She walks, performs Pilates, and hikes. For the Health Trust 2K5 WellFit’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, exercise and being diagnosed with cancer contributed to her goal of completing the WellFit program–being more aware of the disease and sustaining a positive outlook on life.

Deborah Hopkins, 45, Japanese Teacher at Mojave High School, was diagnosed with Non–Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Stage 4 disease in March of last year. Since her diagnosis, she has managed to continue exercising regularly, in spite of the daily challenges she faces with the disease.

“Walking is relaxing to me,” said Hopkins. “When I walk, I listen to books on tape, especially inspirational books.”

When she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s she felt as if her life would be shorter than expected, and the negative energy started to take over. Luckily, she was able to turn her energy into a more positive way of thinking.

“I wrote a letter to all my friends and family informing them of my condition,” said Hopkins. “I later reviewed the letter, noticed how negative it was, and changed my attitude to be more positive.”

The lymphoma that Hopkins has is known to have a 30 percent chance of being cured; she is taking measures to accept the disease and is focusing on the 30 percent chance that it will go away.

“I look at the disease as a wake–up call,” said Hopkins. “You have to focus on yourself, look at what you have and can do to make the disease better, and exercise because you will feel better and more positive.”

Darryl Thomas

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