#Cancersucks: PB coach spreads awareness for cancer screenings

During a time when support is needed the most, a Poplar Bluff track and field coach uses her life-altering news to encourage others to hit the pavement for a good cause.

Recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Beth Lewis-Muse organized a run to promote cancer screening awareness at Mclane Park. What started as something small quickly inspired many within and beyond the community.

“As I got closer to having my surgery, I was told a healthy mindset and something positive can help with the recovery process,” Lewis said. “Running is something I've known all my life, and I thought, what better way to spread awareness about cancer screenings because we need to educate ourselves. Not just about cancer, but I wanted to spread the importance of health screening, no matter how big or small the health issue may be.”

Lewis got her first mammogram at the beginning of May and got the official phone call on the first day of the state track and field tournament. Despite the news, she received a lot of support from the coaches and staff, which made the process of taking on this journey a little easier. She said everyone did a solid job of keeping everything as normal as possible around the team.

Even amid devastating news, Lewis still felt joy by seeing a few of her athletes take a stand at the podium during the state tournament.

“It was a sad moment but also super joyous,” Lewis said. “You're watching these kids work so hard, and to watch them get to a certain level, it was something that was needed. Getting those hugs and support was amazing. They didn't realize how much it meant to see them succeed at that moment because they didn't know what I was going through.”

The idea of spreading more awareness for screenings came from Julia Dragon, a former Poplar Bluff athlete and current track coach. Dragon thought it would be great if Lewis could use her platform to spread more awareness by taking a personal experience and gearing it towards something that could help others.

“We were all kind of shocked when we found out that Beth had breast cancer, especially since she went in for her first screening,” Dragon said. “Since then, Beth has been adamant about for everyone to go get screened.

She is one of the strongest people I know. She’s had a massive impact on my life, and if anybody can beat cancer, I know she can. Beth is just amazing.”

When life hits the hardest, it's important to have people in your corner that care about you, and Lewis had many people step in to help spread the message. Coach Emily Marriot and Paul Fliege from Jackson, SEMO University athlete Layla Fliege, Anna Sisco, Stephanie Webb and former PB coach Lamont Frazier, who took his run from out of town.

Lewis said the run was a positive experience and an idea that took off once people knew the cause. She said it wasn’t about raising money but an opportunity to spread a powerful message during her journey.

Poplar Bluff head girls track and field coach Beth Lewis-Muse working during the Poplar Bluff track invitational.DAR/D'Courtland Christian

"It was really neat because I had former athletes there that I haven't talked to in years,” she said. “Having my mentor and teacher Carol Davis was a big deal for me. She went through the same diagnosis when she was in her 40s, and having her out there meant the world to me.”

During the run, no one felt more dedicated to spreading awareness than former cross country and track athlete Brantley James, who ran 13.1 miles at McLane Park that day.

James said his motivation for completing the run was for Lewis because she was always there for him during his time on the track team, and he wanted to return the favor by any means.

“I hate that it took this situation for us to come together, but having the chance to run 13 miles and laugh with her was just an honor,” James said. “She's just made such an impact in the Poplar Bluff community, and I imagine anywhere that she's been. High school is such a shaping time in the lives of all of us. I know many of my memories have to do with her and the motivation she’s given daily. Even now, she is still inspiring us all.”

Though Lewis is battling cancer, she has kept her sights on promoting awareness of screening to help others.

“Cancer doesn't care who you are,” Lewis said. “It's something that everybody needs to be aware of, and it's a hard lesson to learn when it decides to pick you. I’ve learned that nobody has to be alone, and I'm very fortunate that I didn't have to take any of this journey alone. I'm very lucky and blessed for that.”