[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING SHEILA APPLEWHITE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 15, 2022

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
tenacious and remarkable retired educator and cancer survivor, Sheila 
Applewhite, who has been a champion of breast cancer awareness, 
advocacy, and service in her community.
  In 2007, Sheila was diagnosed with breast cancer. She leaned on her 
faith and sprung into action, ready to fight. Sheila stated, ``I never 
felt the negative feelings that people tend to feel because I put my 
trust in God.''
  As she went through the process of having both breasts surgically 
removed, the extraction of eight lymph nodes, and chemo and radiation, 
her preparation remained consistent. ``I would pray and anoint my head 
with oil,'' Sheila recalled. ``I would also pray that God would guide 
my doctors' and nurses' hands.'' Sheila's fighting mode consisted of 
praying, reading, and meditating on scripture.
  Since that time, Sheila has retired after a 27-year teaching career, 
teaching mostly second grade. She taught 6 more years at St. Joe in 
Greenville.
  Her experience has taught her that cancer and cancer treatment varies 
from person to person. Sheila said that just because one person's 
response to treatment is hair loss, that doesn't mean it will be 
similar in another. But she didn't allow it to get that far in her 
case. ``I cut my own hair off before I started receiving treatments,'' 
she said. ``Some people might begin to worry or become afraid with 
something like hair loss. But I never felt that way.''
  Fully retired and enjoying her grandkids, Sheila keeps faith at the 
center of her life and avails herself as a symbol of hope to those on 
the opposite end of this journey. Sheila stated, ``I never had a bad 
feeling about what I was going through because God said He would never 
leave us or forsake us. I always tell those going though cancer 
treatment to stay positive and put God ahead of your problems. I never 
felt like I was alone. And I don't mind being someone they can talk to.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sheila 
Applewhite for her dedication to breast cancer awareness, advocacy, 
service and support to survivors.

                          ____________________