A passionate schoolteacher for many years, Barbara Beckwith found a new passion through her experience with cancer: advocating for research and for other cancer patients.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, Barbara underwent surgery, radiation and chemotherapy simultaneously. Cancer-free, she continued teaching school until 1999 when she decided to retire. “I retired at that time because I wanted to retire on my own terms, never because of my health,” she says.
Not one to slow down, Barbara began part-time work for Columbus Community Clinical Oncology Program and became involved in other organizations that advocate clear and concise patient information, research and cancer-related legislation. Barbara is an Independent Consultant for the Diversity Enhancement Program at the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center
In 2006, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, which she faced head on. This diagnosis made her even more determined to continue with her work. “I have a wonderful son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I want to know that research is occurring so that my family doesn’t ever have to go through the same thing as I have,” she says.
Today she is on the National Cancer Institute’s Subcommittee A, which evaluates cancer centers applications. She also worked with the Ohio Partners for Cancer Control to write the cancer plan for the state and a resource guide for patients in Ohio.
Barbara travels frequently to conferences such as ASCO, AACR, NBCC, SABC and LIVESTRONG for training and meeting with other advocates. She accompanies newly diagnosed patients to doctors’ appointments and serves as their advocate and “second ears.”
Having been through cancer twice and with her experience in many cancer-related organizations, Barbara knows and believes that The Zangmeister Center is “one of the best.”
“Everyone at The Zangmeister Center is tuned in to how patients should be treated,” she says. “They listen and treat everyone with respect. The level of expertise and quality of care is simply outstanding. I’ve been blessed with good doctors who really take the time to answer my questions and respect my opinion.”
Although she works hard, Barbara does take time for herself. “I make time for me every day. You have to de-stress. You also have to do things to make you laugh. It’s good for the soul.”
