WINTER 2015
COMPLIMENTARY
CELEBRATING, MOTIVATING, AND EDUCATING WOMEN
Real
TM
MEET
David Hoffman as he shares his story, Hoffman Has Heart!
GOOSE CREEK | HANAHAN | MONCKS CORNER | MOUNT PLEASANT | NORTH CHARLESTON | SUMMERVILLE | WEST ASHLEY
In this Issue
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Lori Samples Duncan loriduncan86@gmail.com
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE Cathy Williams info@woman2womanonline.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carol Ryall Kimberly Richardson Lori Samples Duncan Melissa Pelkey Hass Patti McGrath
From the Editor
2 We’re Four Years Old!
Events
3 What’s Happening?
The Front Porch Gourmet GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lindsey Duncan woman2womanlindsey@gmail.com
COVER PHOTO
Evan Laetther Photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
Evan Laetther Photography Robert Patrick Image Design Tammy Bevins Photography
4 Espresso Rubbed Filet Mignon with Bleu Cheese Mushroom Gravy
Let’s Talk
23 Springhall Esthetics 26 Haven’t Heard of ABUS?
Personal Note 28 My Baby Boy
Business & Web Directory 29 Contact our Advertisers
7 Female Engineer Bethany Fralick
9 Triple Crown In South Carolina
Professional
12 Hoffman Has Heart 16 Blessed to be a Single Woman
Celebrating the Survivor in You!
18 God is Still in the Healing Business Find us on facebook!
Charleston Woman Magazine Woman 2 Woman Publishing (803) 785-4475 104 Pine Tree Drive Lexington, SC 29073
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. © 2014
Health & Wellness
20 Your Health is Important. No Ifs, Ands, or Butts About It.
Read Dr. Margarita Murphy’s Story Page 20! www.charlestonwomanonline.com
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W
e’re Four Years Old! The last four years have been an amazing journey in getting to know you. We at CWM are looking forward to many more.
This Spring/Heart issue has been lots of fun to put together for you, as always. We enjoyed learning about a new technology that Trident Medical has that can help in the fight against Breast Cancer. We know it isn’t October but Breast Cancer happens 365 days a year. In our Heart issue we chose to put Dave Hoffman on the cover with his Pink columns because February is Heart Month. Kindness is a heart issue, and we feel “Hoffman has Heart”. His efforts in awareness by painting, then repainting, his columns make him the CWM Good Guy award recipient! Tell our advertisers where you saw them. They have made a commitment to you, the Charleston Woman Reader, to provide you with quality services and products. Without their support we would not be able to bring CWM to you as a complimentary publication. If you would like to make sure you never miss an issue, please subscribe online or via email. We always want to know what you think and how we are doing. Feel free to email us or drop us a line to let us know. Thank you for your faithfulness is supporting us over the last four years. Happy Birthday to us! God Bless You All from our families to yours, Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
Lori Samples Duncan Editor-In-Cheif
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real Women Women
Events
What’s HAPPENING? Jason Aldean: Burn It Down Tour 02/14/2015 North Charleston Coliseum 5001 Coliseum Dr., North Charleston Jason Aldean will bring his 2015 Burn It Down Tour to the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, February 14. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 5 at 10am at Ticketmaster.com, LiveNation.com, via the Live Nation app, at the Coliseum Advance Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 800-745-3000. Special Guests: Cole Swindell & Tyler Farr For more info or to purchase tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com. Presented by Live Nation.
Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery 02/15/15 The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre - 164 Church Street Join Sherlock Holmes for an Historical City Tour truly for the lazy — where without ever leaving your theatre seat you will explore Charleston’s past, present, and ... other worldly ... and where should you choose to volunteer you may actually play a victim, villain or vile vision in The Case of Sherlock Holmes and the Charleston History Mystery! $24 Adults, $22 College/Military, $15 Children 12 and Under. Please see the website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen One Year Anniversary Celebration 02/19/2015 Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen 218 President Street, Charleston
able for parties of 8 or larger.
Oysters on the Point & Market 02/21/2015 Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina- On the Beach 20 Patriots Point Blvd. Enjoy an afternoon of oysters and live music on the water at “Oysters on the Point” from 2 - 6 pm. This event features live music by The Bushels, $9 buckets of oysters, and a build your own Bloody Mary bar. $5 admission, kids 12 and under are free.
