Auburn Doubledays and HOA honor a local survivor
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
While she was a recreational slow-pitch softball player 30-plus years ago, Donna Carrow could not have imagined the bittersweet path that would lead to her throwing the first pitch at an Auburn Doubledays game against the Newark Pilots July 12.
Carrow, 84, a Liverpool resident, has undergone extensive cancer treatments but remains cancer-free as of her check-up in June at Hematology-Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOA) in Auburn.
“This event is such a joyful tribute to the courage, perseverance and hope of every cancer survivor, and their families,” said Jennifer Pichoske, CEO at HOA. “Hosting it in the close-knit community of Auburn, where we’ve been honored to provide cancer care since 2012, also emphasizes HOA’s continued commitment to keeping comprehensive cancer care close to home.”
Carrow first realized something was wrong with her health when she lost about 65 lbs. without trying to lose weight.
“That was probably the best thing about the whole experience,” Carrow quipped, as she had previously weighed 200 lbs.
A few doctors’ visits later, and she received a diagnosis of lymphoma in 2021.
She endured six cycles of chemotherapy, which sent her cancer into remission. But a subsequent PET scan showed squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. She had those cells removed and then providers found more cancer in her lymph nodes. Radiation followed that discovery.
Carrow received her last treatment in February 2024.
Carrow said what’s helped her the most are “my family and friends. And of course, the Lord. My whole family is rather connected with the love of God and church.”
She enjoys playing keyboard by ear, traveling, caring for her home’s lawn and flowerbeds and spending time with her four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom live in the area—a blessing few people her age enjoy.
“They are so supportive,” Carrow said. “We have so much fun together.”
Carrow played slow-pitch softball in a Wegmans softball league until she was 50. She worked at Wegmans for 40 years until her retirement in 2010. Carrow “did everything” at the store, including service desk, manager, night managing, training and orientation.
Having cancer isn’t easy, but Carrow remains positive.
“I thank God for a wonderful life and for family and people that I have met through this journey,” she said.
Throwing the first pitch at the Doubledays game is “an honor. I love it!” Carrow said. “I am in remission, which is great.”
Other than the ceremonial pitch at the Doubledays game in July, Carrow doesn’t have any big plans for the summer but anticipates enjoying each day she can spend with her family.
“Having great support has gotten me through it all,” Carrow said.
She lauded the care of physicians Steven Duffy, oncologist, and Tracy Alpert, radiologist, with HOA, along with the rest of the staff.
Carrow’s ceremonial pitch is part of HOA’s Fifth Annual Cancer Care Celebration with the Auburn Doubledays.
The event will include a recognition ceremony for cancer patients, free gifts for the first 500 attendees and free gifts for all cancer survivors attending, along with a fireworks display.