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Story originally printed in the Winona Daily News or online at www.winonadailynews.com

Published - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Celebration of life

Story by Fred Schulze | Photo by Katie Derus | Winona Daily News

Igor Skrastins didn’t cry when the doctors told him he had cancer.

Instead, he found peace and embraced life.

“It’s OK,” he said as he looked at his doctor. “I will get through it fine.”

In 1992 Igor, principal at

St. Martin’s Lutheran School, was diagnosed with a rare form of gallbladder cancer after he underwent surgery to remove gallstones. He then had two surgeries to remove the tumor from his gallbladder and part of his liver.

He was given six months to a year to live.

“When I was told I had cancer, I was not troubled or distressed,” said Igor, who was living in Kearney, Neb., at the time and moved to Winona in 2000 to work at St. Martin’s. “I felt calm and peace … it came from the faith that God gave me.”

Igor and his wife, Kathy, a secretary at the school, both believe that when people are diagnosed with cancer, their mortality becomes real to them. Kathy knows what it’s like to live with cancer. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and celebrated one year free from cancer in April.

“You realize what’s important in your life,” Kathy said.

Igor tells his students about the gift of life whenever he gets a chance.

Igor and Kathy can share their experiences with other cancer survivors at the American Cancer Society’s Celebration of Life from 2 to 4 p.m.

May 18 at Watkins Manor, 175 E. Wabasha St.

The annual event provides a time for cancer survivors from the area to socialize, network and learn about the society. The event, which features speakers, music and refreshments, is sponsored by the Winona County unit of the American Cancer Society and Winona Health.

“There is a lot we can learn from each other’s journeys and treatments,” Sheila Skeels, the group’s secretary, wrote in an

e-mail. “This provides that opportunity.”

On a national level, cancer survivors are usually celebrated in June. But spring seemed like the right time for Winona — when new life appears in Mother Nature, as do the opportunities for those who are living with cancer, Skeels said.

Though Igor and Kathy may not be able to attend, they are promoting Celebration of Life with a sign in their front yard.

Another couple in Winona, Myrtle and Dick Shira, are planning on attending.

Myrtle was diagnosed with skin cancer in May 1975. With a pain in her left breast and fearing she may have cancer, Myrtle went to the doctor. He said she was fine, but he wanted a biopsy of a mole on her back. It was cancerous.

At the time, Myrtle and Dick had four children between the ages of 8 and 15.

“It was a matter of meeting every day as a new challenge,” Myrtle said. “With God’s help, we will get through.”

After surgery to remove the mole, doctors gave Myrtle less than 18 months to live. If she made it that long, doctors said, she might survive another four years.

After a half-decade of monthly and yearly checkups, Myrtle was thrown a surprise party by her friends and doctors — none of whom thought she would live that long.

“Looking back, it’s a realization of how lucky I am,” Myrtle said.