My involvement with the American Cancer Society began in 1989 when I became my grandmother’s caregiver after she was diagnosed with colon cancer.  I participated in a local Relay For Life event and started my Relay journey.  Who would have thought that two years later I would become a silent sufferer, Stage IB2 Cervical Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma) survivor.  My world rocked and my tears fell as I learned I had cancer.  Alone in a foreign country, I made the decision to be strong and not tell others I had cancer.  My family was thousands of miles away, it would be pain and worry for them.  That diagnosis spurred the drive and passion that still runs strong today to ensure others know they are not alone, there is help, there is support and there is HOPE.
Over the last 32 years, I have participated in Relay For Life, Bark For Life and Making Stride for Breast Cancer all over the world as a Team Captain, Survivor Lead, Recognition Lead, Registration Lead, Mission Lead, Event Lead, Survivor and Caregiver.  Relay For Life of Midland County (Michigan) is my home event now.  I still love traveling to other events to help share ideas, share the passion, fund the cure and keep the fight going.  I spent many years fighting my own silent fight, but this butterfly has burst out of her cocoon and is ready to take flight and spread HOPE.
Today, I celebrate each day being a wife, mom, MeMe, survivor and caregiver.  I live in Northern Michigan with my husband, Tim, where we enjoy life’s adventures together with our two children and their families. I enjoy camping, hiking, reading, car shows, cooking and own my own cake business.  I dedicate every day to my family, friends and continuing the fight against cancer.