By GAGE WILSON
For GlasgowNews1
Editor’s Note: In the weeks leading up to the CARE Power Hour Luncheon, GlasgowNews1 is sharing the stories of survivors who show the strength, hope, and impact behind this annual event. Read all stories in the series here.
At 69 years old, Kathy Sanders has earned a reputation among the staff at T.J. Regional Health, though perhaps not for the reasons one might expect from a cancer patient.
“Well they call me Trouble,” Sanders said with a laugh.
The nickname fits. Whether it’s arriving to treatment wearing bunny ears for Easter or keeping an eye out for a red, white and blue tutu ahead of her July appointment, Sanders has made it a point to bring joy and humor into a place many people associate with fear.
That sense of lightness was hard-won.
A Green County native who grew up on a farm alongside seven siblings, Sanders describes herself as a former “wild child” who enjoys working around her home, embroidery and listening to gospel music. But in 2022, her life changed dramatically when what initially appeared to be a heart-related issue turned out to be something far more serious.
After weeks of visits to T.J. Regional Health, Sanders finally got an answer, though not delivered with much grace.
“This little girl comes in, I reckon she was a doctor, and she said, ‘Well you’ve got cancer,’ just like that,” Sanders recalled. “You just lose it. You start to cry for days and nights.”
The diagnosis was lung cancer.
The news became even more devastating when Sanders was told she may have only six to nine months to live.
Faced with that reality, Sanders underwent CT scans, PET scans and a biopsy as doctors worked to determine the best path forward. Rather than traditional chemotherapy, physicians recommended immunotherapy.
More than four years later, that treatment continues to work.
As of earlier this month, Sanders said she has undergone more than 60 immunotherapy treatments, far exceeding the timeline she was once given.
Along the way, the treatment room became something unexpected: a place of community.
Sanders speaks warmly about the nurses and staff who have cared for her throughout her journey, describing them not simply as medical professionals but as people who helped carry her through some of the hardest days of her life.
That connection is part of what motivates her to keep showing up with a smile and, occasionally, a costume.
“In April for Easter I wore a pair of bunny ears and had a little cottontail,” she said.
For Sanders, humor has become a form of resilience, a way of reclaiming joy even in the midst of uncertainty.
Faith has also become central to her recovery.
Sanders said her cancer diagnosis fundamentally changed her spiritual life, drawing her into a deeper relationship with God. The woman who once described herself as a “wild child” now leans heavily on prayer, something she recommends to anyone facing a similar battle.
Recently, a friend of hers was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Sanders did not hesitate to offer encouragement.
“I told him, honey, just do what they tell you to do, they know what they’re doing,” she said. “And pray, pray as hard as you can. God will help you and he’ll see you through this. And if you need me, if you need someone to talk to, even if you just need a hug, I’m here for you.”
She also credits her family as one of the biggest reasons she has been able to keep fighting.
From driving her to treatments to simply being present, Sanders said their support has been invaluable throughout every stage of her journey.
Today, Sanders’ story stands as a reminder that survivorship is not defined solely by medicine, but by the people, faith and moments of joy that help sustain someone through the fight.
And if Sanders has anything to say about it, that fight is going to continue with a little flair.
After all, she still needs to find that tutu.
The CARE Power Hour Luncheon, presented in memory of Geraldine Flowers Glass, will be held Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the T.J. Health Pavilion Community Center. Proceeds from the event benefit Community Medical Care’s Breaking Barriers to Care program, helping local cancer patients with transportation to treatments, nutritional support, mastectomy supplies, wigs, head coverings, and other resources that ease the burden during their fight. This year’s luncheon will feature keynote speaker Tiffany Layne Somerville. Tickets are $50 and are available at tjregionalhealth.org/carepowerhour.
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