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ebra Burke's determination to keep working during her breast cancer treatment is a testament to the resilience of some real estate agents in Lancaster County. Burke, who received chemotherapy infusions at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, treated her private room like an office, plugging away on her laptop during each session. This allowed her to complete 29 real estate deals that year, making it her highest transaction period.
Burke is part of a breast cancer support group for Lancaster County real estate agents called the Thrivers. The group, which meets monthly at Coffee Co. in Landisville, was formed last November by Jennifer Augustine Lewis and Colleen Johns after they started talking about their experiences with breast cancer at a continuing education seminar. The group has since grown to include eight women who share their stories and offer support.
The Thrivers' meetings are not just about discussing cancer; they also focus on business, vacations, and life's simple pleasures. However, when health-related worries arise, the women have each other's backs. As Kathy Morgan said, "Who are you going to talk to? You're going to go to your girls." The group has created a sense of community among its members, who often feel isolated in their profession as self-employed real estate agents.
Resilience is a common trait among the Thrivers, according to Bev Hosler. As a member of the Lititz Women's Club, she noted that teachers have a strong camaraderie, but this is not always the case in real estate due to its nature. The Thrivers' monthly meetings provide a space for these women to connect and share their experiences, creating a sense of belonging and support.
The group has also reached out to other Lancaster County Association of Realtors members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, but so far, no new members have joined. Despite this, the Thrivers continue to meet and support each other, offering advice and input based on their shared experiences. As Gerry Gwinn said, "There's nobody better to give advice or give input than somebody who has been through the same thing."
