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Touched by Cancer – Car-Mart Associates Share Their Stories

Words of Help and Hope from JoAnne Akin and Danielle Barnett


A cancer diagnosis is not something you ever want to hear – for yourself, your family, or your friends. Yet cancer affects everyone. And talking about cancer and experiences can help understanding and increase awareness.

In this blog, Two associates share their personal stories of courage, resilience, and strength. We hope others will find hope, comfort, encouragement, and wisdom in their words.

Thanks, JoAnne and Danielle, for sharing your stories.

“My cancer is in remission!”

JoAnne with Reuben Jones, Manager at Car-Mart of Harrisonville, Mo.
JoAnne with Reuben Jones, Manager at Car-Mart of Harrisonville, Mo.

“I have been battling breast cancer for almost three years. I have done the chemo/radiation thing. It’s absolutely awful by the way. I have had a lumpectomy, which didn’t really help. I am keeping my faith and taking it one day at a time. My cancer is now in remission, and I have an amazing support team at Car-Mart. I am very thankful for Reuben, Cole and John Friend for their support and understanding during my chemo and my “off days” when I don’t think I can go on. Reuben has a way of lifting my spirits when it’s a bad day.

Thank you to everyone at America’s Car-Mart for supporting those of us who are still fighting and surviving.”

“My mom is cancer free!”

Danielle Barnett, Senior Account Representative, Car-Mart of Woodstock, Ga., with her mom Lisa
Danielle Barnett, Senior Account Representative, Car-Mart of Woodstock, Ga., with her mom Lisa

“My mother, Lisa Arrington, is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in 2017, after doctors found a strawberry-sized tumor in her breast. She underwent a mastectomy, and doctors discovered the cancer had spread into several lymph nodes, which were also removed.

My mom then began a hellish journey, enduring several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation. She was deemed “cancer free” a year later. And she just received a “cancer free” checkup report from her doctor. My mom is my rock, and I am so grateful to her for so much. Watching her battle cancer was an inspiration, and I feel lucky every day I get to spend with her.”

October is Drive Away Cancer – cancer awareness month. Stay informed. Stay healthy. Help us fight cancer. For every vehicle sold this month, we’ll make a donation to the American Cancer Society (up to $10,000).

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