Light the Night Walk Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park 71 Harry Hallman Boulevard Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 November 6, 2014 at 7:00pm
The Light the Night Walk will be held on Thursday, November 6, at the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park starting at 7pm. Walkers will carry illuminated balloons - white for survivors, red for supporters and gold in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. Light The Night Walk raises funds for treatments that are saving the lives of patients today. LLS is making cures happen by providing patient support services, advocacy for lifesaving treatments and the most promising cancer research anywhere.
students to experience a special event hosted by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission in February. Celebrating the traditions and histories of Africa and the Diaspora, the African American Heritage Festival will take place at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park on Friday, Feb. 27. From it’s roots in Africa to the Americas, and especially South Carolina, elementary and middle school students will be immersed in African American culture and history through a variety of activities including demonstrations, reenactments, performances and hands-on experiences. Students will tour through several exhibit areas. Demonstrations and presentations will include the following topics: · Harriet Tubman and the Civil War · The Magic of Stories and Music from Sierra Leone · Exploring Gullah Culture · Capoeira Charleston · And many others! Events will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Feb. 27, and students will have the opportunity to visit each demonstration area. Registration fees are $8 per student. One chaperone per every eight students receives free admission. Pre-registration is required to participate in this event.
African American Heritage Festival 02/27/2015 North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 8888 University Boulevard, North Charleston (Hwy. 78)
In honor of Black History month, educators throughout the Lowcountry and beyond are invited to bring their
Lee Lee’s Hot Kitchen will celebrate its 1 year anniversary & the Chinese New Year with a customer appreciation dinner featuring traditional dishes and customs on February 19th. The dishes have significance in the Chinese culture and represent overall good health, strong families and wealth in the New Year. There will be many new dishes and many traditional dishes to choose from. Lee Lee’s will also have dancing dragons, firecrackers, drink specials, and other festive Chinese flare on hand. All items will be priced and ordered a la carte. Dinner service from 5pm-10pm. Reservations are availwww.charlestonwomanonline.com
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The Front Porch Gourmet
Espresso Rubbed Filet Mignon with Bleu
Cheese Mushroom Gravy By: Melissa Pelkey Hass 4
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real
Women
The Front Porch Gourmet
I
know, I know. Most of you are probably really missing summertime; the beaches, shorts and t-shirts, flip flops. Me? I’m right at home in a wintry wonderland; snow capped mountains, sweaters and the crackling fireplace. While you may be missing the fresh summer salads, Pinot Grigios, pina coladas and mai tais, I’m really good with bourbon, whiskey and cabernets. And bring on the soups, stews and chilis while you’re at it! Even though nothing beats a cute flip flop, my love for winter may be the only indication I received any traits from my New York born and bred father. That said, fall and winter seasonal foods do not have to be limited to just soups and stews. Don’t get me wrong, I do love a good spicy chili or creamy potato soup or clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, but what I REALLY like in the winter is a hearty, stick to your ribs, Southern Comforting meal like this Espresso Rubbed Filet Mignon with a Bleu Cheese Mushroom gravy. Oh YEAH baby! NOW you are speaking my winter love language!
4 Filet Mignon Steaks – This recipe will work with any cut of steak you prefer 1/2 cup Espresso 1/2 cup Espresso Balsamic Vinegar – Or a good aged balsamic 1 cup good olive oil 1 tbsp. salt 1 tbsp. pepper …For the gravy: 1 wedge Bleu cheese – I prefer Rogue Creamery Smoky Blue or Rogue River Blue 2 tbsp. good olive oil 2 cups fresh mushrooms 1 tbsp. fresh Rosemary, chopped 1 cup beef stock 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup good red wine 1 tbsp. flour 2 tbsp. butter Salt & pepper to taste Directions: Add vinegar and oil to a ziplock bag and allow steaks to marinate at least 4 hours. Remove from marinade and place on a plate in the fridge until steaks are dry. Remove from fridge and allow the steaks to come to room temperature. Blend salt, pepper and Espresso. Rub steaks on all sides with seasoning blend. Prepare on grill to your preference or by pan searing on the stovetop and finishing in the oven until your desired temperature is reached. Gravy: For the gravy, heat oil over medium high heat in a skillet. Add mushrooms, salt & pepper. Saute’ about 5 minutes. Add wine and allow to reduce for about 2 minutes. Add beef stock and Rosemary, then whisk in flour until smooth. Add heavy cream. Whisk in bleu cheese until smooth. Allow to simmer about ten minutes until thickened. Whisk in butter. Serve over steaks and also excellent over rice or mashed potatoes.
