Celebrating a 60th birthday is a milestone in anyone’s life, but for Joyce Denton it’s another victory in a hard fought battle against cancer.
A surprise birthday party Saturday at Lenny Miller’s Restaurant in Dryden brought tears to Denton’s eyes as a room full of friends and family greeted her.
Denton is one of the original volunteers who helped found the Addison Township Public Library in the late 1970s.
She worked there for 27 years until being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 forced her to leave.
Since then, Denton’s endured surgery, two rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
Today, she said, ‘I’m doing great. I’m doing terrific.?
‘I had tests taken last week,? Denton said. ‘The first one came back fine. I’m just waiting for the results of the next two. But I’m planning on those coming back fine too.?
Denton admitted she didn’t always feel so optimistic.
‘For a while, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it,? she said. ‘There were times during chemo that I really didn’t know if I’d make it through the rest of the day let alone to my 60th birthday.?
But those days are behind her.
‘As far as I’m concerned, I’m done with it all now,? said Denton with confidence. ‘It’s not coming back.?
Denton still works in the media center at Oxford High School, where she’s spent 16 years as a paraprofessional ‘a.k.a. library lady.?
‘I am very lucky that they were able to hold my job for me,? she said.
Happy birthday, Joyce! We hope many more pleasant surprises await you in a long, healthy life.