HEALTH
71
Treasure Coast Medical Report
JODI DETERLIZZI — Fitness trainer fights cancer with
her faith
As a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, Jodi
DiTerlizzi of Palm City has led a healthy and active lifestyle.
Back in 2010, her typical workday began with a 5-mile run
before training clients and teaching exercise classes at Martin
Health and Fitness Center. So, it was shocking to this healthconscious
53 year old, when her gynecologist discovered
a lump in her left breast during a routine exam. She had a
mammogram and then consulted Dr. James Vopal, a surgeon
in Stuart who specializes in breast cancer treatments, who
took a biopsy.
“With tears in his eyes, Dr.Vopal pulls his stool up to me,
and he spoke that dreaded word ‘cancer — ductal carcinoma
in-situ,’ ” she recalled. “It meant that it was enclosed in the
milk ducts and had not metastasized. He explained that if
they caught it quickly, there would be no spreading.”
DeTerlizzi elected to have a double mastectomy, since there
could be a malignancy in both breasts. Realizing that she was
in a tough fight with a deadly opponent, she turned to her
faith as a first weapon of defense. For 12 days leading up to
the surgery, she completely immersed herself with healing
scriptures and music.
“I would tape the earbuds to my ears and listen even
through the night,” she said. “In the morning, I would wake
up and felt no anxiety or fear.”
Surgery was scheduled at Martin Health System on St. Patrick’s
Day. As it was about to begin, she asked to pray with
the doctors.
“I could swear that I could hear a pin drop,” she recalled.
“Everything stopped for that moment. I wasn’t just pray- >>
BECAUSE
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DETERLIZZI FAMILY COLLECTION
Jodi Deterlizzi of Palm City, pictured with husband, Mike, relies on her
faith to remain strong and cancer free.
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