Survivor, storyteller, and advocate: digging deep for hope
Deborah Parrish is a vibrant and larger-than-life woman whose energy is as contagious as her laughter. Passionate about archaeology fieldwork, she thrives in her role with the Kentucky Archaeological Survey, where her love for discovery and storytelling shines. But Deborah’s talents extend beyond the dig site — she uses her voice and spirit to uplift everyone she meets, especially those facing breast cancer.
At age 43, Deborah became a breast cancer survivor. Today, she is an advocate for early detection, finding the right place for treatment, and supporting others through their journey.
It started out as any other day, Deborah went to TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital for her yearly mammogram screening — the routine she had followed since turning 40. This time, the results showed right-sided microcalcifications, tiny calcium deposits in the breast tissue that are invisible to the touch and only detectable through imaging. An ultrasound was ordered, followed by a biopsy — then came the call no one wants to receive: Deborah had breast cancer.
“I did my research and advocated to have my treatment done at Sarah Cannon in Nashville,” Deborah says. Within 12 hours of contacting Sarah Cannon, she was connected to a patient navigator who treated her like a friend, not just a case number. “It was a night and day difference. I went from being in the dark to having a clear plan within hours.”
Deborah underwent three months of chemotherapy, followed by a lumpectomy and radiation. Today, she is celebrating being cancer-free, and is determined to spread awareness about the resources available to those diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I have a loud voice, but I love using that voice as support for other people,” she says.
Deborah credits the Casting for Recovery Program — a national nonprofit that offers weekend retreats combining counseling and fly-fishing for breast cancer patients — and Gilda’s Club for helping her come to terms with her diagnosis. She now volunteers with Casting for Recovery, using her voice and energy to support others as passionately as she was.
“The support of other women around me, made me want to help even more,” she reflects.
Had she not kept up with her annual mammograms, Deborah’s cancer could have gone undetected until it was too late.
Today, Deborah continues to be a shining light in the Bowling Green community. Whether she’s volunteering her time, sharing a smile with everyone she meets, or using her voice to advocate for others, she remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and true joy.