My name is Debbie McDonald. I live in Alvin, Texas with my husband, Lou. We have 2 adult children and 6 grandchildren.

Relay started for us in 1999 after my sis in law battled breast cancer. I was a 4-year survivor then of cervical cancer.

My mother-in-law, Momo, was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. Being one of her primary caregivers enabled me to become passionate with the mission and programs of ACS. 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. On her death bed, I promised her I would not quit leading that fight. Since she was not able to “ring the bell” with the second diagnosis, Momo’s Bell was created and travels to Relay’s for survivors to ring as they take laps. Each ring symbolizes HOPE for cancer patients and reminds us to continue the fight in remembrance of those taken too soon.

I lost my dad to glioblastoma in 2022. His battle was aggressive, with a short 7 months from the time of diagnosis to time we laid him to rest.

In 2023, my husband awoke to a very painful abdomen and within hours he was diagnosed with kidney cancer, a week later with the kidney removed, he was cancer free. 4 weeks later he walked his very first survivor lap!

I have so much to be thankful for in my life, even thru the hurt of losing family members and friends to this horrible disease.

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