I am proud to be a cancer survivor

Editor's Note: The following is part of series of guest pieces by local cancer survivors in the lead-up to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Cape Girardeau County on June 13 at Arena Park.

I received my diagnosis of stage 3 follicular non-Hodgkins lymphoma on Feb. 6, 2008.

The same day, I called the American Cancer Society hotline for the most up-to-date information on my cancer.

I chose to go to the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis for my treatments.

The American Cancer Society helped me with a one-time gas card, since I was traveling over 100 miles.

As my hair started falling out, I went to the society for a wig. When my eyebrows and lashes fell out, the society invited me to a "Look Good, Feel Better" class on makeup.

After five months of chemo, I was in remission. I still see my doctor every six months.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I never thought, "Why me?" I thought, "Why not me?"

I am strong, I like to share my story so I can raise awareness, and I live life to the fullest.

But now, sometimes I do think, "Why me?"

I have lost so many people to cancer. Why do I get to be in remission?

Why do I get the extra days, weeks, years to live? Why does my cancer respond so well to treatment?

Why is it that I have this blessing of health and others don't?

I don't think there's a clear answer. There never is.

But I do believe one reason is for me always to remember and be thankful for what I have, the days I have, the mobility I have, the health I have, and to take this gratitude and live it out each day, remembering the gift I've been given that could so easily be taken away.

In 2009, I attended my first Relay For Life as a survivor.

The emotion of the survivor lap and the beauty of the Luminaria Ceremony had me hooked. The next year, I started my own Relay team, Go SEMO.

In five years, my team has raised about $45,000.

In 2010, I joined Relay For Life as the mission chairwoman.

In 2011, I served as logistics chairwoman, and I was nominated a Hero of Hope for 2012.

As an HOH, I travel in Missouri, speaking as a survivor and sharing what the ACS can do to help.

I was the 2013 and 2014 event chairwoman, and I am the 2015 team ambassador.

I drive people crazy talking about Relay in person and on social media.

As a Hero, I have found everyone has a story to share or a hug to give.

I have spent several weekends this spring setting up a table to sell my cancer awareness bracelets and sign up survivors for Relay.

I believe in the mission of the American Cancer Society and enjoy working with the organization to fight cancer.

I lost my dad to liver cancer, my mom had breast cancer, and I lost my brother to pancreatic cancer.

Even with all the titles I have held with Relay For Life, the one I am the most proud of is survivor.