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Tuesday, 09 September 2025
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Written by Lia Tremblaya
When you talk to Marla West, it’s easy to forget that she’s 86 years old. With a sharp memory and a youthful sense of humor, the Lillington resident loves hunting for antique treasures in shops and keeping her garden in bloom.
But for most of her life, there’s been one thing that has sometimes slowed her down.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had problems with constipation,” she said. “I would go a few days with nothing happening, but then I’d take a laxative, and it would be fine.”
This continued into adulthood, with patience and laxatives usually taking care of the problem. But in recent years, West found that medication sometimes made things even worse.
“I have a very bad hip,” she said, “and the medication I took for that pain made me so constipated. I think that’s where it really became a problem.”
The problem started with some minor belly pain one night.
“I just had a little stomachache,” she said. “And I thought, oh, it was probably something I ate. I’ll be fine.”
But by midnight, it hadn’t gone away. When her daughter, Robin, said they should probably go to the hospital, West was still sure it was nothing.
“But we went anyway,” she said, “and I’m so glad we did.”
At Central Harnett Hospital, she quickly learned that her discomfort was something much more serious. She’d been so constipated, for so long, that her colon had perforated. West remembers hearing someone say how dangerous it was, especially at her age, and that she’d need an emergency colostomy. She was quickly transferred to Betsy Johnson Hospital for the surgery.
“And then Dr. Hall came in and talked to me,” she said, “and I just can’t tell you how wonderful she is.”
Rachel Hall, DO, is a board-certified general surgeon at Cape Fear Valley General Surgery in Dunn. The practice offers what they call “a family-type environment,” where patient and provider get to know each other before surgery. But in West’s emergency, the introductions were swift with no time to spare.
“Everything happened very quickly,” said West. “But I knew she was a very skilled surgeon, and more than that, she was just a very nice person. After we talked about what was going to happen, I just knew I was going to be OK.”
After a three-hour surgery, West woke up feeling groggy but relieved. She spent 10 days recovering. Visits from Dr. Hall helped keep her spirits up.
“She said they were still keeping an eye on me, and I wasn’t out of the woods yet,” said West, “but I was never really afraid because she was just so positive.”
Seven months later, West is back to antiquing and gardening with her daughter. She has even made peace with her colostomy bag, something she’d feared would be very hard to get used to.
“It just takes a little extra time every day,” she said. “I'm used to just undressing and jumping in the shower, but you have to remove and clean everything. I just get started before everybody else does if we're going somewhere.”
While she wouldn’t wish a scary night like that on anyone, West said she’s glad she followed her daughter’s advice to go to the hospital. And she’s grateful Dr. Hall was there.
“I just can’t tell you how wonderful she is,” said West. “I mean, my gosh, she saved my life.”
Sanford W. Hawkins-Rivers, MD, works with Dr. Hall at Cape Fear Valley General Surgery in Dunn and was recently awarded the Physician of the Year award from the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Caduceus Society. For another patient, one of his best skills was knowing when you don’t need to operate.
Sandra Mahiquez, who lives in Benson, struggled for months with a worsening pain in her wrist and thumb. Friends and family recommended Dr. Hawkins-Rivers. At her first appointment, she braced for a conversation about surgery. But she was pleasantly surprised.
“He said what I needed was just a steroid shot,” she said. “So, I got that, and that alone made it 80 percent better.”
She received another shot in a follow-up visit, and by her third visit, she was back to 100 percent.
“I don’t even think about it anymore,” she said. “All that pain, just gone.”
Now Mahiquez happily recommends Dr. Hawkins-Rivers to anyone who asks, and not just because he helped her avoid surgery.
“He’s very confident,” she said, “but he’s pleasant too. He jokes around and makes you feel really comfortable. I hope I never do need surgery, but if I do, that’s where I’m going.”
(Photo courtesy of Cape Fear General Surgery)
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Tuesday, 02 September 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
On September 11, 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives and left an indelible mark on the United States. Among the hardest-hit were the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, which were struck by hijacked planes and subsequently collapsed.
The sheer scale of the devastation and the loss of life profoundly shocked the nation and the world. The attacks targeted not just the physical structures but the very spirit of America, aiming to instill fear and chaos.
Among the many heroes of that fateful day were the 343 firefighters from the New York City Fire Department who sacrificed their lives. These brave individuals, ranging from probationary firefighters to high-ranking officials, rushed into the burning towers to save civilians, climbing numerous flights of stairs with heavy gear to reach those trapped on the upper floors.
