Elizabeth Leadbetter, a 59-year-old woman battling cancer for the fourth time, faced additional struggles when her home in Augusta, Georgia was severely damaged by Hurricane Helene. As a cancer patient, Leadbetter experienced complications after a mastectomy and was left physically and financially struggling in the aftermath of the storm. Research shows that cancer patients in areas affected by natural disasters tend to have shorter survival periods due to lack of access to care, damage to their homes, and increased stress.
Leadbetter’s cancer battle began in 2009 when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Over the years, she also fought an autoimmune disease and other forms of cancer. Despite a period of remission, Leadbetter received devastating news of a breast cancer recurrence in 2023. After undergoing a single mastectomy to remove one breast, she faced multiple complications, including infections and acquiring C. diff. Following a strenuous recovery period, Leadbetter was regaining strength when Hurricane Helene struck.
As the strong winds of Hurricane Helene battered her home, Leadbetter and her dog, Cowboy, sought refuge in a small bathroom as 90-foot pine trees crashed into her bedroom and kitchen. Eight trees fell onto her property, causing extensive damage. Without power for over 10 days, Leadbetter struggled to clear debris and care for herself while dealing with limited mobility and strength due to her recent surgery. Despite the challenges, Leadbetter expressed gratitude for being alive and credited her community for coming together in the wake of the disaster.
While Leadbetter’s home was spared from being completely crushed, the structure sustained significant damage. Sleeping downstairs with tarps covering the holes in her bedroom and kitchen, Leadbetter faced the daunting task of cleaning up the debris left in the storm’s wake. As she navigated the aftermath of the hurricane, Leadbetter’s concern shifted to Hurricane Milton approaching and the potential for further damage to her home. Her plans for a second mastectomy were put on hold as she focused on rebuilding and recovering from the recent challenges she faced.
As Leadbetter, who turns 60 in a few weeks, takes life day by day, she remains determined to rebuild and move forward. The kindness of neighbors and the resilience of her community have provided support in her time of need. Despite the physical and emotional toll of her recent experiences, Leadbetter maintains a positive outlook, cherishing the peaceful moments in her simple life. With the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene in Augusta and the looming threat of Hurricane Milton, Leadbetter continues to navigate the obstacles in her path, drawing strength from the strength of those around her.
