Breast Cancer Survivors Pass Along Recliner, Support
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A weathered recliner that doesn't look like much has meant everything to women at eight different homes.
Meredith Johnson was the first to see its value. She spent six weeks in the chair after a double mastectomy. Reclining provided relief during a painful recovery.
"It was just so uncomfortable to lay flat, and for some reason being propped up made a huge difference," Johnson said.
So when Darcy Hatch discovered her breast cancer a few months later, Johnson -- just an acquaintance at the time -- thought the chair could help.
"I sat in it and slept in it and was so grateful," Hatch said.
Kim Bacic would soon share that same gratitude.
"Breast cancer does not run in my family, so hearing the diagnosis was a surprise. It was very shocking," Bacic said.
The recliner moved to its third home, allowing Bacic to heal in comfort. Within months, another woman received a breast cancer diagnosis.
"I left her a voice mail and said, 'I know you don't know me but I'm here to help you, I'm here to be a resource to you and I have something I want to bring by,'" Bacic said.
By now, the chair had created a small community and symbolized more than just a tool for recovery.
"It's really incredible to think there are all these women that weren't connected at all, and we became connected through a negative experience in our lives," Johnson said.
Friendship remained after the recliner moved on, and the chair's journey was not over.
Lisa Lynch may not know all the women who've shared this seat, but she realizes they've shared the same battle.
"Honestly, I don't know who the originator of the chair is, and I just think it's some angel out there who said, 'You know what, when you're recovering from this type of surgery, you know, you need to stay upright, it can be really uncomfortable,'" Lynch said.
Lynch has been cancer-free after a year and a half.
"The chair is really just a symbol of other people's goodness," she said.
Lynch says the recliner will soon be on the move to its ninth home.