American Cancer Society Honors Jackson Resident

American Cancer Society Honors Jackson Resident as Hero Of Hope

April 9, 2012-- Joyce Penny of Jackson, Mo. and other cancer survivors and caregivers were honored by the American Cancer Society High Plains Division with the 2012 Hero of Hope Award. The award recognizes 27 cancer survivors and caregivers who have had exemplary involvement with Relay For Life, made significant contributions to cancer control, and made an impact in the lives of others.

Penny was diagnosed with follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2008. Her treatment regimen included traveling to St. Louis for participation in a clinical trial where she received 12 doses of R-Chop chemotherapy. These drugs successfully shrank the tumors in her abdomen. Though Penny's cancer is not curable, it is treatable, and she is determined to fight back.

Penny credits her faith, family, and two best friends with seeing her through her cancer journey. "My girlfriends committed to making every appointment and treatment session. I decided cancer wasn't going to take the fun out of my life, so before every appointment the three of us would party before poison."

Penny became familiar with the American Cancer Society the day of her diagnosis, calling them for information on her type of cancer. She received her first wig from her local Society office when she lost her hair and later attended a Look Good...Feel Better session.

Her involvement in the Society has grown each year through Relay For Life. Starting with a Relay team and serving as Mission Chair, she is now co-chairing her local event. It is a great outlet for fighting back against this disease which her mother, father, and brother battled as well.

"As a Hero of Hope, I want to help others by telling them we can survive. We need to make life easier for cancer warriors and join together in finding a cure."

"The Hero of Hope Award provides a highly visible symbol of one's courageous fight against cancer as well as encourages support and participation in the programs of the Society," says Sheila Blankenship, American Cancer Society Relay For Life Hero of Hope Team Chair and survivor. Each Hero received their award at a special ceremony during the Relay for Life Leadership Summit held in Dallas on September 30, 2011.

"Meeting them and hearing their stories makes a statement that progress is being made in cancer research and that there is hope for the future for people who are diagnosed," says Blankenship. "We are proud of these individuals who exemplify true Heroes in their communities. They are indeed profiles of courage and the reason why we continue to Relay."

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back.