Rockwall Herald-Banner (Texas)

Features

April 2, 2010

Local doctor fights cancer through practice and participation

ROCKWALL — A third-generation graduate of Texas A&M, Victoria Smithers is a busy family practice doctor. A partner with Baylor Family Medical Center at Rockwall, she still finds time to participate in Relay For Life, the signature fund raising event for the American Cancer Society. 

For the past four years, Dr. Smithers has been a member of a Relay team, and her office has sponsored a team for the past three.

Relay traditionally kicks off with the Survivor Lap, where cancer survivors walk, are pushed in wheelchairs or ride golf carts, while being cheered on by those in attendance. It is a big celebration for those who have triumphed over the disease. “It’s neat to experience the event with my patients who are cancer survivors. Walking side-by-side, sharing tears and laughter together; the experience gives me hope and helps me be more adamant about encouraging preventative care,” she relates.

The objectives of Relay are threefold: to raise money to find a cure for the disease, to honor those who have experienced cancer, and to empower people to become proactive in the fight against cancer.  

“Relay For Life has a unique role of serving as educator for prevention and screening.  In fact, one of my patients, a 53-year-old woman, is one of my best spokespersons for early screening. She had been reluctant to get a colonoscopy, putting it off for three years. When she underwent the procedure, we found a cancerous tumor that we were able to remove completely before it spread,” Smithers remembers.

“In medicine, it can feel like you’re not making a difference,” states Dr. Smithers.  “But Relay For Life makes it personal.   You can put the names and faces to the disease.”   This year the Relay is very personal for Smithers, as her niece, Michaela Richmond, who is in remission from leukemia, is participating in the event. 

“She is an amazing, brave, little girl, a fifth-grader at Nebbie Williams who is energetically involved in the American Cancer Society, raising money and awareness through her fund raising and public speaking efforts,” says Smithers proudly.  This year the Baylor Family Medical Center’s team takes its name from Michaela’s nickname.

Team Mouse will host a booth which will feature Mickey Mouse balloons and a Disney theme.  Michaela’s mother, Kate, is also a cancer survivor, as is her sister.  Her mother suffered from uterine cancer, and her sister had a neuro tumor in her lung when she was a baby.

Michaela’s father, First Sergeant Tom Richmond, is currently serving his country in Iraq. 

Rockwall County Relay For Life will take place on April 30 - May 1, 2010 at Cain Middle School. To register as a survivor contact Becky Branum at 972-771-8797. To register a team, contact Mary Poteete at 214-771-1900.  To help sponsor the event, call Jeff Projelof at 214-334-9318.

Text Only
Features
  • RGB_IMG_1556_1-25-12.jpg Iconic burgers

    There are many things that define Rockwall. The Harbor, the Square and the lake are all icons of this county. On par with the big three is, a burger joint. This may seem shocking to some, but Boots Burgers has been around since 1968 and for 40-plus years people from all over Texas have trekked to the house style restaurant for a classic taste.

    January 27, 2012 2 Photos

  • RGB_IMG_1490_1-11-12.jpg Steer violates law

    Texans don’t try to hide their love for beef. Red meat and the influences of bovine university are apparent all over the state. Every city, despite the size, has a smattering of steak houses, but one in Rockwall has become the subject of some controversy due to its mascot, a 20-foot long steer.

    January 12, 2012 1 Photo

  • post.JPG Child's cancer unites family, strangers

    It’s hard to find anyone whose life hasn’t been touched by cancer. It’s a disease that is no way uniform except for its devastation and its shockingly potent ability as a unifier. Families come together in ways they never thought possible, doctors and nurses become like family and strangers become close friends.

    November 20, 2011 2 Photos

  • RGB_IMG_0707_11-10-11.jpg Peacock offers taste of uptown

    It’s tough getting out in the world and starting a business. Most end up going to work for someone else and never really chase their dreams of business ownership. Uptown Peacock owner Nikki Dean is not among this group.

    November 10, 2011 1 Photo

  • RGB_IMG_7066_10-6-11.jpg Traditional service

    Businesses come and go in any town. It’s incredibly rare for anything to stay in one place, or for a small business to survive more than five years. Defying this trend is Texas Traditions Home and Office on The Square in downtown Rockwall.

    October 6, 2011 1 Photo

  • IMG_1007.jpg Downtown time machine

    There is a time machine on the square in downtown Rockwall. It’s masquerading as The Candy Jar Malt shop, but as soon as you walk through doors a transportation to a simpler time occurs.

    September 8, 2011 1 Photo

  • 4-2-RelayDoctor.jpg Local doctor fights cancer through practice and participation

    A third-generation graduate of Texas A&M, Victoria Smithers is a busy family practice doctor. A partner with Baylor Family Medical Center at Rockwall, she still finds time to participate in Relay For Life, the signature fund raising event for the American Cancer Society.

    April 2, 2010 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_042173518 Design selected for county veteran’s memorial Plano intern architect Dan Fletcher’s entry — Symbolic Journey — was a design jury’s top choice in the Rockwall County Veterans Memorial design contest.

    February 11, 2010 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_036133909 Design selected for county veteran’s memorial Plano intern architect Dan Fletcher’s entry — Symbolic Journey — was a design jury’s top choice in the Rockwall County Veterans Memorial design contest.

    February 5, 2010 1 Photo

  • images_sizedimage_021034127 Getting ready for the heat | MUSICFEST ROASTS COMMISSIONERS The seventh, annual Celebrity Roast presented by Rockwall MusicFest, will be held January 30, 2010 at Occasions at Stone River in Royse City.

    January 21, 2010 1 Photo

Featured Ads
House Ads
Poll

Are you ready for baseball season?

Absolutely
I might pay attention
I'm still recovering from the Cowboy's season
     View Results
Facebook

9/11 Remembered
AP Video
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com