In this issue
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Creating a world with more birthdays

Q. & A. with Monica Collins

Tom Izzo awarded Coaches vs. Cancer 2009 Champion Award

Meet your researcher: Dr. Paul Helft

Volunteer Richard Jaeger: Gearing up for Michigan Celebration at the State Capitol

Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection Quiz
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VOICES photo and video contest!

VOICES in the kitchen

IT Department visits the Hope Lodge

Q. & A. with Monica Collins
Meet Monica Collins, one of the many American Cancer Society volunteers making a difference everyday.

When did you get involved with ACS/How did you hear about ACS?
I started with ACS 13 years ago. My boss at the time had become involved with Relay For Life in my home town of Mt. Vernon, Indiana and she encouraged us all to walk. I walked that year in honor of my Grandpa who had passed away from lung cancer when I was in high school and I thought that would be a great way to honor his memory.

How many people have you encourage to enroll in CPS-3?
CPS-3 is vitally important to me as a cancer survivor. I am encouraging everyone I know to at least consider taking part in the study. My best friend and co-chair for our Relay, Barbara Dixon, tells me she is going to be the first in line. She is doing this not only to support my wishes, but to set an example for everyone.

Why is CPS-3 important to you as a survivor?
CPS-3 is one way that ACS is working diligently in the fight against cancer. As a survivor, anything that can help to get us one step closer to that cure for any of the many kinds of cancer is of vital importance. Cancer takes its toll physically, emotionally, and financially on not only the survivor, but friends and family as well. Even if there is only one important finding that comes from this study, then the whole CPS-3 was well worth the time and effort! Just imagine how that one finding could improve many, many lives.

Tell us your story?
Well, I have been involved with Relay for Life since 1996. If I remember correctly, that was the first year it came to Posey County. I walked that year, and in the next couple of years became a team captain. I continued with that until 2001. Then in December 2002, Relay took on a new meaning to me. On December 17th of that year I was diagnosed with leukemia. CML to be exact – that stands for Chronic Myelogeous Leukemia.

How has being a survivor changed your perspective on life?
The change of perspective is difficult to answer. I am not the same person I was 6 years ago. Emotionally, I have a new me to contend with. Since the bone marrow transplant, everything about me physically has changed. Even with having all of my immunizations again, my immune system does not work just right due to a complication called Graft vs. Host Disease (GVHD). The hip replacement limits me in some ways physically, as well as my slightly diminished lung capacity due to a pulmonary hemorrhage, all stemming from transplant complications. I find I must take one day at a time. I try to look for the positives in life and let more things just roll off my back. I also enjoy my husband and daughter, family and friends more. Life becomes way more precious than you could ever imagine.

How has being an ACS volunteer fulfilled you?
Being an ACS volunteer has helped me find a sense of well being. I always knew helping with ACS was something important, but once I was diagnosed with cancer, it took on a whole new meaning. At this point in my life, being with other cancer survivors and helping to encourage and inspire them bring me great joy. Being an ACS volunteer allows me to touch others and let them know we can make it through to the other side.

What inspires you?
My inspiration to keep fighting over the last 6 years has definitely been my daughter, Kaysie. Her smile, the never ending holler of "Mom", the want I have to see her graduate from high school then college and on to getting married has kept me going many times when I just want to go hide somewhere. She never ceases to amazes me and now, at age 12, has decided she wants to go to Vanderbilt to become a nurse so she can help others.
As for daily inspiration, it comes from simple things. A warm sunny day or the hug of a loved one and knowing that I will be here in the morning to open my eyes to another day.
 
Anything else you would like to say/share?
I really couldn't have survived the last 6 years without the love and support of my family and close friends. They literally picked me up and kept me going when I didn't want to. They have been my strength, love, and guides when I couldn't take care of myself.  They mean the world to me and I hope they know that. I also have to recognize Dr. Madan Jagasia at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He has kept me alive and given me hope at times when we didn't think it was possible.

Pictured: Top Right: Monica Collins today; Bottom Right: Monica Collins after winning the Courage Award at Relay For Life