Debbie Browning

TIFTON – Everyone knows someone whose life has been impacted by cancer in some way. Whether it is losing a loved one or fighting a personal battle with cancer, we can certainly all sympathize with those going through the struggle of dealing with this illness. During these dark times, we look for hope. One local woman found hers through the help of Relay For Life.

Debbie Browning had her first run in with cancer when she lost her husband, Wayne Watson Sr., to the disease in 2000. After getting involved with Relay For Life, she met Jimmy Browning, with one of their first dates being a Mr. Relay pageant where he was dressed like a beauty queen. He had lost his wife to cancer in 1999. The couple married in 2003.

When all was going great, disaster struck at the end of 2008 when Browning was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She had noticed fatigue and weight gain prompting an appointment with an oncologist. After two surgeries, massive amounts of radioactive pills and missing two years of relay, she bounced back.

Once she had found a new lease on life, she was devastated to learn in April of 2011 that she had been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It was during this phase of her battle that Relay For Life stepped up to the plate. Because of research done by the American Cancer Society and funded by Relay For Life, a lifesaving medication was prescribed for Browning.

Through the use of this medication, she was able to go into remission. “I owe my life to God, the American Cancer Society and my fellow relay volunteers,” she commented.

This was not the end of her struggle with cancer. In 2013, after all that she had been through, Browning was diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. After 12 weeks of radiation treatment and a partial mastectomy, according to her physician, she was cured.

As a three-time cancer survivor, Browning attributes much of the strength she found during the many ordeals to her faith in God and the support of other relay volunteers. Both have carried her in times of weakness and fear, giving her hope for the future.

When asked what suggestions she had for individuals who want to be proactive regarding cancer, she had this advice to give: “Always take care of yourself, even when you are healthy. Live a healthy lifestyle and always get preventative care checkups such as breast exams and mammograms. And join a relay team.”

If you wish to support survivors like Browning or remember a loved one lost to cancer, take part in the upcoming Relay For Life event on April 15 at the E.B. Hamilton Complex. For more information about the event or how you can become a part of the relay team, go online at www.relayforlife.org/tiftga.