Losing my father to pancreatic cancer changed my life, completely. My journey began in 1997 and continues to this day.
I live in Salem Oregon, and my husband and I have 3 sons and two grandsons.
In 1998, I walked in my first Relay For Life to remember my father. I was impressed with the Survivor Celebration and knew there was HOPE, not just sadness attached to a cancer diagnosis. All of a sudden, I was walking in the Survivor Lap as I had been diagnosed, treated and cured from melanoma in 2004. I enjoy being part of events helping support the American Cancer Society and their many programs.
Subsequently, I lost my mother to multiple myeloma; my younger sister to breast cancer, and my baby sister to metastatic melanoma. Each of those loses gave me more of a reason to Fight Back. Over the years, I have had 66 relatives, friends, and co-workers survive cancer….but I have lost 36 loved ones to this disease.
Volunteer opportunities with The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network brought a new level of passion and commitment to my cancer journey. Since 2003, my work with ACS CAN has reflected several changes to laws in Oregon. At the national level, increased funding for cancer research and programs has been accomplished. And now the future holds great HOPE with newer treatments and easier diagnostic tools such as the multi-cancer early detection blood test.
Fundraising for ACS and ACS CAN are of utmost importance in order for continued success in the future. By connecting to my community and those touched by cancer, valuable dollars are donated to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone.