Triniece Canty received the nickname Penny as a baby. It was family tradition to tie a copper penny around the neck of the first born child. The penny tied around Triniece's neck went missing, and later was found in her diaper. Since that day, Triniece has been known as Penny. Since joining the Liberty Pole Way Corps (worship and community center) of The Salvation Army, she has been known as Sister Penny.
Sister Penny came to Rochester from Florida in June 2006 to say goodbye to her grandson and daughter. Penny was expected to die of breast cancer. Her doctors had given her only weeks to live, as her cancer was in its last stage. Upon arrival in Rochester, Penny had no place to stay.
She turned to The Salvation Army's Hope House for help. Although not a Christian at the time, Penny started to attend Bible study and Sunday School and realized God was someone she needed in her life.
Sister Penny stayed at Hope House for 45 days while they helped her get all the paperwork needed to move into her current apartment. They also helped her obtain the proper documents needed to receive disability checks to pay for the apartment.
On June 29, 2008 Sister Penny was sworn in as a Soldier of the Salvation Army. Having lived a life of drug use, poverty, and homelessness, Sister Penny feels she can relate to other church members and The Salvation Army's clients. "There was a time in my life when I didn't care. I knew I was going to die of cancer, so I started spending my money and doing drugs," said Sister Penny.
She has been with the Liberty Pole Corps for several years, and recognizes how her life story can inspire others. "The Salvation Army really grabbed my heart," says Sister Penny. She knows that sitting and talking with other members can make a difference because everyone has a story to share.
Her goal is to become a Salvation Army officer, educate people about cancer, and help women who are facing abuse, drug addiction, and homelessness. "I have dabbled in everything a battered woman goes through," said Sister Penny. Currently, she teaches Bible study and women's ministry at the Hope House. She has also been sponsoring three women with breast cancer at Gilda's Club since 2007.
On Thursdays, Sister Penny holds a lunch for residents in her apartment building and collects donations that benefit The Salvation Army's children's ministry. Serving as president of the Tenants' Association, Sister Penny is trying to, "wake up a dead building."
Sister Penny is continuing to fight cancer, having been diagnosed recently with stomach cancer. She is currently receiving chemotherapy. "I have always been a fighter. I am winning, I'm going to win the whole battle," said Sister Penny, "I have good days and bad days. My attitude jumps back and forth, I have to pray about my attitude."
It has been the support she receives from The Salvation Army, her friends and her family that helps Sister Penny continue on her journey. "I'm fighting to live to tell others how the Lord has helped me," said Sister Penny.
Five years after her first diagnosis and being told she was going to die, Sister Penny has credited her survival to her faith. "The last three years have been the best in my life because I have surrendered myself to Christ."
"...There is no reward equal to that of Doing the Most Good to the most people in the most need."
- Evangeline Booth