Health Team

Breast cancer survivor spreads cheer in clown costume

At 56-year-old, Carla Reynolds is a clown at heart. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and a chemotherapy infusion room at UNC Rex Cancer Center in Wakefield became a special place.

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RALEIGH, N.C. — At 56-year-old, Carla Reynolds is a clown at heart.

Two years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and a chemotherapy infusion room at UNC Rex Cancer Center in Wakefield became a special place.

Doctors said on Reynolds' first day, she was like any other patient.

"She was scared. Not sure what to make of all of this," said Shield Sirridge.

Reynolds said the room was dark, but her own life seemed darker.

"I was in the beginning stages of a divorce and I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer," she said. "I put my cancer in God's hands."

God, she said, put her focus on other, with a variety of costumes, a smile and gifts. She started dresses up as a clown to provide a sense of comedic relief to other patients.

Reynolds' cheerful optimism inspired everyone, including her favorite nurse, Sirridge.

"The first time she walked in with a costume, it just floored us...what in the world," Sirridge said. "It was real good to have her come into my life, in our lives."

Reynolds, who has finished her treatment, returns often, but never in the same costume.

She said dressing up got her through her own cancer experience and she hopes it has the same effect on others.

"It was a transforming time in my life and I praise God for every minute of my time in the infusion room," Reynolds said.

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