32 Rural Living Farm barns to silos, 11,000+ farmers like you have one thing in common. They are understood, valued and insured by The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. Find a qualified broker in Commonwell Country today: commonwellcountry.ca/farm NOTHING SMELLS AS SWEET ` j v `j jv `v `jv h OMOP=NJP=é~ÖÉ=~Ç=ÅçéóKéÇÑ===N===OMOOJNOJOM===QWNQWOR=mj Wood took advice from Jackie Pemberton, who is on the board of the OFA and had breast cancer two years previously. “She was always available to help with tips and tricks on how to get through things,” she says. Friends and family drove her the hour-long journey to and from chemotherapy and postoperative radiation treatments and kept her in good spirits. The OFA board was very accommodating, and the local board actually arranged freezer meals for her after her surgery. “That support was huge and allowed us to keep doing the things we wanted to do,” she says. Banks leaned heavily on her father and went to therapy because visiting with friends was a no-go due to the pandemic. She tried to walk every day, even if it was just down the road a bit, and she found yoga and meditation a calming influence. “The ag industry was very supportive, and our sharecroppers insisted on me taking care of myself first – they’re amazing people,” she says, noting that not being able to be independent — especially being unable to drive anywhere and relying on others for everything — was tough. Both women also say that the experience has been life-changing. Banks says that while she’s still very career-driven and dedicated to moving the agriculture industry forward, she’s taking time to sort out her priorities more than in the past. Listening to what her body is telling her is essential now, too. She has the same advice to people who have cancer and those caring for them. “Really listen — to what they’re asking for and take the time to listen to your own needs because you can’t help if you’re not up to it,” she says. Wood says that going to the gym is now her way of decompressing. She credits the strong support of family, friends and the OFA and staying very active for helping her succeed in beating back the disease. Her next goal is to remain cancer-free for a total of five years. Her advice to others is “having goals and advocating for yourself because you can really get lost in the health care system.”• LEANING ON SUPPORT Both women credit the people and organizations around them for helping them get through their journey. continued from page 31
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