At the age of 47, Ginger Freeze learned she had breast cancer.  A lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation followed.  Eighteen years later a routine mammogram revealed breast cancer again.  This time the treatment was a mastectomy and a minimum five years of Arimidex.  Ginger is grateful for the care provided by her medical team, her husband and family and the prayers and support of friends, as well as the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery volunteer who came to visit after her surgery.  It was her Reach to Recovery volunteer who invited her to help in the survivors’ tent and reception at the Relay For Life of Brazos County, Bryan, TX.

“The first time I walked the Survivors’ Lap, I was moved to tears. Every Survivors’ Lap since then I’ve had the same experience,” says Ginger.  She Relays in honor of her mother and daughter — both of whom are breast cancer survivors — and in memory of her grandmother, an aunt and a former student.  “Research sponsored by the American Cancer Society has benefited many and Relay For Life is my way of giving back.”

Ginger is now a Reach to Recovery volunteer and a team captain for both a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team and a Relay For Life team.  She has served as a regional trainer and an Event Leadership Team member.

“Cancer taught me to accept help when it is offered, a tough lesson for this fiercely independent person,” says Ginger.  “It also taught me the importance of early detection and the value of research.  Some of that research and early detection are part of why I AM A SURVIVOR!  Through Relay For Life and Strides, I’ve met such amazing people committed to doing all they can to conquer cancer.  Will you join us?”