Who's Who: Danielle McGuire

American Cancer Society, community manager of development

WHERE SHE'S BEEN: McGuire, 25, is originally from Marble Hill, Mo. She is married to husband Jerrett, and has one little spoiled dog, Lucy. She now lives in Cape Girardeau and has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University. She is community manager of development with the American Cancer Society in the Cape Girardeau office, responsible for coordinating and implementing Relay For Life events in Bollinger, Cape, Iron, Madison and Perry counties and the Cure for Cape Cancer Gala in Cape County. She previously worked at Southeast Missouri Hospital in the foundation department as a development specialist.

WHERE SHE'S GOING: In five years, McGuire says she "would like to be doing much of what I'm doing at this point. I hope that I can make an impact in our community by educating people on what resources the American Cancer Society has available for those individuals who have to hear the dreaded words, 'You have cancer.' It would be a perfect world if my job was no longer needed in the future because cancer was a thing of the past. I want to be able to grow and learn as an individual so I can make a difference and become a leader in my profession. In my personal life, I would like to start a family, learn how to operate a motorcycle and spend more time traveling."

On her work in the community: "When I accepted the position at the American Cancer Society I wanted to make a career out of helping others. I want our community to know that their support does make a difference in the fight against cancer. I want them to know that the American Cancer Society funds four areas where we feel we can make the greatest difference in cancer control -- research, educational programs, advocacy and services to local cancer patients. The events that I'm responsible for are very unique and are designed to create awareness of early detection and cancer awareness. All of these concepts are vital to our mission of eliminating cancer as a major health concern and allowing people to stay well, get well, find cures and fight back. I want our community to come together to fight cancer in hopes that someday it won't exist."

WHY SHE WAS CHOSEN: "For the past year she has worked tirelessly toward helping the American Cancer Society achieve its goal of eliminating cancer," wrote Danielle's husband, Jerrett. "She not only puts in the hours she's required to but goes above and beyond, working nights and weekends toward making her events a success. She admires all the work of her volunteers and knows that without their help her job would be much harder. I like to say that she eats, breathes and sleeps Relay for Life."

Danielle's community involvement: Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce, Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation volunteer, Leadership Cape 2009, currently a candidate in the RCIA program at St. Vincent de Paul Church.