14 Feb 2002
DALLAS—Teacher and cancer survivor will participate in a symphonic choral program Sunday, Feb. 17 and Wednesday, Feb. 20 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and on May 26 at New York City's Carnegie Hall.
Chris Czarnecki, a second-grade teacher at Vickery Meadows Elementary School and survivor of breast cancer, is one of 13 survivors selected to introduce songs from "Sing for the Cure: A Proclamation of Hope," a choral work benefiting breast cancer research. The work is being performed by the Turtle Creek Chorale and The Women's Chorus of Dallas.
The music depicts ten phases of breast cancer, including diagnosis, loss of loved ones, and the proclamation of hope. Czarnecki will introduce a song about "taking control."
"For me, it's very important to say to the audience that breast cancer is very survivable," she says. "I'm so proud to do the narration; it's also very humbling."
Czarnecki, a 24-year DISD veteran, was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 1999. She returned to teaching at Vickery Meadows just two weeks after surgery in August. While undergoing cancer treatment that semester, she missed only one week of work due to a lung infection.
Having breast cancer — and beating it — has given Czarnecki a new attitude toward life. "I decided not to sweat the small things in life and be gentle with myself and with others. What really matters most in life is your health, family, and friends."
When she's not teaching, Czarnecki makes furniture. And when she's not teaching or making tables and chairs, she's taking on physical challenges.
She'll compete in her first 16-mile triathlon (biking, running, and swimming) in June in Austin, for which she trains every morning at 6 a.m.
Stepping onto the Carnegie Hall stage in May also will be a first for Czarnecki, who's living life to the fullest.