Cynthia Dickson lives in Bastrop, Texas.  She is married to Greg.  Both are avid Texas Longhorn fans.  On game days, you will always find Cynthia sporting a burnt orange shirt.

Cynthia has a long family history of cancer.  Although she was part of this lineage, she was still shocked when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April 2000.

Cynthia’s cancer was detected early through a routine Pap test and treated with surgery.  No chemotherapy or radiation were needed.  “I was very blessed,”  Cynthia said.  “Thanks to my annual well check at my gynecologist, my cancer was caught early.”  The American Cancer Society recommends that screening begin at age 25, have a primary HPV test every 5 years along with a pap test, or a stand-alone pap test every 3 years.

After her recovery, Cynthia became involved with the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. She hasn’t stopped since that first experience.  “I feel like I can make a difference as we work toward a cure to keep my children and grandchildren from hearing those dreadful words:  You have cancer,” Cynthia said.

Chosen as a 2008 Hero of Hope (now Voice of Hope), Cynthia uses Relay For Life as her vehicle to share an early detection message whenever presented with the opportunity to speak.  She carries a purple monkey named “EDSL” with her so that he can share her message in a way that gets people’s attention.  That message is “Quit monkeying around and get your screenings because Early Detection Saves Lives!”  Cynthia says:  “The Society shared that message and now I am proof of that.  It is now time for me to share this message so that others use the Society as a resource for research, education, advocacy and service.”

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