Kadlec plans to “Raise a Flag for Breast Cancer” awareness

Choking back tears, a Pasco mother, an oncology nurse and now a breast cancer survivor thanked everyone who had supported her.

Megan Sisemore took part in a flag dedication Monday at Kadlec Regional Medical Center to bring attention to others like her who have fought or are fighting breast cancer.

"Probably the hardest day in my life when you hear the news, and then the support, support from my family and friends and the whole community and just everybody makes you feel overwhelmed with humbleness, it's very emotional," says Sisemore.

Sisemore gave a small speech about her journey to several nurses, doctors and Kadlec staff that attended the ceremony on the 7th Floor Garden Terrace in the Richland.

The original idea was to raise the white flag with a pink ribbon, which was designed by a volunteer, along with the American flag at the ceremony. But Spokesman Jim Hall says due to the Las Vegas tragedy, out of respect for the victims, the hospital decided against flying it until after the period of half-staff is ended.

The flag will be flown starting Friday night. In the meantime, Hall says they plan to have it on display in the oncology department, available for patients to sign.