By Zoe Harrison
Photo by Tindall Stephens
Crystal Freeman, 48, is a dedicated mom of three, an avid hiker and backpacker, and a two-time breast cancer survivor who is giving back to other cancer patients and survivors. Crystal was first diagnosed with stage 2 ductile carcinoma in situ breast cancer in 2012 at 36, and at the time, her treatment resulted in a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. In 2015, Crystal’s doctors found that the cancer had returned, this time in her clavicle, and required radiation. What followed was eight grueling years of monthly injections to suppress her estrogen and progesterone levels and keep her cancer at bay. Last year, Crystal’s doctor was finally able to take her off the injections, and she is able to receive the same treatment in pill form at a lower dose.
Before her cancer diagnosis, Crystal enjoyed running and competed in half marathons. However, once her treatment began to take a toll on her body, she was no longer able to enjoy running like she once had. When she started to miss her exercise and time spent outdoors, Crystal and a small group of friends decided to try hiking. Now, they take at least one annual 50-mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail and plan to continue their section hikes until they complete the entire trail. Crystal is drawn to the steady training and self-motivation she finds in hiking, saying, “You are the one who fails if you don’t prepare. When I know I have a hike planned, I do everything I can to ensure I am in the best shape possible.”
Crystal’s training includes sleeping and eating well, going to a trainer for strength training twice a week, and going on practice hikes to prepare. As the trip grows closer, Crystal will center her workouts around whether the hike is primarily uphill or downhill and will incorporate a weighted backpack to simulate the feeling of hiking with her gear. “Spending time outdoors with friends and feeling that sense of accomplishment when the trip is over are the best parts for me,” Crystal says.
In addition to hiking, Crystal has found another way to feel fulfilled by giving back to West Cancer Center and supporting other cancer patients. “There are so many feelings that are hard to cope with after a cancer diagnosis, and people are so scared of what to do and recurrence. It brings me a lot of joy to be able to mentor other breast cancer patients during their difficult journey,” Crystal says. Additionally, Crystal even ran the coffee shop at West Cancer Center as another way to help support the organization.
Now, Crystal is living in Como, MS, where she runs a Bed & Breakfast and coffee shop. She continues to give back to the cancer community by making mastectomy pillows with her church group at Senatobia Church of Christ and continues to mentor other breast cancer patients. “As difficult as my experience was, I want to take everything I went through and learned and use it to help other women in need.”
Are you interested in supporting West Cancer Center? Visit Westcancerfoundation.org to learn more about how you can help the fight against cancer.