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Let’s Talk
Female Engineer
Bethany Fralick By: Patti McGrath
I Bethany Fralick Dr. Bethany Fralick, Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of South Carolina Aiken, has enjoyed STEM since a young age and is now teaching students in pre-engineering courses. “During grade school, I really enjoyed my math classes. Math just seemed to make sense to me; I could figure out a process and apply a method to solving problems well,” she recalls. “I enjoyed my sciences courses as well. I appreciated methods and processes in learning more than memorizing dates and words. I still do not excel in memorization, but enjoy the idea of solving a problem with my knowledge and skills gained through experience. Middle school was the time when I developed my appreciation for math and science; I just ‘got it’ when it came to these classes.” “My father introduced me to science, math, and engineering. Being the oldest of three children, a lot of responsibility was placed on me like helping with indoor and outdoor chores while maintaining good grades. Through this responsibility to our family life, I became very interested in hands-on tasks,” Dr. Fralick explains. “I also never played with traditional girl toys. My parents always gave me
f you haven’t heard the term STEM in the news recently, chances are you will in the very near future. STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and employers are looking for people with skills in these areas. In fact, 62% of jobs today require STEM skills, but South Carolina isn’t producing enough college educated workers to fill the projected STEM jobs over the next decade. The state particularly needs females in these positions. The ratio of women in STEM fields is significantly lower than that of men. interactive, building type toys. I loved Legos and erector sets as a child. Unbeknownst to my parents’ years ago, I would take apart appliances in our home just to see how they worked. Most of the time I successfully put them back together; a few items were replaced in less than working order. This love for interactive toys and problem solving as a child was a direct result of my home environment and flourished into a professional appreciation for engineering.” Getting girls interested in science and math at a young age, and encouraging them to pursue these interests, may help them choose STEM careers as they grow older. But, some parents may wonder, why STEM subjects are so important to students? “STEM subjects directly affect everyday life. These subjects are very important for students to not only master, but appreciate because they impact how we live,” Dr. Fralick states. “A strong foundation in STEM enables students to excel in successful and growing fields in industry. Many businesses are thriving due to their emphasis on problem solving for everyday life. The STEM subjects best prepare us for this type of career and advancement.”
Women are under-represented in engineering as men dominate the field. This didn’t negatively affect Dr. Fralick’s career choice. “I love the process of engineering,” says Dr. Fralick. “All types of engineering and courses in engineering revolve around learning and applying knowledge to solve a problem. No two problems are the same; therefore, engineers must retain a large amount of knowledge and apply parts of it at different times and in varying order. I truly enjoy the feeling of victory after solving a problem; every time it feels like I have learned something new. This idea that I will always learn something new is what makes my job my passion. I enjoy teaching students how to apply knowledge in different ways to be successful.” Dr. Fralick currently teaches pre-engineering courses which cater to six main fields of engineering: biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical. “I hope students leave my courses with an appreciation for the process. I hope they understand no two problems they will ever face as engineers will be the same and that they will be able to approach these problems head-on,” she states. “I strive to provide students with the tools necessary for success; these tools
can be anything from knowledge and visual understanding to a set of guidelines and a sense of ethical responsibility. I encourage my students to think about the process of getting from the start to the end and embrace the uniqueness of each individual solution. Engineering is not cookie-cutter. The students’ success depends on their abilities to start, fail, and restart until the end is reached. They must remember to be resilient and have faith in the process I try to teach them every day.” Currently, the USC Aiken Engineering program is for the student’s first two years, then they would transfer to USC in Columbia. However, a four year degree in Engineering is in the process of being approved by regulatory and accreditation committees. USC Aiken anticipates being able to offer a four year bachelor degree in industrial process engineering in the fall of 2015. As the demand for careers in STEM rises in South Carolina, let’s hope the state can provide qualified, educated workers so the jobs stay with South Carolinians – especially with the women in South Carolina.
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The Triple Crown in South Carolina By: Carol A. Ryall
F
or three consecutive Saturdays each March, Aiken invites horse-loving South Carolinians to celebrate all things equestrian with them during their time-honored Triple Crown events. The Aiken Trials initiates the Triple Crown, followed by Aiken Steeplechase and climaxing with Aiken Polo. The Aiken Trials began in 1942 as a way to give young horses in training the experience of live racing. The jockeys are usually the same local riders who exercise them every morning, but occasionally a trainer will bring a licensed jockey in to compete. The gates at the Aiken Training Track (538 Two Notch Road, SE, Aiken, SC 29801) open at 10:00 on March 14th. The Opening Ceremonies and Carriage Parade take place at 1:00 pm and races commence at 2:00 pm. In addition to seeing the beautiful animals and watching them race, spectators partake of delicious tailgating indulgences, enjoy the Hat Contest, and engage in some good-natured wagering on favorites. There are also a variety of vendors’ booths to browse. “It’s a fun, family event where everyone really gets an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and personal,” commented Nikki Bargeloh, Aiken Trials Treasurer. If you want to get a head start on the weekend, plan to go to the Breakfast at The Gallops. You can meet some of Aiken's leading authorities in the Thoroughbred racing industry and watch the future stars' morning workouts at the intimate and entertaining fundraiser for the Aiken Thoroughbred Hall
