A Rutherford County cancer survivor since 2019 has made history, as far as her oncologist believes.
Becky McKelvey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and receives intravenous chemotherapy treatment on a regular basics while holding down a full-time job, as well as a part-time job.
She shared her story at the annual Cancer Survivor Celebration, "You've Got a Friend," hosted by the Community Health Council of Rutherford County recently.
McKelvey, 62, is the Lead Housing Counselor with Foothills Regional Commission (formerly Isothermal Planning Development Commission) but before she goes to her job at Foothills, she is up every day at 4am to drive a Rutherford County Schools bus, transporting students to R-S Central High School.
Her local oncologist tells her she's the first patient to do that while undergoing the intravenous treatment.
McKelvey told the 134 cancer survivors, their 271 guests and more than 40 volunteers attending the celebration, she considers the bus driving job as "my mission field." She said in today's culture, it is possible students are never shown love or kindness.
When McKelvey's students step onto her bus each morning, they immediately hear a "good morning" and when they depart, she tells them to have a good day and "go be awesome."
She may never know if she impacts a student's life, but she does what she can to encourage them.
At Foothills Regional, where she has been since 2001, (except for a short few years) McKelvey also makes a difference to those seeking housing.
McKelvey has no plans to retire from either job. "I will work as long as I am able," she said.
The Cancer Survivor's Celebration on Sept. 12 was the first such celebration McKelvey has attended, but it will not be her last. She described the event as "excellent" with fellowship and music.
"It was a great event, seriously," she added.
McKelvey is already planning for next year's event.
Jill Miracle, executive director of the Community Health Council of Rutherford County, host of the celebration, said the event was "unintentionally about fullness."
"Along with our intended 70's theme for this year, our unintended theme was fullness," she told the attendees.
"Our room is packed full of survivors and their supporters," Miracle said. "Our agenda is full of people who want to participate in the celebration and our committee is full of excitement about how our event continues to grow."
Also attending the celebration were a number of medical providers from Levine Cancer Institute and Rutherford Regional Health System.
Among those from Levine Cancer Institute in Forest City was iconology nurse, Karen Riley and her band, Goatman and the Giraffes, entertainers for the event.
Kim Freeman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity, announced a special program to benefit the Community Health Council of Rutherford County's assistance to fund patients undergoing treatment and recovery.
Freeman said there will be an extra $25 fee for anyone registering for the Women Build on Oct. 26 with that money going toward cancer patients.
Rutherford Regional's CEO Sue Shugart also announced its partnership with Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg, with the wrapping of his automobile promoting October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.