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Sisters Share Breast Cancer Diagnosis (Caption) Sisters Abby Danko and Kelly Williamson, who share a breast cancer diagnosis, credit Dr. Kelley Smith with their recovery. Cancer is a disease that does not play fairly - especially breast cancer which is the most common type diagnosed among women in the U.S. In many instances, breast cancer creeps into a person's life when they are raising their family or at the pinnacle of their career when they do not have time for an illness to slow them down. Just ask Abby Danko, a 40-year-old mother of three from Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, whose breast cancer journey began three years ago. In 2021, when I went for my annual gynecological visit, I was experiencing some irregular bleeding," she explained. "My doctor ordered some tests including a mammogram which detected a spot on my chest. A second mammogram was performed which also revealed something that required attention." She continued, "I had been seeing my Penn Highlands Healthcare gynecologists since I had my first child, and he was 12 at the time, so I trusted their recommendation. I was referred to Dr. Kelley Smith, and since I heard good things about her in the community, I scheduled an appointment." Abby met with Dr. Smith, a board-certified general surgeon at Penn Highlands DuBois, who provides a comprehensive range of surgical procedures and specializes in women's health and genetic testing for hereditary cancers. The tumor was on Abby's chest wall. When Dr. Smith performed a biopsy, it was malignant and the cancer was at Stage 0 DCIS. "There was a history of breast cancer in my family and I knew that if I ever received that diagnosis I would have a double mastectomy," she explained. Dr. Smith performed the surgery on July 29, 2021. However, an underlying autoimmune disease that Abby had been living with for years, delayed her healing and necessitated treatment at a national health system outside of Pennsylvania. "In terms of healthcare, a nationally known hospital is not always better," Abby said. "I would stay with Dr. Smith and Penn Highlands DuBois. She always cared and emphasized that breasts do not define you as a woman." "I had the best care from Penn Highlands Healthcare and a top-notch doctor. You do not need to go outside of a small town to experience what is in our backyard." In fact, in 2023, when Abby's sister, Kelly Williamson, learned she had breast cancer, there was no question as to who would provide her care - Dr. Kelley Smith. "Our mother, our younger sister and I had the genetic testing conducted to identify whether we carry the breast cancer gene. Our mother and sister tested positive for the BARD-1 gene, but I do not have the gene," reported Kelly. "However, since some of the results showed that there could be a higher risk of me contracting breast cancer over my lifetime, it was advised that I be tested more often - every six months." Kelly's genetic testing occurred in August 2022 when she was 41-years old; that's the time that most women begin having their first mammograms. Six months later, she had a breast MRI which did not indicate any cancer. Then, six months later, in July 2023, she had a mammogram and ultrasound which showed calcium deposits in her breast. A subsequent biopsy revealed that she had Stage 0 DCIS breast cancer - which was the exact diagnosis as Abby. Dr. Smith presented her with two options - a lumpectomy with radiation or a mastectomy. Kelly chose to see a plastic surgeon for reconstruction options and to be able to have joint surgery. "I chose the double mastectomy because I did not want to leave anything to chance," Kelly said. On October 23, 2023, Kelly had a double mastectomy. She recovered quickly in just six weeks and is looking forward to having silicone implants this spring. Kelly and Abby are fortunate to live within 10 minutes of each other and their extended family who has provided support throughout their cancer journey. The Williamson family also has received an outpouring of support from the community. "My husband, Davey, is the athletic director for the West Branch Area School District", said Kelly, who is a preschool teacher. "My two sisters organized a basket raffle and 50/50 to benefit our family during the annual Pink Out game at a varsity football game last fall. The girls' volleyball and soccer teams held benefits for our family as well during their annual Pink Out games. I cannot begin to describe the outpouring of love and support we received from everyone." Kelly also credits Dr. Kelley Smith and her physician assistant, Melissa Hilliard, with her recovery. "When Melissa gave me the results of my biopsy in person, she gave me a hug and we cried together," Kelly said. "Dr. Smith is amazing! They are both tremendous people. I felt in control and that they respected and supported my decisions." Summary While approximately 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, a woman's individual risk varies by age and race/ethnicity, as well as family, medical, and reproductive history. In addition, not all masses are cancerous. Penn Highlands Healthcare screens its patients to identify those who are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. "Patients are stratified for risk and a plan will be made for screening which may include mammogram, ultrasounds or MRI. This may also include more frequent examinations," Dr. Smith explained. As a surgeon with more than 25 years of breast health experience, Dr. Smith follows a multidisciplinary approach to care. She and Melissa Hilliard, PA-C, CGRA, who is cancer genetics and risk assessment certified by the National Consortium of Breast Cancer Centers, screen patients to help identify their breast cancer risk. They work closely with medical imaging as well as two plastic surgeons in the delivery of high-quality patient care. "Women who come to Penn Highlands Healthcare for breast care receive innovative therapies delivered by knowledgeable and skilled professionals using advanced technology," said Dr. Smith.