Of Fame and Museum, to be held from 8 to 10 am, Friday, March 13, at the trainers stand at the track. For tickets to the Trials or the Breakfast, go to www.aikentrials.com . The Aiken Steeplechase Association is your host for the 49th Running of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase, where you “see horses fly.” The Spring Steeplechase is a Rite-of-Spring for many who return each year to join friends and family for a fun and exciting day in a beautiful location. The first event on the National Steeplechase Association’s calendar, you will see horses from up and down the Atlantic Seaboard. With up to 30,000 present, it’s the largest event, and is held March 21, at the Aiken Horse Park, located at 931 Powder House Road, Aiken, SC 29801. Besides the races and tailgating, you can also visit their Village of Shops; enter the Best Hat Contest for the Ladies or the Gents’ Crazy Pants contest. Gates open at 9:30, with races starting at 1 pm. At 1:15 pm, the Four-in-Hand Carriage parade, featuring beautifully decorated carriages and gorgeous horses, takes place. Races begin again at 1:30 and run until 3:30 pm. Whether you’re going high style to the Tent Party or Tailgating more casually, it is sure to be an enjoyable day. Tickets are available
at www.aikensteeplechase.com or by calling 803 648-9641. Pacers and Polo, the 3rd Leg of the Aiken Triple Crown, is held at Powderhouse Polo Field, Powder House Road, Aiken, SC, Saturday March 28 (Rain date, Sunday, March 29). Featuring local polo players, including some professionals, they play six 7-minute chukkers with one intermission. The Opening Ceremony is at 1:00 pm. This event is a joint project by the Aiken Polo Club in conjunction with USC Aiken and The Pacer Club. There are both reserved and general admission Parking tickets and reserved Tent Party tickets (which include parking, food and drink). For ticket information, go to http://pacersports.com/information/General_Athletic_News/2012-13/Polo2015. Your pooch is welcome here (except in the Tent) but not at the other two events. Aiken is known as an “equestrian wonderland.” If you are a “horsey” person, or just want to do something different, don’t miss the opportunity to see these magnificent animals doing what they do best, in Aiken, in March!
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Professional
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
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Hoffman has
Professional
heart D
Patti McGrath Photography by Evan Laettner Photography
avid Hoffman, Jr. believes in helping people, not just as an attorney at Hoffman Law Firm but outside of the office as well. “I want people to remember the things I have done outside the practice of law,” he says. “Clearly, people who I have helped get back on their feet are going to remember me simply for that, but let’s face it, not everyone needs an attorney in their lifetime.” David has been involved in charity work for years. “Giving back to the community is something very important to me,” he states. “Every year in the month of October I have the 26 foot columns on my building painted pink. My rationale for actually painting them instead of wrapping them with pink ribbon is that painting shows more of a commitment to the cause. I have lost two good friends to breast cancer who were actually younger than I. I also have very close family members who, have thankfully, survived breast cancer. In addition to painting my columns pink on Rivers Avenue, I also donate to Susan G. Komen.” Painting the columns does bring attention to the fight against breast cancer. “Every year when I paint my columns I get several phone calls from people who have driven by and just want to thank me for remembering. I get stories all the time about family members of theirs that either were victims or survivors of this horrible disease,” David shares. “I always enjoy getting those phone calls because it reminds me that at the end of the day we are all in this life together.” David’s dedication to charitable work can be seen throughout several organizations, especially those that help children. “I produced and run at my
own expense public service announcements for Darkness to Light which is a charity whose goal it is to eliminate childhood sexual abuse,” he explains. “I also donate to Camp Happy Days and serve as a judge for their annual bed race. For Camp Happy Days I have donated vacations in the Turks and Caicos for their auction. I am also active in Interfaith Crisis Ministries donating the same vacations for their auction.” “In the past I have done the same for the Dee Norton Low Country Children’s Center,” David continues. “The charities clos-
More important to David than his legacy, recognition, and even success, is the number of people’s lives he can directly impact through philanthropic efforts in the community; a community that has
Every year in the month of October I have the 26 foot columns on my building painted pink. My rationale for actually painting them instead of wrapping them with pink ribbon is that painting shows more of a commitment to the cause. I have lost two good friends to breast cancer who were actually younger than I.
est to my heart I would say are the ones that so profoundly affect the children. Every year when I go to those functions it reminds me how much children need us as adults and parents. Anything I can do for the children is very important to me.”
given him so much. It’s this passion to help a community he so loves that has been the catalyst for his involvement. He encourages everyone to give back to a cause close to their heart. “There is no such thing in my mind as the correct charity for others,” David says. “A person interested in helping with a charity needs to find one that sparks something inside of them whether
it be the American Lung Association or something involved with preservation of natural resources. When a person finds something that touches them on a personal level, it is really that human condition that takes over and makes the work done so much more rewarding.” www.charlestonwomanonline.com
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Professional
Blessed to be a Single Woman By: Kimberly Richardson Widows of Opportunity
W
hen was the last time you heard a single woman brag about being single? We so often hear a woman bragging about being in a relationship, getting engaged, or being married. While all those things are great, it's a blessing being a single woman. Single Women - when was the last time you took yourself on a date or did something nice for yourself? As single women, we have to be careful how we talk to ourselves and treat ourselves. Stop allowing other factors social media, your coworkers, family and friends - to dictate your worth! Don't let them rush you into a relationship that you do not desire or aren't ready for.
