When Donna Cornelius came into Berrien County Health Department, she never expected to receive the news that she had cervical cancer. She also didn’t expect that the nurse helping her throughout her time at the health department would become so important to her throughout her battle.

“I would do anything for Dawn (Bowen),” explained Cornelius. “I could praise her till the day I die, and it still wouldn’t be enough. I don’t know what I would do without her.”  

Cornelius initially came into the health department when she was in need of services.

“I was having difficulty with my insurance coverage,” said Cornelius. Through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, she was able to come into the health department for a diagnostic pap smear.

South Health District’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program provides screenings for women age 40-64 who are uninsured or under insured to detect early cancer and pre-cancers of the breast and cervix. 

“I was not sure where to even begin, but Dawn helped walk me through the process,” she said. “Not only has she helped me take care of everything professionally [from a clinical standpoint], she has checked on me to make sure I am okay even after.”

“I know that isn’t her job, but you when just find out you have cancer, you really need someone who cares. She is such a godsend.”

Cornelius has now been connected with physicians to begin treatment, but she continues to sing praises for the Berrien County Health Department, and particularly Mrs. Dawn.  

“She has a heart the size of Georgia.”