Photo submitted As a breast cancer survivor, Roben Daghir works to promote support for breast cancer awareness throughout area schools and the community.

By Becky Polaski

Staff Writer

As a breast cancer survivor, St. Marys resident Roben Daghir is always willing to talk about the experience and to help others facing a similar situation.

“I have learned so much about myself and other people through my experience with breast cancer,” Daghir said. “I have learned that people want to help families that are experiencing a frightening diagnosis. I was fortunate that my diagnosis could be treated through surgery and recovery without the needs for chemotherapy or radiation.”

Daghir is also an active participant in the Relay for Life and spoke at the Elk County Relay for Life in June about her experience with breast cancer. She has also worked to promote participation in events such as the Relay for Life among area students.

“The St. Marys Area School District and Elk County Catholic High School welcomed the American Cancer Society Relay Assembly before the end of the school year last year. We held a school-wide assembly in both schools where we discussed how to become involved in the Relay for Life,” Daghir said. “I also spoke about my experience with breast cancer. High school students are very caring and receptive to the experience. I was overwhelmed by the support I received from my co-workers and friends and even more overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern and support of the students. I have seen a very promising side of the young people in St. Marys and feel very positive about our future. As empowering as the experience with breast cancer has been, I have emphasized with the high school students that we are only here for a visit and it is important that we make the most of that visit. We discussed the responsibility of the patient in maintaining good healthy habits and preventative health care.”

Daghir added that she has been overwhelmed with the support for breast cancer awareness that she has seen generated by area students. In particular, she noted that the Elk County Catholic High School basketball, junior high and varsity football, and girls softball teams have all supported breast cancer awareness with wearing the pink ribbon symbol and holding halftime events at their games to demonstrate their support of ongoing awareness.

On October 16, Daghir was also involved with a county-wide effort by area schools to promote breast cancer awareness by encouraging students and faculty members to wear pink.

Students in the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the St. Marys, Ridgway and Johnsonburg school districts participated in the event.

“We wanted to do some collaborative things among the neighboring schools to show the students that they are part something larger than just the school they attend,” Daghir said. “In addition to the schools participating, the Elk County Courthouse and CAPSEA employees also wore pink as a sign of support. The schools held their own events in addition to wearing pink for Pink Day. One example is that the SMAHS and the Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary schools held contests with prizes for the students who wore the most pink. It didn’t take a lot of convincing for students to become excited about the day. Many of the schools held a fund raising event to make a donation to the American Cancer Society as a gesture of their support of cancer awareness. We plan to choose another Friday next October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) to hold the Annual Pink Day throughout Elk County. We would like to encourage the local communities and businesses to participate. It is a great experience for students to recognize being part of something much larger than themselves and their schools. We told the elementary students that if a plane flew over Elk County, all they would see was pink!”

Daghir also noted that she will be taking part in a “mini Relay” event at South St. Marys Street Elementary School that is being held for students and their families in January.

“I was invited to take part in that relay and look forward to the excitement,” Daghir said.

Along with her involvement promoting breast cancer awareness, Daghir explained that being a cancer survivor has also encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and try new things, including being a lector at St. Mary’s Church.

“It is a little thing, but a small step toward challenging me to do different things,” Daghir said. “I am also taking guitar lessons because it is something I have been thinking about doing. I hope to become involved in further coursework and the events at my boys’ schools where volunteering is valued. I will always strive to try new things but know that I will maintain my volunteer role with the American Cancer Society. They have encouraged survivor involvement.”

Daghir explained that early detection is one of the keys to beating cancer and noted that she was surprised by the recent government panel findings that no longer support annual breast mammograms beginning at the age of 40.

“I was 42 years old when a mammogram at Elk Regional Health Center found my early stage of breast cancer,” Daghir said. “The panel now suggests that the number of women who benefit from mammograms beginning at age 40 is insignificant. I fit into that category and strongly suggest maintaining the previous guidelines. I would not have found my cancer on my own without the mammogram. It saved my life, even though I fit into the category of “insignificant.’ I often think that I was given the experience for the reason that gives me a cause and a voice for other women.”

Roben is the wife of Joe Daghir and they are the parents of three boys, Luke, Ben and Nick.

“We enjoy sporting events as participants and as spectators,” Daghir said of her family. “Elk County offers a wide variety of sporting events throughout the year for families to attend. Our favorites are baseball and basketball.”

Daghir is a graduate of Elk County Catholic High School, Clarion University, and Edinboro University. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and has over 20 years of experience in the social service field.

“I obtained my Master’s degree in School Counseling (K – 12) in 2005 following school-based employment throughout Elk and Cameron counties as a Mental Health Liaison and Social Service Caseworker,” Daghir said. “I was always interested in obtaining my Master’s degree and was thrilled when the opportunity presented itself through Edinboro University. Courses were provided through distance learning at the Community Education Council, online, and through summer attendance in Edinboro. I enjoy taking classes and look forward to continuing my education.”

Daghir is currently employed with the Ridgway Area School District as the elementary school counselor with the Francis S. Grandinetti Elementary School, a position she began in September of this year. She was previously employed as a school counselor at the St. Marys Area High School.

“In the SMASD, I worked with the Alternative Education Program, Special Education Students, Freshmen Personal Development Course, and the Cooperative Education Program. As the Elementary school counselor in Ridgway, I enjoy working with all populations of students and faculty,” Daghir said. “The element is the same but the setting is different. I have enjoyed the change of pace regarding working with young students and their families. In the elementary setting, there is much more of an opportunity to work with families regarding their child’s education and needs. Every day presents a new challenge and experience.”

Daghir noted that the best thing about the position is the lack of monotony, but added that getting to know all of the students can be a challenge.

“No two days are the same and no two students are the same. Each day is full of surprises,” Daghir said. “The biggest challenge for me is getting to know all of the students. I think it is important to get to know every student in my school.”

Daghir added that she has enjoyed working with the faculty and staff at many of the schools in Elk County in the past and looks forward to working with them on collaborative efforts in the future.

“I feel very fortunate to have had these opportunities and look forward to maintaining the relationships with neighboring schools. Collaborative efforts have proven to be energy and cost effective for all of our schools and more beneficial to the students in Elk County,” Daghir said. “The SMASD has invited the neighboring districts to participate in a bullying awareness program in January. This same opportunity will be offered to many of the elementary schools throughout Elk County, due to the collaborative efforts of the school counselors. We have a solid educational system that assists students in reaching their full potential. I am very blessed with the love and support of my family and friends and privileged to work with great educators.”