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issues. Some of us need to sit down with a therapist to resolve some issues that we may have. If you take the time and energy that you are spending complaining about being single and put it towards improving yourself, you will not have time to complain.
Some of you may say to yourself something along the lines of this: "I'm 30 (or 40, or 50), and I'm still single. What's wrong with me?" Great question! How about taking time out to find out the answer. Some of us aren't relationship material yet. Some of us need to work on improving ourselves. Some of us need to let go of our past baggage and trust
What's wrong with taking yourself on a date? Are you afraid of what people may think of you? That is something for you to work on. There will always be someone out there to judge you and dislike you - sometimes for no reason at all. That's not your problem. The day you stop caring about what others think about you is going to be a great day. It will be an amazing feeling! If you can't take yourself on a date and enjoy your own company, what makes you think a man wants to to do the same? Rebuild
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
Real
Women
your confidence. It takes a confident and bold woman to take herself out to eat or out to the movies - just to enjoy herself! Single Women - when was the last time you complimented yourself? It is so easy to bad mouth yourself about your looks, height, weight, or other things about you. No one is perfect - period! A confident woman works with what she has. If she can improve in some areas, she does. Stop pointing out your flaws, and start acknowledging your beauty! Get used to complimenting yourself, so that when someone tells you that you are beautiful you will just say "thank you" instead of "who me?", "not really", or " I'm just ok." The grass always looks greener on the other side. Being in a
relationship is a beautiful thing when both people are ready and mentally healthy. It's hard work no matter what you see in a person or on social media. There are so many women in relationships who wish they were single. Enjoy this time! When the time is right, Mr. Right will show himself. Until then, improve yourself, date yourself and learn how to live with yourself. Tips for Single Women Treat yourself to something special Learn how to date yourself Learn how to love yourself Compliment yourself daily Be nice to yourself Being single is a blessing Stop looking for a man Embrace your singleness
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Celebrating the Survivor in You!
God is still in the Healing Business! By: Carol Ryall Photography by Lindsey Duncan
C h a r le s ton Wom a n celebr ates the sur vivor in you
M
argaret Cummings has had much more than her share of trouble yet faces each day with hope in her heart. Margaret says it’s her faith in God that enables her to stay positive, in spite of the way her life has gone. A minister’s daughter, she grew up surrounded by people with deep faith and absorbed her attitudes from them.
Margaret and her husband, Gary, married in 1993. They built a good life together, but it was punctuated with Gary’s illnesses. As Margaret said, “The left side of his body turned against him!” He had a mass removed from his left breast; the ligaments in his left foot began to grow together and surgery corrected that; his left inner ear drum contracted but surgery to correct that failed. He also suffered with stubborn high blood pressure and heart problems. They didn’t have children, but Margaret filled that lack with a collection of beloved bears that friends and family have given her.
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one in charge of medicine, but God’s in charge of everything. I know the Lord has instructed you what to do, so you won’t have any problems with me arguing about it!” In early December 2013, Dr. Tucker operated. The day Margaret got back home, she started feeling dizzy, fell and hit her head. She ended up back in the hospital, where they determined her hemoglobin was extremely low. She was released again in time to celebrate Christmas with Gary, relatives and their church family.
Margaret explained, “When I found out I had Breast Cancer, I thought it was my turn. Gary had been sick for so long, the Lord gave him a break for a while.”
They knew Gary’s heart wasn’t in good shape and on February 5, 2014, he died suddenly. Her friends from church surrounded Margaret with love and supported her through her grief.
In April, 2013, Margaret was diagnosed with extremely rare Inflammatory Breast Cancer and met with surgeon Lynn M. Tucker, M.D., FACS. Because the cancer had metastasized to the lung underneath it, and was wrapped around her breast, the physician recommended chemotherapy to shrink the size of the tumor. Margaret told Dr. Tucker, “You’re the
During the spring, she underwent radiation treatments on her incision site. In July, she went to the ER saying she “… just didn’t feel right. My left foot is turning in, my balance is poor and my head hurts.” The attending physician assured her it was reaction to all she had been through. Margaret stated, “I’m not leaving until you check my brain out.” She
Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
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wasn’t surprised when the results were, “We found two masses in your head.” Dr. Ackerman, her oncologist, told her, “You don’t have Gary at home to take care of you now. Before we operate or start any treatments, you have to find someone who will be there for you.” Margaret’s immediate response was, “God has already taken care of that. My church family will be my support.” Ultimately two additional cancerous nodules were found in her lungs and more radiation was scheduled with Chemotherapy following. In Margaret’s opinion, “God allowed all of this to happen to me, because He wants people to know He is still in the healing business!” She admits, “There are scary days when you feel bad, that’s just part of the process. As long as you know He is in control, you don’t give in to the fear.” Margaret advises others, “Become part of a church family before you need them. Surround yourself with positive, faith-building people who know what God can do and can encourage you.” Chemotherapy is keeping the cancers controlled and she can do what she wants to do. “I am proof,” Margaret says, “that God is still working miracles.”
