October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this holds a special meaning as we recognize one of our own, Judy Daly, a longtime member of the Evers & Sons family whose personal journey with breast cancer is a story of strength, faith, perseverance and the importance of having people by your side.
On July 3, 2014, at the age of 47, Judy Daly received news she never expected to hear: she had breast cancer.
At the time, she was working on a jobsite in New Mexico when she discovered a lump. She made a commitment to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as she returned home to Texas. Although her doctor initially did not suspect cancer, a mammogram and ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. “Hearing those words, ‘you have cancer,’ was one of the scariest moments of my life. At 47 years old, I never imagined I would be facing breast cancer.” What followed was a journey that would test her physically and emotionally, but also reveal the strength of her faith, family and support system.
For Judy, one of the hardest parts of her diagnosis was accepting that cancer was now part of her own story. “You hear about other people going through it, but it’s a completely different feeling when suddenly it’s you.” Throughout her treatment, she found comfort in the people who surrounded her, including members of the Evers family. Family members traveled from Pennsylvania to support her during treatments and surgery, while countless others offered encouragement, prayers and reassurance. “Cancer may have been my battle, but I was blessed to have so many people standing beside me as I fought it.”
Her mother, who had previously faced breast cancer herself, remained one of her greatest inspirations. Although her mother passed away in 2001, Judy carried her strength and memory throughout her own journey. Her children and grandchildren gave her another reason to keep fighting. “There were still so many memories to make, milestones to celebrate, and moments I didn’t want to miss. I was too young to give up, and I had too much to live for.”
Following surgery to remove her left breast and six chemotherapy treatments over six months, Judy completed her final chemotherapy treatment in December 2014. This marked the beginning of a new chapter and the opportunity to continue making memories with those she loved. “Completing treatment meant more to me than I can put into words. It meant that I had made it through something I never imagined I would have to face.” Above all, she felt she had made her mother proud. “Even though I couldn’t physically hold her hand, I knew in my heart that she had held my hand through it all.”
More than a decade after her diagnosis, Judy reflects on her experience with gratitude and a renewed appreciation for life’s everyday moments. Today, she celebrates the opportunity to watch her children grow into parents themselves and enjoy time with her eight grandchildren and great-granddaughter. “You find a strength within yourself that you never even knew you had.” Her experience has reinforced the importance of spending time with loved ones, appreciating the little things and making the most of every day.
“Life is short. Enjoy it, appreciate it, and make the most of every day.”
Judy hopes her story encourages others to pay attention to their bodies, prioritize their health and seek medical attention when something doesn’t seem right. “If you find a lump or notice anything unusual, don’t wait. Get it checked. It’s always better to be safe and take care of something early than to put it off.” She also encourages those currently facing a diagnosis to remain hopeful and lean on their support systems. “Everyone’s journey is different, but my advice is to never lose hope, lean on the people who love you, and keep your faith.”
Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of breast cancer awareness, recommended screenings, early detection and continued support for those navigating a diagnosis.
Throughout October, Evers & Sons team members will be wearing pink at company events to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and show support for the individuals and families impacted by this disease, including survivors like Judy.
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