HPU employee, cancer survivor walks for awareness

BROWNWOOD—When asked how long she has been a survivor of breast cancer, Cynthia Givan is quick to reply, “Eight years, praise the Lord!”

Givan, administrative assistant at Howard Payne University’s Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, joined about 160 other participants in the third annual Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness at Howard Payne.

Givan’s team, Academy Angels for Life, came in second place for fundraising at the event that raised $4,357 for the Alliance for Women and Children of Abilene. Funds will help with transportation needs for Brown County women to access medical facilities in Abilene for breast and cervical cancer education, detection services and treatment.

“The walk-a-thon was a great event to get the student body, faculty and staff to think about breast cancer and raise awareness,” Givan said. 

More than 20 teams participated in the event, which has grown each year since its inception in 2006.

The Academy Angels for Life, a team composed of students, faculty and staff members of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom honors program, held several events throughout October to raise funds, including a breakfast burrito day on campus.

Reflecting on her personal experience with breast cancer in 2000, Givan said the encouragement she received was a blessing, particularly from her church. At the time, she attended a Methodist congregation. Now, she is part of Coggin Avenue Baptist Church in Brownwood.

Howard Payne University cashier Darla Collier and Becky Burt, administrative assistant for the school’s physical plant, participate in a walk for cancer awareness. (PHOTO/Kalie Lowrie/Howard Payne University)

“It was amazing how many people supported us, prayed for us and cooked for us,” she said. “I did not have to cook a meal for five months. Starting Aug. 18, my Sunday school class made our family three meals a week through December 1.”

She fondly recalls a college friend who encouraged her acquaintances to send hats and scarves to Givan during her time in chemotherapy.

“It was so fun to go out to the mailbox every day for almost two months and find a present. The support and love that was shown during that time was astounding,” she said.

During the difficult months of chemotherapy and radiation, Givan found great hope in God.

“He showed my family that you may think what you have is bad, but there are so many people who have it so much worse. I learned to look around and be thankful,” she said. Eight years later, now she walks for a cause dear to her heart.