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Big Emma

Biker, Cancer Survivor

In this interview Big Emma shares her experiences starting and all black all female bike club in the 70's. In the 90's and early 2000's Emma faces cancer and starts a new community warning others to get tested.

Stats: Emma J. Fulton
Lincoln, Delaware

Below is the text of a speech Big Emma gave to physician and the Governor of Delaware:

February 7, 2008 Speech given by Emma J. Fulton to the Delaware Cancer Consortium:

Good afternoon: I'd like to start by thanking you all, without the program created by Governor Minner and the Delaware Cancer Consortium - I wouldn't be here today. My name is Emma Fulton. I am a two-time cancer survivor. Over twenty years ago, living in Antiock, California, I was diagnosed with cancer in both breasts, and in 2004 I was diagnosed with colon cancer and with the help and dedication of Health Care Professionals like you, God's Grace and Mercy, thanks to wonderful Doctors and support from the Delaware Public Health program, I stand before you cancer free.

I'm grateful for the help I received because back in 2003 I was really in a difficult situation. I was living in a different state and didn't qualify for Medicaid because I had too much income. I was receiving my late husband's social security benefits and was also three years too young to qualify for Medicare. When I started seeing blood - I knew I had to get medical help. Since I didn't have insurance, I went to the social service center in Denton, Maryland and asked for assistance. They told me I didn't qualify for anything and there was nothing they could do to help me. I went back several times hoping that perhaps they had overlooked something.

Based on my symptoms, I knew I had colon cancer. I had started praying that the Lord would hold off the cancer growth until I could get some help and I knew that He would lead and guide me. A few months later I was led to move to Dover, Delaware since I had family in the area.

In August of 2004 I went to work part-time at Modern Maturity Senior Center, which informed me that the Hope Clinic was also on the premises and there for the purpose of helping anyone who did not have health care coverage. When I told the doctor my symptoms, she immediately gave me a number to call. It was the number for the Screening for Life Program. When I called Screening for Life the young lady who answered asked if she could take my application over the phone. After getting all the information she needed, she gave me a list of Gastroenterologists I could go to for a free colonoscopy screening.

I asked her, "Use your best judgement because I'm a transplant and please, I need someone who will take time and is compassionate and will not speak or treat me as a number or a piece of meat." She told me "as far as she was concerned the best doctor in the area is Dr. William Kaplan. He doesn't have much of a bedside manner - but he is the best. After my screening appointment with Dr. Kaplan, he said, "Well Emma, I have good and bad news. Bad news - yo have cancer. Good News - we are going to get it!" and he smiled kindly. That's what I was looking for.

Dr. Kaplan told me that he had a list of surgeons I could choose from that was on the Screening for Life Program. I asked him would he choose for me because I was told he was the best in Kent County I felt that he would choose the best surgeon for my operation because he/she would be on his level. Dr. Wendy Newell was wonderful. She was kind and compassionate and took the time with me that I needed. In consoling me (she was also trying to control her emotions) told me "We are going to beat this! Don't worry." By then I was standing on my faith and thanking God for her. I had already claimed healing and was thanking God for sending her to me. On December 8, 2004 I had the surgery.

After the operation I found out that after bleeding for a year or so my colon cancer was at stage one. I silently thanked the Lord for answering my prayer. Dr. Newell said I didn't need chemo or radiation. I felt and knew I was miraculously healed. I knew it. I never once received a bill or had to pay a dime for my cancer treatment. I got the best care, the best treatment and the best doctors. With this program follow up treatment is provided if needed for 1 year. It was Governor Minner's Delaware Cancer Treatment Program that made it possible and I understand that this year she got it passed for another year.

In this day and time when everything is about paperwork and more paperwork, I never filled out an application for the Cancer Treatment Program starting with my first phone call. The staff from screening for Life got the information from the doctor who performed my colonoscopy and they did the work of enrolling me into the cancer treatment program. No forms, no bills - nothing. I was able to just focus on healing.

No one running for office will ever give you everything that's promised. I've listened to "She hasn't done this or she didn't do that," but I tell all who talk to me in a negative manner "Maybe she didn't do this and maybe she didn't do that but what Governor pushed through, worked for me." This program is funded from the tax on cigarettes and from what I understand there were some who protested the idea. But she stood her ground and pushed for her vision. My mother used to say, "Praise the bridge that carries you over." It means appreciate and do right by people who help you, no matter what others may think. That's how I feel about the cancer program Governor Minner created. It's because of her vision to help those who do not have health care insurance; it is because of the staff from the public health department, my doctors and the Lord's mercy that I am here today.

March of 2004, four years ago, when I was rejected, I felt like I had no choice but to wait to die. Today, I am hopeful and healthy. I humbly stand before you thanking you for the dedication and determination in your field, for this I am grateful. Thank you.