Elizabeth Leadbetter, a 59-year-old battling cancer for the fourth time, woke up to the sound of her dog barking as Hurricane Helene battered her home in Augusta, Georgia. Leadbetter, who lives alone, was still recovering from complications after a mastectomy when her home sustained serious damage during the storm, leaving her struggling to recover physically and financially. 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 general stress in the wake of the event.
Leadbetter’s battle with cancer began in 2009 when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 42. Over the years, she also discovered she had an autoimmune disease and two other types of cancer. After undergoing treatment for cervical cancer and thyroid cancer, she was in remission for over a decade before learning of a recurrence of bilateral breast cancer in October last year. Despite undergoing a single mastectomy and facing complications, Leadbetter was focused on regaining her strength in the weeks leading up to Hurricane Helene.
As Hurricane Helene neared landfall, Leadbetter was not prepared for the extent of the damage it would cause to her home. Eight trees fell on her property, two of which crashed into her house, leaving significant structural damage. Leadbetter and her dog sought refuge in a small bathroom downstairs as the storm raged on, with Leadbetter later describing the experience as watching trees “falling like matchsticks.” Following the storm, Leadbetter struggled to clear debris and care for herself, still weak from her recent surgery and loss of power in her home.
Despite facing challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Leadbetter remains grateful to be alive and to have her home. She credits the kindness of neighbors and her community for supporting her during this difficult time. While many Georgia residents have had power restored, Augusta continues to grapple with the devastation inflicted by the hurricane. As Leadbetter braces for Hurricane Milton, she worries about further damage to her tarp-covered home and acknowledges that the difficult recovery and hurricane’s impact have put her plans for a second mastectomy on hold, emphasizing the need to focus on regaining her strength and stability.
As Leadbetter turns 60 in a few weeks, she is taking each day as it comes, prioritizing a peaceful and simple life amidst the chaos and challenges she faces. Despite the setbacks she has experienced, Leadbetter’s resilience and determination shine through, highlighting the unique risks and struggles that cancer patients and chronically ill individuals face during natural disasters. As she continues to navigate recovery and repair efforts, Leadbetter remains hopeful and grateful for the support and compassion she has received from those around her.
