CARING VOLUNTEER CONTINUES TO AID OTHERS DESPITE BATTLE WITH CANCER

Verna Dell Petzoldt is "one in a million."

Gayla Volz, a friend who met Petzoldt through a homemakers' club, is one of many who will testify to that.

"The way this lady helps individuals and the community far exceeds extending a helping hand," she said.

Petzoldt donates of her time and resources to Oak Ridge, her family and the surrounding community.

In addition to her volunteer work for the American Cancer Society, Petzoldt teaches Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church and works with countless other organizations, including Girl Scouts, 4-H Club and local schools.

And she has been doing it all while fighting a private battle with breast cancer for more than 12 years.

"I try not to let it slow me down," Petzoldt said of the disease.

The cancer has spread to her arms and legs, but radiation therapy, chemotherapy and medication seem to have helped.

She said that being a cancer patient has actually made her more interested in helping others.

Rather than focusing on her own problems, if she could help make someone else feel better, she forgot about her own pain, she said.

"I give what I can give," she said.

Petzoldt volunteers as an outreach recovery worker for new cancer patients, offering support and understanding from someone who's been there.

"I try to tell them that they will get through this and explain that I've been there," Petzoldt said.

Co-workers affirm Petzoldt puts in many valuable hours for the program.

Volz said it's Petzoldt's daily thoughtfulness and giving nature that sets her apart.

"She's the most caring person I know," Volz said.

"She's a free taxi driver for senior citizens and other people's kids, or she'll go and get groceries for people who can't get out. Everything we have out here in our community, she's involved in."

Her large garden provides fresh vegetables to neighbors and friends, another example of Petzoldt's generous spirit.