In honor of James Hardin
James Hardin, a 58-year-old enrolled member of the Lumbee Indian tribe, began working with the Lumbee Regional Development Association in 1986 as executive director. He left the agency in 2003 and returned again in August 2007 as executive director.
The non-profit, based in Pembroke NC, provides various services, such as Head Start, employment and training, housing, daycare and cultural programs to Lumbee Indians in Robeson, Hoke and Scotland counties. The Lumbee is the largest tribe east of the Mississippi river.
In 2008, he had to take a break and let others help him when doctors diagnosed him with prostate cancer. While in college at then Pembroke State University in 1973, James had a bout of prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland. His doctor prescribed a 90-day course of antibiotics. But before the 90 days were up, James felt better and stopped the treatment.
Then, every ten years or so, he’d get a flare up. During last year’s flare-up, doctors found cancer. His surgery was successful, and while in post-op care, James noticed the thoughtfulness of one of the nursing students. “Before I could think of what I needed, there she was bringing me what I needed—a cup of ice, whatever it was,” James says.
“My memory wasn’t too good after surgery. I only remember her name was Ashley. I’d tell my wife, ‘I’m fine; Ashley the angel is taking care of me.’”