Amazing Alumna:

Lisa Barry '90, College of Arts and Sciences

Current life role: Associate Director of Admissions, DePaul University (Chicago)

Barry’s photo and story appear in the Oct./Nov. ’05 issue of Complete Woman magazine. Featured in an article about breast cancer survivors, Barry, who is only 37, says in spite of everything, she considers herself blessed.

A Daily Emotional Roller Coaster

Lisa Barry

Diagnosed two years ago with an aggressive "Stage 3" cancer, Barry underwent surgery as well as harsh chemotherapy and radiation treatments, lost her hair (and eyebrows and lashes), and coped with a daily emotional roller coaster. But, she says, her faith and family and friends, whom she calls her angels on earth, got her through the roughest times. "Every day I read Psalm 91:11, "God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go." I spent—and still spend—a lot of time with God praying, asking for strength. But I've come to realize that God is not going to give me any more than I can handle. I rely on the peace that comes from the belief that there is a plan.” Though she has been in remission for 24 months, Barry says the specter of cancer is always with her. But she is determined to beat the disease, while educating others along the way. Since her diagnosis, Barry has completed three sprint triathlons and a 60-mile walk through Chicago to raise money for cancer research. “This was the hand I was dealt,” she says. “Looking back over the past two years, I see that I definitely had life lessons to learn about patience, control, and prioritizing what is important in life.”

Support Group Makes the Difference

Barry says she doesn't think she would be alive today without her support group. "I truly believe my friends and family helped save my life. There was energy and healing in all of the prayers and positive thoughts. That energy gave me the strength as well as a reason to get up and go every day—and it still does.”