ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, May 13, 1996 TAG: 9605130144
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Newport News Daily Press
Shirley Bleakley of Newport News has breast cancer. Doctors at Riverside Rehabilitation Institute, where she has been hospitalized, say her death is imminent.
Yet Bleakley, 68, watched from her wheelchair Saturday as her youngest child graduated from Christopher Newport University.
Mark Bleakley, who received a bachelor of science degree in business administration, is the first member of his family to earn a college degree.
Shirley was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago, but chemotherapy and medication had forced the disease into remission. The cancer appeared again about 18 months ago, spreading to her liver, bones and brain, according to her family.
She was placed in intensive care two weeks ago at Riverside Medical Center in Newport News and moved to the Rehabilitation Institute early last week.
Shirley had to be given a blood transfusion Friday to give her enough strength to attend the ceremony.
``It's a dream come true,'' she said. ``I couldn't have had a better present.''
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