Their actions were instrumental in the largest civilian rescue operation in U.S. history, helping to evacuate tens of thousands of people. The selfless courage and unwavering commitment to public service displayed by these firefighters continue to inspire and resonate.
The legacy of the 9/11 first responders extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of the attacks. In the years since, hundreds more FDNY members have died from illnesses related to their exposure to toxic dust and debris at Ground Zero. These deaths are also recognized as line-of-duty deaths, adding to the tragic legacy of 9/11.
Memorializing these heroes serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that emerged in the face of tragedy, and it underscores the human cost of the attacks. It's a way of keeping the promise to 'never forget.'
One event dedicated to honoring the fallen firefighters is the 2025 Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb & Walk. This event will take place at Segra Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 11, with onsite registration starting at 5 p.m., followed by an Opening Ceremony and the climb commencing at 7 p.m.
Participants in the Stair Climb & Walk will pay tribute to an FDNY firefighter by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This symbolic act not only remembers the sacrifice of an FDNY brother but also completes their heroic journey to save others.
The Role of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, established by the U.S. Congress, leads a nationwide effort in remembering America's fallen firefighters. Since its inception in 1992, this tax-exempt, 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has been dedicated to honoring fallen fire heroes and providing support to their families and coworkers.
Through various programs and initiatives, the NFFF works tirelessly to create and maintain support systems for Fire Hero Families and firefighters. The funding for these programs often comes from private donations, and events like the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb play a crucial role in sustaining their mission.
How the Fayetteville Stair Climb Supports the Cause
The Fayetteville Stair Climb, organized through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, is a local event that contributes to the national cause. By hosting the 2025 Fayetteville Stair Climb & Walk, the community of Fayetteville plays an active role in supporting the mission of the NFFF.
Participants in the Fayetteville Stair Climb help raise funds and awareness for the programs that assist the families and coworkers of fallen firefighters. It's a local effort with a national impact, demonstrating how communities across the country can come together to honor and support our fire service heroes.
“We hope that participants feel a sense of reflection, but also a bit of community; to do this as a group and not alone. We specifically start the climb with the radio traffic from 9/11/01 to set the tone, but we also stop before the last lap and bring all flags to the front so that we finish as a group as well. Also, Fayetteville Fire Department’s Chief Richtmeyer provides a bell that participants ring as they finish the climb, as well,” said Brittany Tschida Odom, Fayetteville Stair Climb.
Community participation is crucial in ensuring that each of the 343 firefighters is honored and that the world knows we will never forget.
“Participants wear the badge of a firefighter, police officer, or EMS responder and can take that home with them. A video is also played on the videoboard of all the badges,” Odom said.
Typically, participants are firefighters, first responders, and military personnel from the Fayetteville area and beyond, but the event is open to the whole community.
“Before I became a trainer, I served as an EMT, so honoring first responders holds a very close place in my heart. When I started Gracefully Fit, I wanted to use the business not only to build strength and community, but also to carry forward the memory of the fallen and ensure that we never forget,” said Grace Bex, owner of Gracefully Fit.
Gracefully Fit will have their own team participating in this year's 9/11 Stair Climb & Walk event.
“For the past eight years, we’ve hosted our own 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, and this year — now that we’ve officially opened as a gym — it felt important to show up in force with our community at Segra Stadium. It’s our way of honoring the heroes of 9/11 while bringing people together through purpose and strength,” Bex said.
Bex encourages everyone who can to participate in this event that raises awareness and support for firefighters and their families.
“It’s everything. I’ve seen how service impacts not just the responder but their entire family. Raising awareness ensures that their sacrifices are honored, remembered, and supported in real, tangible ways. The funds raised go directly to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which helps families who’ve lost so much — that’s a cause worth climbing for.”
If you are interested in starting your own team or joining one that is already established, register online at https://nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/fayetteville25/pledge/registration/start. You can also register as an individual stair climber. Registration fees are $35, and online registration closes on Sept. 7 at midnight. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt.
In 2024, the NFFF started a fundraising and awareness initiative with the goal of expanding the number of states that hold a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb to all 50 states by the year 2025.
“The program averages 40+ stair climbs a year across the country. The 50 x 25 campaign started last year, so we expect an increase next year on the 25th anniversary,” says Regina Livingston, the Development Program Manager of the NFFF.
Fayetteville Stair Climb is also looking to expand who the event helps locally in the future.
“Since the beginning, this event has been through the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which offers a variety of resources for individuals or full departments. We are exploring options to have this event benefit our local first responders and military personnel,” says Odom.
(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb Facebook Page)
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