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Health & Wellness
“Your HEALTH is Important. No Ifs, Ands, or Butts About it”
I
f you were having electrical problems in your home, would you hire a handyman or licensed electrician to identify the issue and fix it? Both options are available, but one will lead to a more efficient and precise answer for your problem. The handyman knows some information about many topics, whereas the electrician is trained and licensed in a specific area. The electrician knows the most up-to-date practices and rules and regulations, of which a handyman may not be aware of. Therefore, to get your electrical issue fixed, the wiser decision would be to call an electrician. Likewise, if you are experiencing a health issue, why not go to a specialist who is specifically and extensively trained on certain diseases and disorders? We spoke with Dr. Margarita Murphy, owner and physician of a local colorectal surgery office. Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists (GISS) is a team of physicians who limit their practice to the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. With that said, not everyone who comes to their office will require surgery. Many of the disorders and diseases they treat are managed medically rather than surgically. We asked Dr. Murphy to tell us more about
her practice. “We, at GISS, understand the sensitive, and sometimes embarrassing, nature of our area of specialization and make every effort to make our patients feel at ease while at our office and comfortable with their course of treatment,” she says. The surgeons at GISS, Dr. Margarita Murphy and Dr. Brendan Murphy, are a husband and wife team who have completed training in general surgery with additional specialized training specific to
the treatment of colon and rectal diseases. These ailments include hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal abscesses and fissures, cancers of the anus, rectum, and colon, diverticulosis and diverticulitis, colon and rectal polyps, anal warts/condyloma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, constipation, ostomy care, pelvic floor dysfunction including rectocele, rectal prolapse, and bowel incontinence or leakage, pilonidal disease, anal irritation, and anal pain. They also offer screening for colorectal cancer through colonoscopies. Specializing in the management of female pelvic disorders is one of the things they are well known for around our community. They are the busiest colorectal surgeons in the Charleston area in treating pelvic floor disorders. “We have a complete physiology lab for the evaluation of complex pelvic floor disorders as well as a complete ambulatory surgery center that has an all-female staff and provides an efficient, comfortable, and low-stress atmosphere,” explains Dr. Murphy. GISS also has the only Center of Excellence in the Carolinas for a minimally invasive hemorrhoid procedure. Their physicians utilize the latest and most up-to-date surgical techniques including minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical
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Celebrating, Motivating and Educating
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technology. They also have expertise in sphincter-saving surgery for rectal cancer, ulcerative colitis, and familial polyposis. Based on hospital data, the Murphys have excellent results with short hospital stays, low complication rates, and low infection rates with cancer survival rates that are equivalent to major cancer centers. Dr. Murphy informed us that “one of [their] doctors is always on call, which means, that as a patient of GISS, you will always be able to speak with a board certified colon and rectal surgeon.” Dr. Margarita Murphy is a bilingual physician speaking fluently in English and Spanish. She is board certified in general surgery and board certified in colon and rectal surgery. Dr. Brendan Murphy is also board certified in general surgery and board certified in colon and rectal surgery. They are both members of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Their vast experience and extensive qualifications make them a perfect choice for all of your colon and rectal conditions. “We would love to speak with you and improve your quality of life, so please do not hesitate to visit our website at www.colonsurgeonsofcharleston.com or call our office with any questions at 843-853-7730.”
