AND TO ALL, A GOOD LIFE CANCER SURVIVOR KEEPS THE MOOD MERRY.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - 'Twas the night before chemo, and all through the room,

Not a patient was stirring, from Ativan I presume. ...

And so begins Heather Warrick's poem, a twist on the classic Christmas tale that blends humor and hope with the realities of surviving cancer.

Warrick, 35, wrote the poem for a holiday dinner last week for local cancer survivors and their families. She wanted to bring smiles to those in the room, she said. She wanted to tell them that, as a cancer survivor herself, she knows what it's like to undergo chemotherapy, the side effects, and the medication used to soothe the pain away.

``Especially during the holidays, it can be hard for cancer patients to feel cheerful when you are fighting for your life,'' she said. ``I wanted to share some fun, lighthearted laughter, and give a poignant message of hope and courage.''

As the manager of health programs for the Santa Clarita Valley Unit of the American Cancer Society, Warrick is no stranger to the feelings of those she serves in the community. Her career runs parallel to her own experiences. When she was 24 and preparing to become a nurse, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She turned to the American Cancer Society for guidance and support.''

That was 10 years ago. Since then, she has been told she had cancer again - two more times in the same breast.

``The first time, I was devastated,'' she said. ``The second time, I was furious. Why again? I kept saying. Then the third time a year and a half ago, I wasn't mad or devastated. I hate to say it, but I had so much practice, so I'm in fight mode.''

In her poem, Warrick describes how a magical, Santa Claus-like figure has come to lead the way to find a cure:

When, what to my wondering eyes did I see?

Eight tiny nurses giggling with glee.

Leading the pack was an oncologist so sweet,

With a mission of cancer that they would beat. ...

Those who know Warrick said her poem reflects her strength of character.

``I call her the antidote for a bad day,'' said Warrick's supervisor Jill Arnstein, community director of the American Cancer Society for the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys. ``She is upbeat, creative, sensitive, bright, and just has the greatest perspective on life. She's an angel on earth.''

Others said Warrick, who started out as a volunteer for the society and worked her way up to an employee, is committed to the community.

``To look at her, you wouldn't know what she's been through,'' said friend Donna Ashmore, an oncology nurse for the Santa Clarita Valley UCLA Cancer. ``She has so much courage, but also humor. She's very prominent among the youth in the community. She started a youth group four years ago called Choose Hope. She has received several awards. She just deals with her cancer very straightforward.''

Warrick, who was born and raised in Canyon Country, credits her husband for taking her hand when she was 24 and guiding her toward a hopeful road.

``I used to be a pessimistic person, but after I was diagnosed, it forced me to step up to the plate and deal with things,'' she said.

She also said that, in the 10 years since she was diagnosed that first time, much has changed in the field of cancer research, including more kinds of therapy.

``I always say I'm lucky to be alive,'' Warrick said. ``All the research that has been done has allowed me to have more options with chemo. Years ago, you might only have two chemos to choose from. Now I have more options.''

Her goals for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society include making the community aware of all the services offered at the local chapter at 20655 Soledad Canyon Road, including free transportation for cancer patients to their treatments, as well as wigs, hats and scarves, among other items for those undergoing chemotherapy, and educational programs that teach about early detection and prevention.

The local chapter serves about 100 people a year, she said. The organization is about to kick off its Daffodil Days campaign in January, in which daffodils can be purchased and sent to a cancer patient at the local hospital. Those interested can call [phone].

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

Cancer survivor Heather Warrick manages health programs at the American Cancer Society's Santa Clarita Valley unit.

David Crane/Staff Photographer