Event to raise money for local resident battling breast cancer

Mary Beth Sallee

Reporter, Hart Co. News-Herald

 

On May 9, 2021, when most would be happily celebrating Mother’s Day, Nicole Atwell received some of the most devastating news of her life. Nicole’s mother, Marilyn Sneed, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the advanced stages.

“My mother had known she had breast cancer for approximately four years prior to her diagnosis,” Nicole said. “Her sister and niece both passed away from breast cancer in their 30s. She explained to me that she knew what it was when she found the first lump and chose to tell no one and let it run its course without treatment…On that Mother’s Day, a large mass on the outside of her breast ruptured, and she nearly bled to death. It was all such a big shock.”

From that moment on, Nicole decided to help her mom live life to the fullest.

“We went on many trips, spent lots of time together,” Nicole said. “I’m thankful we were able to make so many memories the last few months.”

Caring for a sick loved one, Nicole said, is no easy task.

“It is so difficult to watch someone you care about deteriorate,” she explained. “The pain gets worse, and you feel like you can do nothing to help. It’s heartbreaking.”

Nicole’s mom passed away in the very early morning hours on December 31, 2021, at Nicole’s home.

“She was surrounded by my family and my sister, Jennifer LaPradd,” Nicole said.

As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Nicole and her family are hosting the Always Ready for an Adventure event on October 22 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on the courthouse lawn in Munfordville.

This free public event will not only help honor the memory of Nicole’s mother and raise awareness about breast cancer, but it will also benefit local resident Loralee McCorkle who is currently battling the disease. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Loralee.

“We will be giving away free pink popsicles, pink lemonade, and door prizes,” Nicole said. “We will have raffle items and information about breast cancer. Grace Nutrition will also be set up with my favorite pink tea called Save the TaTas…We would like to thank (Judge Executive) Joe Choate for sponsoring this event.”

“Our family would like to spread awareness about the importance of mammograms, self-checks, and early detection of breast cancer,” Nicole added. “There is no doubt in my mind if my mom had been having yearly mammograms, she would have caught it early, and she would still be here.”

For additional information about this upcoming event, visit Nicole Atwell’s profile page on Facebook. Nicole can also be contacted via Facebook messenger or by calling 270-473-0713.