My  name is Debbie McDonald.  I live in Alvin, Texas with my husband, Lou.  We have 2 adult children and 6 grandchildren.  Family time is important to us.  We are active, hands-on grandparents and love every minute spent with them.

Our family began Relaying over 20 years ago after my sister-in-law’s battle with breast cancer.  Relay became my focus and I have Relayed ever since that first event.  My cancer story begins with my own diagnosis of cervical dysplasia in 1996.  I was only 34 years old.  My father and both my sisters have also heard “you have cancer”.

It was several years after I began Relaying that my mother-law, Momo, was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma.  I was one of her primary caregivers.  At that point, I became passionate with the mission and programs of ACS.   I quickly became very involved in all things Relay.  At the end of her treatment with the first diagnosis, Momo proudly “rang the bell”.  10 years after her first diagnosis, Momo sadly lost her battle with her second diagnosis, she did not get to “ring the bell” a second time.

Momo was always thankful for my willingness to volunteer and raise funds for the mission of the American Cancer Society.  On her deathbed, I promised her I would not quit leading that fight.   Since she was not able to “ring the bell” with the second diagnosis, my husband and I created Momo’s Bell.  We travel with it to area Relays.  Survivors have the opportunity to ring Momo’s Bell with each lap walked.  Each ring symbolizes HOPE for cancer patients and reminds us to continue the fight in remembrance of those taken too soon.

Becoming a Voice of Hope has helped me grow tremendously both personally and as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.