Cancer came abruptly into my life 14 years ago when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I was lucky - it was detected at an early stage and removed. During the same period of time, my eldest daughter's birth mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer also. But her cancer had not been detected early and was rapidly travelling through her body. Nine months later, she was dead. It was extremely difficult to explain to my 12-year old stepdaughter why her mother died from cancer and I didn't. That spring brought a diagnosis of leukemia for my 80-year-old paternal grandmother. Within a couple of months, she was gone as well.

In addition to these, my birth mother died last year from uterine cancer after a determined 7-month battle. My stepmother, whom I love dearly, was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago. Her battle has also been fought bravely and she has beat the odds, surviving for six years beyond what the oncologist actually expected. Currently, she's fighting her way back into remission via a particularly nasty chemotherapy. I'm not sure whether to credit her longevity to luck, prayer, or her pure stubbornness & love for life - she's not giving up!

Our family has learned a lot about chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and drug names to offset the side effects of each, what danger signs to look for, and when it is imperative to call the doctor. But I don't want pity, sympathy, or tears. I want others to make the fight against all forms of cancer a personal fight - as I have. Cancer has taken a lot from my family and me. That's why I supported my sisters, Belinda Beach & Bonnie Gagnon, in their fight to have Governor Locke sign a proclamation declaring September 2002 as Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM). That's why I proposed the same proclamation to Governor Kempthorne of the great state of Idaho. He signed it as well. That's why I became involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life last year in Granbury, Texas (just before I moved back to Idaho) and that's why I chose to participate this year with Zorro's Avengers at the Pullman event.

I was not, however, prepared to see 51 teams, ranging in size from 7 to 15 members each, nestled in the center of the Pullman High School track. I arrived about an hour before my 11:30 p.m. debut walk in the Pullman 2002 Relay for Life. The event began at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 27 and ended about noon on Saturday. There were people throwing footballs, frisbees; people cooking, eating, and selling food; people talking, laughing, and crying; people sharing their cancer stories and making lots of new friends. I choose to walk late at night and early in the morning so I could participate with my hectic schedule. Did I mention it was COLD?!

When I arrived, I didn't have any problems finding the Zorro's Avengers campsite as everyone there knew where Zorro lived! All the publicity that began with an innocent article in LibWire sprouted wings and took on a life of its own. Zorro had fast become a local legend! (See Zorro's Avengers Fight Back)

My wonderful husband accompanied me for my first walk from 11:30 p.m. to midnight. By the time I walked my last time - between 5:00 and 5:45 a.m. - the mercury had plummeted to about 27 degrees!! And my "loyal" husband was cheering me on from the warmth of the pickup in the parking lot! Did I mention it was COLD?!

As a cancer survivor, I was proud to walk around that track in hopes of helping to find a cure for cancer in my lifetime! I was also proud to be a part of Zorro's Avengers - especially after meeting Jim Croft and Zorro himself. These are two of the most modest individuals I've ever met. Jim is low-key, quiet, but very friendly. Zorro was content to lay on anyone's lap so long as he was covered well with a blanket. Our camp was situated at one corner of the track, along the very edge. Many walkers stopped to say hi to Zorro & chat with the human whose lap he was laying on. They may have arrived as strangers but all left as Zorro's friends!

But the real heroes in this fight are Jim Croft, my stepmother, and all of the other cancer survivors that wake up each morning and thank a greater power for having another day on this earth. They have inspired others to keep fighting and have comforted those caught in the struggle.

Do you want to get involved, make a difference, and leave a meaningful legacy to your family? Then make a commitment today to donate to the American Cancer Society (Combined Giving makes it easy for WSU employees) and/or contact Vicki Croft or myself. Commit to walking in next year's Pullman Relay for Life event on a new Library team (Zorro's Avengers are already full for next year!). Become a part of history that will keep up the fight long after we're gone.