Martha Colvin: Feature Story

by: Spencer Paige

With cancer being a common occurrence in her family, Dr. Martha Colvin always
thought there was a chance she would one day also be diagnosed, but the reality was much
harder than she had thought.

As the current Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Colvin has worked
in the medical field and academic field long enough to know the dangers of cancer and the
effect it can have on an individual.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2009 at the age of 53, Colvin was
filled with shock and disbelief. “I never thought it would be like this,” says Colvin. “The
hardest part was having to tell my children when they came home from college for
Mother’s Day.”

After her diagnosis, Colvin describes everything as an “out-of-body experience.”

Colvin being a very driven individual did not let cancer slow her down. After a lumpectomy
on Friday, Colvin attended a performance at the Fox Theatre the next night. “You can either
let your condition take control of your life or you can take control of your life,” says Colvin.
“I surely was not going to let breast cancer take control of mine.”

After a year and a half and a quick and powerful follow-up of radiation, Colvin has
beaten her breast cancer and was able to celebrate her oldest son’s wedding.

Colvin thanks her family and also Georgia College & State University for all of the
support she received.

As for the future, Colvin chooses to take each day at a time. “Every moment is a
precious gift,” says Colvin.

Colvin also feels a cure to cancer is near. “Medicine has come a long way,” says
Colvin. “People are living longer than ever.” She hopes that one day, in the near future,
some brilliant young Georgia College student will figure out the cure.

Colvin would like to let everyone know that early detection is the key to any
diagnosis. “We can beat cancer,” says Colvin. “Pray for a cure.”