GEORGIA, Vt. (WCAX) - A Vermont woman is making waves in cancer research by turning out thousands of cans of preserves each year.
Using berries, jalapeno and bourbon, Martha-Sue Bechard cooks up a batch of what she calls Kentucky Bar Fight jam.
She learned about canning as a kid, but making preserves is a newer pastime.
“Once we were married, I started making jams and jellies. Just kind of a hobby,” said Bechard.
Though for a while, health concerns forced Bechard to simmer down her hobby.
It started as a stomachache.
“And so I went to my doctor, and I’m like, ‘Hey, something is going on.’ She’s like, ‘Oh, you have reflux,’” said Bechard.
More symptoms brought more cause for concern. Random pain, night sweats and eventually, a CT scan.
“The lymph nodes in my abdomen were all enlarge