Marilyn Usinowicz has been others in a support group at The James fighting a battle with cancer for 10 years. To walk into the Dublin Rec Center and see her teaching water aerobics, you would never know how much she has been through.
Usinowicz has been a fourth-stage ovarian cancer survivor for 10 years. Add to that a rare form of bowel cancer over two years ago, and most would have lost hope. Not her.
Four days a week, Usinowicz still shows up at the Dublin Rec Center to teach her water aerobics class of about 40. even days after chemo treatments, or during recovery from major operations, the class still knows they can count on her.
Usinowicz says that she loves being in the water. Not only does it provide her stamina and a feeling of control, but it is a release for her. Some people with cancer pray. Others cry. She gets in the water.
When she is not teaching class, Usinowicz can likely be found encouraging Cancer Center. She is the only surviving charter member. That – she says – is one of the lows of fighting cancer.
“You fight as long and hard as you can,” she says. “i respect that there is a time when you can do no more.”
Until that time, though, Usinowicz will continue to inspire. “I have not set out to be anyone’s hero. Cancer provides many challenges. if by my actions i inspire people, that’s all to the good.” ▪