Surviving cancer with a smile

Natalia Oh, Contributor

"As strange as it sounds, fighting breast cancer has been an amazing journey. I don't sit and worry about death because I don't live with despair," notes Nora Wiggan. As she opens up to Outlook and shares her story, you can see the joy beaming in her eyes.

Growing up in rural St Ann in the small district of Aboukir, she describes her childhood as a wonderful one, because it was a slower time then, and as she tells it, "Memories of old, old Jamaica were evident in humble, simple and giving people."

She was an only child, raised by her mother Katherine Shaw, and her aunt Vera.

Wiggan has called Mandeville, Manchester, her home for more than 30 years, a place where she spent many wonderful years with her late husband, Winston. She is a mother, grandmother, friend and confidante to many, and has handled the unexpected turn of cancer like she does everything else in life - with valour, which in fact is the definition of her name - Nora.

'When I found out I had cancer, though I never hid it, it was not an easy decision to go public with it. There is still a stigma attached to illnesses in Jamaica, so I can understand why some people choose to hide it from others. If one decides to keep one's journey private, we should respect their choice. I know that when I decided to share it and open myself for prayers and love, it came flooding in. I have received love from so many on this journey that it has restored my faith in humanity. My daughter's co-workers made a blanket and prayed over it and sent it from overseas; these are the simple things that heal the soul. I am overjoyed with the love and support I've received, and had I decided to keep it private, I would not have realised that there is healing in love."

She continued: "I never said, 'why me?', and honestly, it must have been the prayers of others that lifted me because I never felt bewildered or sorry for myself." She admits that the nights are hard, now that her sleeping pattern has changed. Waking up at 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. is lonely, but she refers to it as 'God's night classes' because when you are there alone going through difficulties, God has you. She believes that in that time, "He wakes me up to communicate with me."

Her outlook is positive and inspiring; it can be emulated by anyone because she has not allowed cancer to define her, but rather, she holds to the philosophy that "God uses us when He's ready as each of us contributes in our own way in this puzzle of life."

She shares some lessons she has learned along the winding road of life. These are:

Have a support system;

Encourage others;

Pray: She has learned that prayer is just talking to God.

She has recently received good reports about her cancer levels from the doctors, who have been very supportive throughout this journey. The things some people take for granted bring her great joy. For example, she has rediscovered her love for reading, and has begun taking dance classes. Nora Wiggan is enjoying her life one day at a time.

How do you spend your weekends?

My weekends are pretty random. I treasure the time spent with my children, grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoy unexpected visits from loved ones.

What is your favourite vacation spot in Jamaica?

I have fond memories of Turtle Beach Towers as we spent many vacations there when the children we younger.

What is your dream international vacation spot?

I've always wanted to visit London. It is rich in history with museums and galleries, and I would cherish the experience of seeing in person what I've read in books for years.

Who is your favourite author?

Erma Bombeck. She is a humorist and she finds 'the funny' in everyday experiences.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

My mother always told me to speak the truth and you will never be concerned with your memory.

What is the charity that you are most passionate about?

Missionaries of the Poor. They provide hands-on care, food and shelter for the homeless and destitute.