SAVE THE DATE... Mark your calendar, your Regional Relay Summit will be here before you know it!

Get ready to participate in training workshops designed for your committee position that will inspire, motivate and capture your attention! Make sure your committee splits up to experience all of these breakouts so you can each bring back information to your committee and share ideas learned.

The Regional Relay Summit will be jam packed with Relay resources, understanding your role on the planning committee and discovering new ideas that will boost your Relay event.

HEROES OF HOPE
Karen Willis
Del Norte, CO

Q&A with Karen Willis

What kind of cancer did you have and when were you diagnosed?
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June, 2000.

What was it like to find out you had cancer?
When I heard that I might have cancer. I thought this can not be me, this happens to everyone else, not me. I also felt like I had a "C" branded on my forehead and everyone would know that I had cancer. I wondered how people would react to my news. Would they be afraid of me? Would I be on this journey by myself? When my husband and I heard the words "You Have Cancer" we both thought I was going to die. Growing up, if you had cancer you died. My oncologist helped us through the fear. I believe that I was in shock at first and was glad I had the support that I had.

Did you use any ACS programs and services?
Yes. I called the ACS number and was immediately set up with a woman from Durango. To be honest I never found out her name, but she talked with me on the telephone, was very encouraging and told me about cancer.org. This site helped me find out more about what to expect and gave me info that I could question my oncologist about. As I continued through my journey with cancer the American Cancer Society has helped me in many ways.

Why do you volunteer for the American Cancer Society?
When I found out I had cancer, I had a long talk with God and I made a pact with him that if I survived this terrifying disease I would find some way to help others with cancer. It took me awhile to find the answer but I was led to Relay For Life. I was at a support group for cancer when Helen Lester asked me if I would be interested in RFL. My husband and I found out what RFL was and have been involved for 5 years in it now. I love RFL because I feel every cancer is represented and being fought for. Being with survivors is an experience that cannot be explained in words. I have a passion to find a cure for cancer and I feel that ACS is where it will happen. Another thing I love about RFL is I have been to several other RFL in Southern Colorado and the one thing that I have found out is that no matter where I am at I always feel like I belong there. ACS has opened up many opportunities for me and I have realized that the door only closes if you let it close. If you keep pushing the door will eventually open up to opportunities you never thought possible.

What inspires you to fight back against cancer?
I have been blessed to survive cancer for 9 years. As I have said before, I have a passion to find a cure for cancer. I know what a shock it is to hear the words "You Have Cancer" and I hope that in the near future when someone else hears those words there will be a remedy as simple as something for an everyday cold that can be taken and they will not have the fear that I had. I also have a husband, 3 daughters, 3 grandchildren and family that are so supportive on the fight against cancer that together we hope to make a difference on the war against cancer.