I was determined that this disease would not defeat me.

While recovering, I thought of all those women who were not as fortunate as myself, and felt guilty. I was diagnosed early, had rapid and complete diagnostic evaluation, timely biopsy and my choice of treatment options.  I shared my concerns and guilt with my good friend, and local professional photographer, Sally Fanjoy. She decided that we needed to document this journey through cancer treatment and recovery with photographs. The pictures clearly portrayed a journey, and it became obvious that each breast cancer survivor has a story of courage, support or determination. We felt others, particularly those facing cancer, could benefit from these inspirations. Maybe we could package these stories, sell them and donate the money to others as they struggle with the disease and its financial consequences, specifically those with limited resources.  Sally took over the artistic creation of these stories, and produced overwhelming images displaying a dozen survivors and their messages. We combined these images into a calendar and as we reviewed the pages looking into these faces of courage in the midst of adversity, the project name came easily, Through Healing Eyes.

During our first two project years 2005 and 2006, we partnered with Susan G. Komen to assure the money we raised was used appropriately. In 2007, we partnered with The American Cancer society. In 2008, we completed our application and were approved for our 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status.

Our board of directors graciously donates all their time. There are no administrative salaries or stipends paid. The calendar and t-shirts are produced and printed at cost by local talent. This allows us to return more of our collected funds to promote breast cancer awareness through education, provide inspiration to those affected and to make breast cancer diagnosis and treatment available to those unable to afford care.

Through Healing Eyes Board of Directors

Katheryn M Harlan: RN, BSN, RYT, Breast Cancer Survivor
Founder and President

Diane M Skiba: 4 time Cancer Survivor
Vice President

Tina Brown: Accountant for Century Furniture, Breast Cancer Survivor
Secretary Treasurer

Melanie Reese: RN, Catawba County Public Health Nurse
Education Director

Terry Taylor: Partner at the firm Young, Morphis, Bach and Taylor, L.L.P.
Attorney and Legal Advisor

Steve D Harlan: MD, VIR, Catawba Radiological Associates
Executive Director

Some recipients of T.H.E. Funding:

Susan G. Komen, American Cancer Society, Blue Ridge Cancer Center, Catawba County Breast Cancer Coalition, Strides to Recovery at Catawba Valley Medical Center, Catawba County Health Department, Medical Access for Catawba County, Girl Scouts of Burke County educational grant, The Wig Bank of Caldwell County, Spirit of Women at Frye Regional Medical Center, Lenoir-Rhyne Zeta Tau Alpha educational grant, Catawba County Wig Bank, Breast Nurse Navigator Services of Frye Regional Medical Center, Silhouettes Prostheses, Catawba County Breast Cancer Camisole Project, Caldwell County Breast Coalition, Good Samaritan Clinic, Healing Dragons of Lake James, Catawba Valley Medical Center Mobile Screening Mammography Project, Palliative Care Center & Hospice of Catawba Valley