FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – For Judy Georges, March 2025 brought an unexpected turn in her retirement years. At 65, she was living a peaceful life in Fayetteville, N.C., when a moment at her kitchen sink changed everything.
“I was standing there washing dishes when I suddenly felt cramping and experienced bleeding,” Georges recalled.
“I had noticed bleeding before and wondered if it was normal for my age, but I hadn’t said anything. That day, I knew I needed to take action.”
The action led her to A Woman’s Place in Fayetteville, where she was referred to the FirstHealth Cancer Center in Pinehurst. The diagnosis—endometrial cancer—was a shock. “I wasn’t sure how to react, should I scream, cry? I think I was just frozen in shock,” Georges shared.
Accompanied by her sister and a church family member, Georges traveled to Pinehurst where she met Brian Burgess, D.O., gynecologic oncologist and member of FirstHealth’s cancer care team. From their first meeting, Georges knew she was in good hands.
“Dr. Burgess took time to explain everything about my cancer and the treatment he recommended,” she said. “He broke it down for me to understand. He made me feel comfortable and confident that I was prepared to do what needed to be done.”
For Georges, that meant surgery. Dr. Burgess identified the tumor in her uterus and moved quickly to schedule a hysterectomy at Moore Regional Hospital. On the night before her surgery, Georges and her sister stayed at the Clara McLean House, a comfortable and supportive haven just steps away from Moore Regional.
“Everyone at Clara’s House was so welcoming and accommodating,” Georges said. “I met other patients going through similar journeys. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone.”
The morning of April 15, FirstHealth public safety staff drove Georges across the street for her surgery. With the support of her medical team and her faith, her procedure was a success. On May 15, at her one-month follow-up appointment, she rang the celebratory bell at the Cancer Center, marking the end of treatment and the beginning of survivorship.
Always one to put on a brave face, Georges revealed her fear. “I left it to my faith and trusted God to work through Dr. Burgess,” she said.
Georges journey also brought personal transformation. Inspired by Dr. Burgess, Georges committed to better health and self-care. She’s now down more than 20 pounds and eating healthier, steps she’s proud to have taken for herself.
To others, Georges offers this advice, “Don’t wait. If something feels off with your body, get it checked out. And if you are in a cancer journey, have faith and take care of yourself. You are worth it, and you can do it.”
For her 66th birthday in May, Georges had just one request, and that was to celebrate life. Surrounded by loved ones, she enjoyed tacos, salad and a birthday cake—simple joys made all the sweeter by the journey she had just completed.
Originally from New York, Georges moved to Fayetteville from New Jersey three years ago after retiring from Verizon. She quickly fell in love with the slower pace of life and close-knit community. Her sister, who has been with her every step of the way, also lives in Fayetteville, while another sister lives in Brooklyn, New York and a brother resides in Pennsylvania.
This month during National Cancer Survivors Month and Endometrial Cancer Awareness Month, we celebrate Judy Georges, not just for surviving cancer, but for embracing life, love and health with renewed purpose.
Dr. Burgess is among an advanced team of FirstHealth providers offering comprehensive care for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancers. The care team serves patients in the recently opened Cancer Center in Pinehurst, a 120,000-square-foot center where patients can receive their treatments under one roof. In addition to state-of-the-art treatment facilities, the center includes palliative care services, research and clinical trials, navigation and support services for patients and caregivers, nutrition services, and a dedicated wellness center with a yoga room.