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Health & Wellness
Springhall Aesthetics By: Patti McGrath
D
r. Patricia Campbell has been a family practice physician in the Goose Creek area for the last twenty years. During that time she became interested in aesthetics, which led her to open Springhall Aesthetics in 2011. “I believe just about every middle-aged woman develops a natural interest in aesthetic procedures, and I was no different,” Dr. Campbell says. “There are a lot of fairly simple things that can be done from an aesthetic standpoint to improve the quality and appearance of your skin as you age.” Dr. Campbell is deeply committed to each client’s experience being a rewarding one with outstanding results. “Springhall Aesthetics offers a wide variety of skin rejuvenation procedures and treatments to correct age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Some of these include injections for crow’s feet and brow wrinkles as well as fillers to restore the volume loss in older faces,” she states. All service providers at Springhall Aesthetics are certified and licensed in everything they do. For example, Kelli Majewski has a stellar track record as a licensed aesthetician, and she enjoys her job. “I love being able to make people feel better about how their skin looks, whether it’s a patient with a skin issues or just a daily regime where they see and feel results,” Kelli explains. “I also love making people feel at ease. So many times I have walked into a practice and felt really self-conscious! I am extremely transparent be-
cause people need to trust me and I want them to be confident in their choice.” “I want people to know I will never do anything on them that I haven’t done on myself so I know what everything feels like, what the transition period is, and how the process works.” she continues. “Having said that, everyone responds to treatments differently and I also explain worst case scenarios.” The numerous services available includes a wide variety of options. Springhall Aesthetics recently added dermaplaning and microdermabrasion to services like the basic eyebrow wax to laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing, facials, massage, and injectables. And, you can rest easy because all products they use are medical grade. Although many aesthetic procedures are available elsewhere, Springhall Aesthetics makes the effort to keep their services affordable. “We
know our patients have to make a living so when our vendors offer us a discount, we pass it along to our patients,” says Kelli. “We also have specials every month from facials to injectables. In addition, we have a referral program. Everyone gets a birthday special – they can chose from a free massage or facial.” Since finding time to make an appointment can be difficult for some working patients, the staff at Springhall Aesthetics makes every effort to accommodate them. “We try to be flexible with our schedules. We know people have other obligations and can’t always make office hours. We are here Tuesday through Saturday, with Saturday being by appointment only,” Kelli states. If you are interested in looking and feeling better, visit Springhall Aesthetics at www.medspagoosecreek.com or call (843) 820-2023 to make an appointment.
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Health & Wellness
Haven’t Heard of ABUS? D
id you know that in the United States, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? It is a staggering statistic, but with great diagnostic tools that are now available, you can fight back! “The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being female and aging. About 95% of all breast cancers in the United States occur in women 40 and older,” states Narita Cathcart, certified mammography technologist at Trident Breast Care Center. “Getting a mammogram can help reduce the number of deaths from breast 26
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cancer by 30 to 40% among women ages 40 to 70. Of this population, 40% of women have dense breasts and could be candidates for additional screening using ABUS technology.” Haven’t heard of ABUS? ABUS is an Automated Breast 3D Ultrasound; a new, state of the art screening tool
Women
for dense breasts. You may wonder why extra screening for a women with dense breast tissue is important. According to General Electric, 2013, women with extremely dense breast tissue are at four to six times’ greater risk of developing breast cancer than women with normal tissue.
Health & Wellness “This technology is in addition to your yearly mammogram. ABUS does not use radiation, injections or compression like a mammogram. It uses sound waves to create 3D pictures of the breast tissue. In this relatively comfortable exam, patients lie on their back while the ABUS system creates detailed images of breast tissue,” says Narita. “Cancer appears black on ultrasound images, which makes it easier to see. The exam takes approximately 15 minutes and provides the doctor with clear 3D ultrasound images. The physician reviews the ABUS screening images along with the mammogram.”
have been told that you have dense breast tissue, then ask about the Invenia ABUS.”
help educate the public about ABUS as well as breast cancer awareness,” Narita says.
Narita is proud to work at the Trident Breast Care Center because they are the only facility in Charleston that has the Invenia ABUS. “I am also proud to be a part of a breast center that is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and has earned the title of Center of Excellence by NQMBC,” she states proudly. “Trident Breast Care Center is the only facility to hold this prestigious accreditation in the state of South Carolina.”
Don’t think breast cancer can’t happen to you. If you have a family history of breast cancer talk with your doctor about when you should have a mammogram. “If you have a first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) you need to start getting your mammogram ten years before they were diagnosed in order to help keep your chances low of having an invasive breast cancer,” Narita advises.
“Your breast consists of both fatty and fibro glandular tissue,” Narita explains. “A woman who has dense breast tissue has a higher percentage of fibro glandular tissue within the breasts. The sensitivity of mammography is significantly diminished in women with dense breast tissue. If more than 50% of your breast is made up of fibro glandular tissue, or you
“At Trident, our goal is to inform our community about breast cancer and breast density awareness as well as the newest technology, ABUS. We know this technology will better serve our patients and provide better clinical outcomes resulting from early breast cancer detection. Trident Breast Care Center is always available to come out and do health fairs to
If you have any questions, contact Narita at Trident Breast Care Center at (848) 847-3202 or to schedule a mammogram call 877-357-0156.
