Fundraiser Planned for Riverview Woman Diagnosed with Cancer

An off-hand comment during a routine doctor's appointment in May has led to a diagnosis of cancer for a lifelong Riverview resident.

A 27-year employee of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Lisa Love Broome said she'd been feeling unusually tired so she decided to make an appointment with her doctor for a checkup.

"As I was getting ready to leave, the doctor asked me if I had any other concerns and I mentioned that I had this lump beneath the skin on my stomach," recalled Broome.

Upon examing Broome, the doctor noticed a faint white spot on her skin and decided to do a biopsy to be on the safe side.

Broome said she was shocked when she later received a call from her doctor's office telling her that the biopsy showed she had melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

She was sent to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute for surgery.

Shortly after, she was visiting her mother in the hospital when she suddenly felt faint and her heart began beating rapidly. By the time she reached the emergency room, her heart had stopped and she had to be revived with cardioversion, an electrical jolt from paddles. Doctors subsequently diagnosed her with atrial fibrillation.

Broome, who has custody of her grandchildren, is now unable to work. So, to help offset her medical expenses, her brother, Paul Pedrick, has organized a fundraiser Sunday, Aug. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Proud Pony Lounge, 5902 S. Gornto Lake Rd., Riverview.

Pedrick's band, Hollywood & Broken Note, will perform during the fundraiser, which will include raffles and prize giveaways.

Broome, who peppers her Facebook page with inspirational messages for others, said she's accustomed to giving to others and is overwhelmed by her brother's gesture to help her.

"But I have faith that everything will be OK," she said. "God always works things out."

For information, call 813-621-1428.