Local Marine fights stage 4 cancer with military discipline and community support.
- Lynn Eckert, a Marine and beloved volunteer with Honor Flight Kern County, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer affecting her pancreas, liver, bile duct, and bones.
- Fellow veterans have rallied around Eckert, helping with transportation and housing near the Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center in Bakersfield, where she’s receiving treatment.
- Despite her diagnosis, the 71-year-old maintains her characteristic positive attitude and faith, with her doctor noting that her “Marine grit” will be valuable in her battle against cancer.
A beloved member of our local veteran community is now fighting for her life, as neighbors and fellow service members band together to support her after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis.
Lynn Eckert, a 71-year-old Marine and Honor Flight Kern County volunteer from Tehachapi, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the pancreas, liver, bile duct, and bones. Despite the grim diagnosis, she is approaching this battle with the same tenacity and optimism that has made her a beloved figure in our community.
“On May 4th, my entire life changed. I entered the hospital in Tehachapi. “I’m in pain,” Eckert stated.
The diagnosis shocked the veteran, who joined the Marines in 1974 and has spent much of her life serving others.
“Oh my God, went into shock, walked around, next minute life over, pretty much,” Eckert told me.
Eckert, known for her quick smile and infectious laugh, discovered her family in the Marine Corps after a difficult childhood.
“Left home due to alcoholism and abuse, now, I’m the only person left in my family,” she went on:
Eckert, a vocal member of Honor Flight Kern County and a representative for Eastern Kern, has made a significant impact on our community. Fellow veterans are now stepping up to help her, arranging transportation and housing near Bakersfield’s Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center, where she is receiving treatment.
Despite receiving such a serious diagnosis, Eckert maintains her characteristic optimism.
“I have hope, Mike, have to have hope, great support… but it was a shock… one minute I’m going at 90 mph, suddenly bam,” Eckert went on.
Dr. Ravi Patel, Director of Medical Oncology and Hematology at CBCC, called Eckert a “bundle of joy, positive, and inspiring.”
“Patient’s attitude is huge, if you’re getting into the battle assuming you’ve lost, it’s not going to work, but her being a Marine, she has the grit to keep going,” said Doctor Patel.
Eckert intends to rely on her faith when she begins chemotherapy treatments later this month.
“God has a definite plan, (normally he would consult with the Marines first), yes, I said go above my head, he asked me and I said yes, do that… but stay away from the Navy,” she said with a typical sense of humor.
The community is rallying behind this Marine who has always been eager to assist those in need, hoping to repay some of the kindness she has shown to so many of her neighbors over the years.