This technology is in addition to your yearly mammogram. ABUS does not use radiation, injections or compression like a mammogram. It uses sound waves to create 3D pictures of the breast tissue. In this relatively comfortable exam, patients lie on their back while the ABUS system creates detailed images of breast tissue. www.charlestonwomanonline.com
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A Personal Note
F
rom the moment I found out I was pregnant with my first born, I became a student of the “school of motherhood.” I
bought books about it, I talked to other women about it, I prayed about it, and I determined within myself I was going to be good at it. It wasn’t because I didn’t have a great mother, I did. I just wanted to be sure that I was capable of being what my children needed. I felt unsure about that. I felt unsure about my ability to unselfishly love and nurture this little life, God had so graciously entrusted me with. For the last 19 years much of my identity has been tied up in who I am as that mother. I love my babies. All four of them plus a few more who have become like mine during that time as well. On January 20th of this year I realized something scary. My baby boy is eight years old. He is no longer a baby, he is a little boy, who will become a young man in four short years. He wants a puppy of his own. He promises to bathe it and feed it. (His sister is highly allergic to both cats and dogs.) He wants some sort of reptile too, about which he has made the same promises. He will cry at sad movies- especially when something happens to a parent in the movie. He will voice his opinion loudly if he disagrees with a situation. If the situation is something he feels is unfair, he will voice that too. He is compassionate, strong, funny and a little tough if he thinks he is right. He cries when his brother returns to college after a break and loves his other brother and sister just as much. I am pretty sure I had postpartum depression after he was born. I don’t remember the first three months of his life. Just flashes of moments. The awful sound of his breathing when he was born, so ragged and scary. He was born with pneumonia and underdeveloped lungs. I remember his big blue eyes, looking at me so wide and trusting; as if I held all the answers to all of his problems in my hands. At that moment, I did. If he was hungry there was a set list of things I could give him. If he was tired, I knew how to rock him and sing him to sleep. If he was wet, I knew how to fix that too. Truthfully, life was simple back then. He is still a cuddler and still likes for mom to make his lunch and pick out his clothes, but I am sure, as he continues to grow, that will change as well. Now it’s a little harder, but I usually still have what he needs. As he gets older it’s a little harder to meet those needs. It’s a little harder to protect him, because I am not always with him. It’s a little harder to shield him from the reality of others than it was when I chose his friends. Don’t misunderstand- I celebrate the changes, because I know they are all steps to him becoming who needs to be. I know we will fill our days with other things, his soccer games and Colton’s baseball games, Abby’s spring play and Colton’s spring play. Trey’s spring concerts at Furman and yes, I will enjoy all of these things. Life will move rapidly on, but just between you and me, I will miss the smell of baby powder and lavender baby bath soap. I will miss the clutch of tiny fingers gripping my much larger hand. I will miss the feel of little hands gripping my face tightly. I will miss having a baby in my house. Until a time when my life is full of babies again, I will enjoy the milestones that each of my children continue to pass on their way to adulthood.
Proverbs 1:8-9 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
God Bless Mothers,
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Business & Web Directory Art & Entertainment Aiken Trials..............................................................................................................11 www.aikentrials.com Aiken Visitors Center...............................................................................................8 www.visitaikensc.com John Edward.............................................................................................................17 www.johnedward.net Legend Oaks Golf Club............................................................................................8 www.legendsoakgolf.com Attorneys Hoffman Law Firm..................................................................................................14 www.hoffmanlaw.net Knight and Whittington.........................................................................................15 www.knightwhittington.com Auto Care Holt Transmission Service.....................................................................................17 www.holttransservice.com Business Services Cornerstone Janitorial Services.............................................................................15 www.cornerstonejanitorialservices.com PostNet......................................................................................................................11 www.postNet.com/sc114 Dental Care Low Country Dentistry..........................................................................................22 www.lowcountrydentistryinc.com Health Care Services AllCare Living Services..........................................................................................22 www.allcarelivingservices.com Right at Home..........................................................................................................25 www.rightathome.net Health Services 20/20 Vision Center................................................................................................25 Back2Health Physical Medicine Clinic............................................................. IFC www.goosecreekchiropractics.com Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists.....................................................................21
www.colonsurgeonsofcharleston.com Health Edge Group..................................................................................................22 www.healthedgegroup.com Low Country Womens’ Specialists........................................................................21 www.LowcountryWomen.com Spring Hall Aesthetics.............................................................................................23 www.medspagoosecreek.com Trident Health.................................................................................................. BC, 25 www.tridenthealthsystem.com Hotel Wingate by Wyndham......................................................................................11, 19 www.wingatehotels.com The Pink Dolphin B&B.............................................................................................6 www.thepinkdolphin.com Landscape Services New Leaf Tree Service.............................................................................................15 www.newleaftreeservice.com Photography Tammy Bevins Photography..................................................................................10 www.tammybevinsphotography.com Real Estate Carolina One Realty................................................................................................17 www.LorenBethea.com Salon New Creations Salon...............................................................................................29 www.newcreationssummerville.com Paloosh Salon...........................................................................................................15 www.PalooshSalon.com Schools University of South Carolina Aiken........................................................................6 www.usca.edu