North Charleston, SC – On Saturday, October 9, 2021 from noon 1:00 pm four Lowcountry women will meet for the first time to share a story they have in common. All are breast cancer survivors who will be models in the inaugural Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show hosted by Trident Health and Dr. Autumn Shobe with Breast SurgerySpecialists. The virtual event can be watched live at www.facebook.com/tridentmedicalcenter.
The models include Deborah Somerville, who teaches at Summerville High School. “There are a number of other teachers at school who are also breast cancer survivors. We’ve created our own support group. I’d say it’s been very helpful in our recovery.”
The theme of “support” is a common thread among the other models. They include:
- Sundi Herring, Associate Director of Development, American Cancer Society
- Stacy Silvia, RN, FNP, Labor and Delivery Nurse, Summerville Medical Center
- Harriett Ferrell, who recently retired after spending 41 years as a nurse
Herring, whose job covers South Carolina and Western North Carolina, said her personal story of breast cancer has given her a new perspective on thee work she does on behalf of the American Cancer Society. “I would never wish cancer upon anyone. But, I am grateful that it has brought me focus and clarity. There is joy and love all around us if we choose to see it. My faith, family and my community have been essential in my recovery and healing.”
For Summerville Medical Center Labor and Delivery nurse Stacy Sylvia, RN, FNP the COVID pandemic was well underway during her journey from diagnosis to surgery to survivorship. “It meant so much to have the support of my family and colleagues at the hospital. And, it seemed like I would get phone calls, cards or words of encouragement when I needed them the most. I was very thankful and happy to join my work family.”
Harriett Ferrell, spent 41 years as a nurse caring for patients. Now retired, and a breast cancer survivor, she says the familiar sounds of living in the country remind her everyday of what she has to be thankful for. “I’m surrounded by my family. Hearing the sounds of nature and the cows in the field bring me peace and remind me what I’ve come through. I’m very thankful.”
To show their support for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Berry Beauty Salon provided hair and makeup for the models and Ash and T’s Formal provided gowns. Participants also received flowers and a gift bag in recognition of their journey and survivorship.
Dr. Autumn Shobe, who is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon and practices with Breast Surgery Specialists,reminded women of the importance of breast self exams and mammograms. Trident Health provides three locations where women can schedule their mammogram, including 3D mammography and same day results. The locations are at:
- Trident Breast Center
- Summerville Breast Center
- Moncks Corner Medical Center
Get more information about Trident Health’s breast care services.
About Trident Health
For 46 years Trident Health has provided acute care services to families in South Carolina’s Lowcountry including Berkeley,Charleston and Dorchester Counties. Trident Health includes two acute care hospitals – 321-bed Trident Medical Center and 124-bed Summerville Medical Center; three freestanding ERs – Brighton Park Emergency, Centre Pointe Emergency and Moncks Corner Medical Center – and two urgent care centers – CareNow Urgent Care Goose Creek and CareNow UrgentCare North Charleston.
Trident Health is one of the region’s largest employers with more than 2,500 staff and a medical staff of more than 600physicians. In 2020 Trident Medical Center was recognized by Healthgrades as among American’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery. Additionally, The Joint Commission has recognized Trident Medical Center as a national Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center and Summerville Medical Center as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. Trident Medical Center is also a Trauma Center. In 2020, Trident Health provided $45.6 million in charity care and paid more than $35.4 million in local, state and federal taxes.
To learn more about how Trident Health is expanding services to meet the growing healthcare needs of South Carolina Low country families go to www.tridenthealthsystem.com.
Deborah Somerville, educator
Harriett Ferrell, retired nurse
Stacy Silvia, RN, FNP, Summerville Medical Center
Sundi Herring, American Cancer Society
Autumn Shobe, DO, Breast Surgery Specialists l Trident Health