Rosie the Riveter Survived World War II as a Teen and Now, at 100, She Beat Cancer
As a true Rosie the Riveter, creating critical supplies and equipment for soldiers overseas during World War II, Milka Bamond learned how to overcome difficult situations. In her late teens, she worked at a factory in Detroit.
“Nothing stopped us. I worked seven days a week, very long days,” Bamond said. “The women in the factories were truly unstoppable. I was all over the factory doing a little bit of everything, including inspecting supplies like aircraft parts.”
Decades later, Bamond continues to show she can tackle any challenge thrown her way. In her early 90s, she found an unusual lump in one of her breasts, which was later determined to be cancer.
“When I saw her initially at age 94, she was just bouncing back from surgery for acute colitis and we didn’t think she could tolerate an immediate surgery,” said Martine Extermann, MD, PhD, leader of the Senior Adult Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center. “After five years of hormonal therapy, we decided to go ahead with an elective surgery.”
Bamond says she relied on her faith throughout her cancer journey. “I didn’t doubt anything,” she said. “When I was assured this was what I needed and I didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation, I was actually very happy.”
Extermann says because Bamond has maintained an excellent cognitive status and is in good physical condition, a brief surgery was the best treatment option.
“On a general note, we see an increasing number of patients in their 90s coming for treatment at Moffitt and benefiting from it, and now even a few centenarians like Ms. Bamond,” Extermann said.
At the age of 100, Bamond is now cancer free.
“I can’t believe I am 100 years old. It really doesn’t feel that way,” she said.
“She did great with a rapid recovery, and that is not a given at that age,” Extermann said. “Her motivation and our multidisciplinary coordinated approach and experience with the management of very senior patients were key.”
Bamond’s daughter, Laura, credits her mom’s resilience, which she has maintained throughout her life, for getting her through this hurdle in her later years.
“My mom is a very strong and brave person,” she said. “My mom will do whatever she needs to do to live and to enjoy life. She is very strong and always has been. She is so sharp and still full of life.”
