Bea Becker’s amazingly optimistic outlook on life can’t be diminished by the fact she has survived three separate bouts of cancer and lost three beloved brothers to the dreaded disease. For more than 25 years Becker has volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society to help those diagnosed with cancer during their recovery and has participated in the Relay for Life event for more than a decade since it first came to Osoyoos. In her free time, Becker loves to tend to her beautiful garden outside the Osoyoos homes she shares with her husband Jack. Photo by Keith Lacey.
Bea Becker is too positive a person and loves life too much to be overwhelmed with the devastation cancer has caused in her life.
Despite the fact she has survived three separate bouts of cancer and has lost three brothers to the dreaded disease and had two more brothers survive as well, Becker remains one of the most grateful and optimistic people you will ever meet.
“I consider myself very blessed,” said Becker, 84, a woman who exudes charm and passion for life. “I’ve been through a lot, but so have many people my age. I’m enjoying life as much as I ever have. I’m healthy and able to live a normal life, so I couldn’t ask for much more.
“My main message I want to send to everyone is cancer can be beaten.”
Becker and her husband Jack, a retired RCMP officer, settled in Osoyoos 31 years ago. Originally from small-town Saskatchewan, she’s a retired registered nurse.
Becker and her husband have been married for more than 58 years and are the proud parents of three children.
Since retiring, Becker has dedicated much of her free time to volunteer work and is very well-known throughout the Osoyoos area for her years of commitment to working with cancer patients through the Canadian Cancer Society.
“Because of my history with cancer, a lot of my volunteer work with the cancer society has been working with people when they are first diagnosed with cancer,” said Becker. “I have been there and know all of the different stages you go through when you are first diagnosed.
“I’ve been able to help a lot of people and that has provided me with a lot of satisfaction through the years.”
Her dedication to volunteerism and helping people with cancer also extends to her participation in the annual Relay for Life event, which is scheduled for Gyro Park in Osoyoos on Saturday, June 23, from noon until midnight.
“I’ve been involved in every relay since it started here,” said Becker proudly. “It’s a fantastic event and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Becker knows more about cancer than most ever should.
She lost her oldest brother Donald to cancer when he was only 45 years of age. Her second oldest brother Arthur also died from cancer, but did manage to live until age 81. Her third oldest brother Raymond, 90, has survived three different bouts with cancer and three different types. Brother Frank, who is a few years younger than Bea, was diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago “but he’s doing fine.”
Her youngster brother Joe died from colon cancer at age 56.
“There were the seven brothers and myself and all but two of us have had cancer,” said Becker. “Sometimes it’s hard to believe, but that’s just the way it has been and there’s not really much you can do about it.”
Becker was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 1976.
“It was rather advanced and the doctors told me I didn’t have much choice but to have a mastectomy,” said Becker. “Then about eight or nine years ago, I was diagnosed with melanoma and had to have surgery to have that removed.
“Two years ago, breast cancer returned and I had a second mastectomy. That’s the bad news. The good news is I underwent radiation and it worked very well and I recovered really quickly and I’ve been clean and healthy since.”
When she was first diagnosed 37 years ago, Becker said her only concerns were for her husband and children.
“I had three teenagers at home and two of them were girls and my only thoughts were about them and hoping they would never have to go through this,” said Becker. “That’s what happens when you’re a mother … you care more about your children than you do yourself.
“I’m glad to say both of my girls are fine.”
As a longtime nurse and cancer survivor, Becker says the advances in medicine and technology have been remarkable.
“When I was first diagnosed, a lot of people thought that meant you were going to die,” she said. “As a nurse, I knew that wasn’t the case, but it used to be very scary. It’s still scary, but the vast majority of people who get cancer now can survive.
“The key to me is early diagnosis. If you feel a lump or you feel something just isn’t right, you have to go and see your doctor and get checked out. If they catch it early, a large percentage of cancers can be beaten and you can lead a normal and healthy life. Early detection is crucial.”
Besides her family and career, dedicating 25 years of her life to being a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society is one of her proudest achievements, said Becker.
“I recently received my 25-year medal and I’m very proud of that,” she said. “Being able to volunteer and help people has been a big part of my life. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and seen so many people beat this disease … and that’s brought a lot of happiness and joy into my life.”
The level of medical care in the South Okanagan is excellent with local doctors doing a wonderful job and the cancer clinic in Kelowna one of the very best in the province, said Becker.
Being able to participate in the Relay for Life again this year is something she really looks forward to, said Becker.
“I find it a very uplifting, emotional and wonderful experience every year,” she said. “You’re surrounded by other survivors and you spend the whole day walking and talking to other people who have gone through the same thing you have and it makes you feel good.
“Everybody in town also really gets behind this event and the amount of support is incredible. It’s a very special event for me and I know for everyone else who participates.”
Becker said having a strong and loyal support network is ultimately the most important thing you need when battling cancer.
“My family and friends have truly been wonderful,” she said. “I’ve received tremendous support from the first day I was diagnosed with cancer and everyone I care about has been so supportive. I don’t know where I would be without them.”
