Cancer Survivors Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the strength, courage, and resilience of those who have faced cancer and continue moving forward. Amongour employees and riders are individuals whose journeys through diagnosis,treatment, recovery, and survivorshipinspireus every day. Their determination, perseverance, and positive spirit serve as a reminder of the incredible strength people carry, even during life’s most difficult challenges. To our riders we take to cancer treatments, we honor your courage, determination, and the strength you show every day.

This month, we honor the cancer survivors within our organization who have overcome obstacles while continuing to work, care for loved ones, attend appointments, and remain engaged in daily life. Their stories reflect hope, bravery, and the importance of support systems that help individuals navigate their journey. We celebrate their victories, recognize their resilience, and stand with all those whose lives have been touched by cancer.

LEE BOWERS- JEFFERSON COUNTY DRIVER SINCE 2006:

“My story starts in May 2024. I had stopped at the OATS office to turn in paperwork and take a short break.

When I walked in, Denise took one look at me and said, “you’re jaundiced, do you feel ok.” I replied that I was just tired and would be ok. ‘Two days later I was back at the office when Denise saw me again. She told me I was done for the day and I needed to see my doctor soon. I went home and was able to see my doctor the next day. He took one look at me, ran a urine test and told me to” go home, pack a bag and get to the hospital” I did as I was told and went to the emergency room at Mercy Jefferson. Tests were run, including a CT scan. Four hours later, I was transferred by ambulance to Mercy South and admitted. The next morning the doctor came in and told me I had a blocked bile duct in my liver, and I was going into surgery that afternoon to have it unblocked. While in surgery they ran a scope down my throat, repaired the blockage and took pictures of the surrounding areas. The next morning the doctor came in and told me he had good news, bad news and not so bad news. He said “ the good news is we found the blockage, cleaned it up and put a temporary stint in. The bad news is we found pancreatic cancer:

The not so bad news is we found it early and it hasn’t spread and you have a 85% chance of beating it.” I told the doctor “You’re wrong I have a 100% chance, I’m going to beat this” He said “I like your attitude, keep it, you will need it.” My wife came to see me after the doctor had left, and I told her the news I think that’s when it really hit me. We had a good cry. During the next three weeks I met with the chemo doctor to set up chemo, and the cancer surgeon to set up my surgery. I started chemo in June 2024, had my surgery in October 2024 and resumed chemo in November: I returned to work in December 2024. I rang my bell in January 2025 and have been cancer-free since then. Many thanks to all my wonderful co-workers! My advice to anyone who gets a cancer diagnosis – DON’T GIVE UP. Attitude is 80% of the battle!”

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