Parents of alumna lost to breast cancer to share her story

Parents of East Carolina University alumna Kim Sibbach, who died in April 2011 from breast cancer, will speak as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month at 8 p.m. Oct. 15 in Hendrix Theatre on campus.

Sibbach

Darryl and Vicki Nester will discuss cancer awareness, the importance of early detection and the fears associated with living with cancer.

Kim Sibbach was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in 2008 while attending ECU. She put her studies on hold while undergoing chemotherapy, a mastectomy and other treatments, but returned to ECU in 2010 to complete her degree.

By December 2010, the cancer had spread to Sibbach’s sternum, shoulders, ribs, hips and spine. Following that diagnosis, she wrote her experiences in a blog titled “I didn’t like the left one anyway.”

The Nesters will share their experiences from the moment they heard the diagnosis and throughout Sibbach’s constant fight for a cure. They hope sharing the story will encourage the ECU community to get regular breast exams to help with early detection, to recognize the signs from their own bodies and realize they are not alone in their fight.

This event is a Wellness Passport Event and is co-sponsored by ECU Campus Dining Services, Student Health Services and the Student Activities Board.