October is Brest Cancer Awareness Month. In effort to spread awareness we decided to feature artist and breast cancer survivor, Debbie Hoag.

Debbie Hoag was born Deborah Hoag, daughter of Lester and Hazel Jimerson, and sister to eleven siblings, including sister and featured SINM artist, Penny Minner. Debbie is Turtle clan and from the Allegany reservation. Growing up, she was immersed in art. Her father was a professional wood-carver and owner of the dance group “Half Tribal Travel” and her mother was often found crafting. Debbie recalls traveling with her family to perform in dance shows and help sell crafts. She considers herself to be primarily a cornhusk and beadwork artist, but is always learning to this very day dabbling in different mediums and crafts. Art continues to be passed down through the family with Debbie practicing embroidery with her daughter and her nine-year old grandson being an avid lover of the performing arts.

Debbie previously worked for the nation as the Higher Education Coordinator. She was in that position when she discovered a lump in her underarm and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. The diagnosis was a shock, with her first thoughts being “Why me?” but soon transformed to “Why not me, it’s got to happen to somebody”.

Stats and graphic from the national Breast cancer foundation.

The realization that breast cancer is bound to happen to someone is devastatingly true. In the U.S., breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Notably, men can develop breast cancer too.

Debbie was greatly supported throughout her treatment journey by her family, doctors, work, and community. Today the Seneca Nation community continues to be devoted to supporting those experiencing cancer and their families. For example, father and daughter duo Eliot Jimerson and Geneva Locke started Team Wheel Strong back in 2020 as part of the Ride for Roswell initiative.

Each year Team Wheel Strong grows stronger, gaining more passionate riders and raising funds for Roswell’s Department of Indigenous Health. Interviewing Debbie, it was made clear how incredible Roswell is with knowledgeable doctors advocating what they believe are the best options for their patients, yet respecting every patients autonomy. When asked about advice for those with cancer, her response was to “Get to Roswell”.

Logo designed by Geneva Locke.

Another piece of advice was to “take care of themselves”. One of Debbie’s favorite forms of self care is to stay active. Debbie stays active biking through Allegany State Park with her grandson, who calls her Gdub, practicing art, and participating in community events such as the Allegany Community Center’s 5K walk/runs.

Debbie can often be found at these 5k events with sister Penny. Debbie shared that these walks played a significant role in bringing her family together and offering her family member’s hope while she was sick. This upcoming Monday, October 28th the Seneca Nation HR department is hosting a “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event. SN employees will receive admin time in encouragement to attend and support the cause.

You can also help support the fight in ending breast cancer by donating to the “Pink Pumpkin Project“, a project Debbie still supports today.

Ending the interview, Debbie was asked if there was anything else she would like to share with the community. Debbie recounted how she was part of the Kinzua era and she was relocated to a new home. From her story the message to be thankful for advancements and finding ways to live life to the fullest emerge. She believes the cancer also taught her to live life fuller and “just do-it”. Since her recovery she has made efforts to travel both with family and on her own, stay active for her grandson, and has even sky-dived, twice!

Debbie has an infectious light-hearted energy and a way of convincing people to break out of their shells and be less afraid to live. Nya:wëh Debbie for sharing your story and wisdom!

Onöhsagwë:de’ Cultural Center’s interview with Debbie is made available for you to download and listen to below: