The lives and legacies of 2 Abilene breast cancer advocates
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Key City is mourning the loss of two women who made an impact on the community. Denice Bailey and Jenna Dozier battled cancer themselves while working with multiple non-profit organizations to raise awareness about early detection and research.
Cynthia Pearson, a longtime friend of Bailey’s, said she had known her since they were in kindergarten. Pearson is the President of Day Nursery of Abilene, and Bailey was the board chair in 2003, though Bailey’s impact at Day Nursery was years long. Pearson admired her friend for her academics and how powerful a businesswoman she was. She stressed that if Bailey believed in something, she was all in.
Bailey faced a diagnosis of breast cancer around 2019, navigating through the challenges of treatment and eventually experiencing a period of remission. However, she was diagnosed with again.
Although Bailey no longer lived in Abilene, she continued to make an impact on those who knew her. Recently, Bailey decided to go into hospice, no longer seeking treatment for breast cancer. This was when Pearson decided to honor her friend by hosting a hike – her loved ones walking for a cause.
“I was so overwhelmed when I pulled into the parking lot and saw all those cars. The Lord told me to do it, and I did it because I knew it would bless her. I was hoping for a different outcome, but I’m not in charge of that,” said Pearson.
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Robyn Wertheim, a breast cancer survivor and longtime friend of Bailey, joined Cynthia’s walk, offering support and empathy to those fighting the disease.
“People from all segments of Bailey’s lives gather together, praying and holding them up,” added Wertheim.
Wertheim shared she is in remission and, in August, will celebrate five years cancer-free. Through her diagnosis, Bailey was there every step of the way.
“She made sure my attitude stayed good, then when she was diagnosed and started her treatment, we would, of course, compare research doctors,” explained Wertheim.
Michelle Mickey has been friends with Bailey for 29 years. She added that every time Bailey was faced with a challenge, she would find a way to power through.
“She spoke any chance she could get about the importance of getting your mammograms and how important it is for women’s health,” Mickey shared. “[She] went into remission, then it came back, then she just been battling it off and on for so many years,” explained Mickey.
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This week, Abilene lost another breast cancer advocate, Jenna Dozier, but she never let cancer stop her from living life with a positive attitude.
“Jenna was also one of our models for the style show for Fashions for the Cure. They both have this strong go-getter spirit, very positive; they both lived life to the fullest,” added Mickey.
Dozier was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 20s and fought courageously for more than 15 years.
Trish Dressen, with Laura Bush Institute for Women’s Health, shared that she will be missed by many, but she will never, never be forgotten.
“Cancer may have been the end of her journey, but it never stole her infectious spirit and passion for life. Instead, her journey became a beacon, a call for early detection, a voice for so many women of every age to embrace their health,” Dressen shared. “Yes, she battled cancer, but it never defined who she was. Her greatest joy came from lifting up other women from every walk of life and especially supporting those walking a similar path. This week, a bright light dimmed with her loss, but the fire of her fight burns stronger through her enormous legacy of advocating for women’s health.”
Both of these women stressed the need for early detection, research, and overall awareness about breast cancer. Their loved ones continue to honor them by doing what they love doing most.
“Build yourself a team of friends who will walk with you through anything. That’s what Denice did, and that’s what made her special to all of us, and that’s what made us special to her,” said Wertheim.
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