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Jean Weybright and Cancer Clinical Trials
Jean Weybright’s fight against breast cancer has two chapters. The first chapter begins with her beautiful daughter Mary more than 8 years ago. According to mom, “Mary was a real free spirit.” At a young age, Mary got interested in medicine and became a nurse. Unfortunately, the week after Mary got her nursing degree, she found out she had breast cancer. Despite her illness, Mary worked up until two weeks before she died – at the age of thirty-two. Jean is strong to emphasize that Mary was an advocate for others. Mary’s second son Jake was born with Down Syndrome, and she worked hard to implement educational opportunities for other children like Jake. And in this case, like daughter like mother. So starts the second chapter of Jean’s fight against breast cancer. In October of 2003, Jean attended LRMC’s Victorian Tea, an event sponsored by the Hospital, Foundation and Cancer Center for breast cancer awareness. At the tea, Jean learned about a clinical trial for postmenopausal women at increased risk of breast cancer (but who do not currently have breast cancer). Following in her daughter’s footsteps as an advocate for others, Jean enrolled in the STAR Clinical Trial (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene). By participating in research, Jean is helping find new cures and change how breast cancer is treated. Jean says, “Seeing her daughter go through so much research, she had a pretty good idea of what it would be like.” Before beginning, Jean underwent a variety of tests. Nurses then started her on the medication. “You don’t know if you’re getting the real drug or the placebo – unless you have symptoms,” she notes. Jean believes she’s on the real drugs, due to some side effects she’s experienced. For the next five years, Jean will continue with the study. She says, “If you want to leave something that will benefit your future grandchildren and children, this is a place to do it.” Jean hopes her efforts will make people more aware of the disease so that they pay more attention to themselves and the people around them. At the Foundation, it is our hope that Jean and her husband will remain healthy as a reward for helping future generations. These two, who were recently recognized as volunteers of the year for Polk County, are vital citizens to this area. Moreover, Jean shares the philosophy of the LRMC Foundation, which helps to fund these trials. Both are participating because – it’s the right thing to do for our community.
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