Uh-oh!! > in Centre County, Pennsylvania. > Vicki Holderman Blazer

Long Pine Reservoir which is south of Shippensburg, Pa.. > Chuck Kimmel

He is risen, Alleluia!! Happy Easter to all. Eric Weiss

When the timing is just right! … Sellersville PA > HAPPY EASTER > Sue Miller Yohe

Tioga County, Pa sunset on Wednesday evening. Jason Robson

Photo taken in Hinger PA > Mona Hess

The Golden hour was quickly approaching when this Redtail Hawk landed in this brushy tree and was watching something very intently. I grabbed a quick shot and didn't have time to switch to a smaller focus pattern. Luckily the depth of field allowed the Hawk to be in focus. > Tom Dorsey

LOCAL LUTHERAN YOUTH ATTEND YOUTHQUAKE! Front row left to right: Rev. Amy Godshall-Miller and Debbie Finalle; back row left to right: Ansen Armagost, Drew London, Grace Prontock, Lief Galland, Virginia Myers and Lilly Phillips. Faith, service and music were all a part of the experience for six young people and three adults representing Christ Lutheran Church, DuBois, at Youthquake!. The event, for students in grades six to twelve, is sponsored by Life Promotions. “The theme was Breathe,” said Rev. Amy Godshall-Miller, pastor at Christ Lutheran. “Events focused on today’s busy youth taking time out to pray, worship, and read the Bible. It was good for the kids to get away like this for a weekend.” Approximately 200 people participated in Youthquake!, held at the Marriott Pittsburgh Airport, Coraopolis. It builds a weekend experience that makes faith come alive for youth. The regional events partner with youth leaders in local churches to help teens become established in their faith, empowered for Christian living and enabled to live a life of ministry and leadership. The youth and guests representing Christ Lutheran were: Virginia Myers, Lilly Phillips, Ansen Armagost, Grace Prontock, Drew London, and Lief Galland, who is from Pittsburgh. Drew London celebrated his birthday while attending Youthquake!. Adults accompanying the student were: Godshall-Miller, Debbie Finalle, and Penny Prontock. “This brough back memories for me,” said Godshall-Miller. “When I was a just starting in ministry I attend for many years when it was known as the Lutheran Youth Encounter. I saw our young people build memories and friendships. They had a great time. They are ready to go again and talked about who they would invite next year.” The weekend was filled with speakers, music, and workshops. Workshops included packing food for Orphan Grain Train, God, Games and Geekery and talking about tough issues from a Christian perspective. Each day started and ended with what was called family time, when all of the members of the group gathered together. Pastor Bill Yonker, Senior Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, Illinois, a large suburban congregation with a large school, was the keynote speaker. He travels around the country between 18 to 20 weekends a year speaking at Christian conferences, retreats, high schools, middle schools and college campuses. Lloyd Garrelts and Todd Miller two of the four members of the Christian band Echelon provided the music for the event. Echelon formed in 1994 and performed together for many years with the purpose of “making Christ known as friend and Savior through music and personal relationships.” After the team years, the members of Echelon remained active in Youth Encounter, by assisting with team training. Christ Lutheran will hold a summer mission trip for youth from sixth to twelfth grades and all adults from June 16-19. They will travel to the NALC National Disaster Response Warehouse and Retreat Center in Caldwell, Ohio, where they will work in the warehouse and provide help for families in crisis in Caldwell.

St. Cyril and Methodius Cemetery, Bethlehem Pennsylvania > Joe Dragotta

Leonardo Sens waited and studied for 3 years before he took this perfect shot in Rio De Janeiro Brazil

On Wednesday, we celebrated Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a hosanna parade. Shouts of “Hosanna” could be heard throughout the church! > Sonny Days Preschool

Clarion River > Mountain Man Photography

Happy World Frog Day!! > Adam Turner

We are getting ready for the 45th Run/Walk for Someone Special. Register now at https://www.jcarc.org/ Get your friends together and register as a team or register as an individual and run/walk with all of us! We are all friends and can’t wait to see you on April 14th.

"Good Morning Happy Valley". Mt Nittany and a local farm greeting the rising sun yesterday morning in Centre County, PA. > Dave Mengle

Michael P. Macindoe, age 55 , of DuBois, PA died Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Nelson’s Golden Years. Born on March 6, 1969 in East Falls, PA, he was the son of the late Roy William Macindoe and Theresa (Hageny) Macindoe. His mother survives and lives in DuBois, PA. Michael worked in the gas and oil industry. He is survived two brothers (David Macindoe and his wife Susan of DuBois, PA and James Macindoe and his wife Donna of Genesee, PA), and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no public visitation and funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Baronick Funeral Home & Crematorium, Inc is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to http://www.baronickfuneralhome.com/condolence

Saw this beauty on my travels this morning. Thinking I was somewhere in Clearfield County. > Josh N Cammi

So, I went down to the city of Pittsburgh tonight to get some pictures of the buildings and bridges that were lit up in green for St. Patrick's Day. These are the sister bridges over the Allegheny River. It had been quite awhile since I went down to capture some perspectives of Pittsburgh so I felt a little rusty. > Mike Puhalla

Finally had the opportunity to photograph a Great Horned Owl yesterday in Lebanon county. The Great horned owl has eluded me for years but yesterday was a bonus with 2 owlets! So stinking cute! > Bill Derbes

So, this is probably the coolest wildlife photograph that I have taken to date. Technically, it's probably not the best from a photography point-of-view but it was soooo cool to see this territorial dispute raging near the old osprey nest on top of the high-voltage tower at the Beaver Falls Dam. I hope you enjoy the photo. Beaver Falls, PA March 14, 2024. > Mike Puhalla

Big Maple Family Farm, thanks for the lamb snuggles today! The Dubois Village residents loved every minute of it!

Last night's moon in Clinton County, Pa. > Mark J. Hedgeland

"Twin-Engine" A pair of Bald Eagles soar across the evening sky of Lake Wilhelm in an acrobatic display. And in that one moment, they become in sync with each other. These appear to be a mating pair with the male flying above. The wingspan of these two together, is just a few feet shy of 20 feet. >Judi Carvell

Churchville Nature Center in Bucks County has one of my favorite frog ponds. They actually have several ponds on premises. Yesterday the frogs were out! This is the best macro shot I have of a frog yet! Lots of children and parents there inspecting the frogs also. It’s a lovely little place to wander and close to Tyler Park and Core Creek Park if you feel like making a day out of it and visiting all three. Please give me a follow on my creator page or art page (Erin Kae Expressions) if you like what you see.🐸💖 > Erin Kae