Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Helen Reynolds, coordinator for Advising and Career Exploration Services (ACES) at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has been selected to be the honorary chairperson for Platteville's Relay for Life. The event will be held at the indoor track in the Williams Fieldhouse, starting at 6 p.m. on April 21 and continue until 10 a.m. on April 22. As chairperson, Reynolds will kick-off the event by welcoming and thanking the participants and perhaps share a few words about her own experiences as a survivor of breast cancer. She will then lead in the first lap around the track, which is designated as the survivor lap, celebrating all of the survivors of cancer. After her treatment against breast cancer in March 2002, Reynolds felt it was too soon to participate in the 2002 Relay. She said, at that time, "I didn't want to be defined by my cancer." However, the next year, as the advisor of the Pioneer Service Club, she decided to join the club's members in raising funds and walking. She has continued participating each year since and agreed this year to be the honorary chairperson. Explaining what changed her mind, she said, "The cause is important enough to advocate for ... It's important for people to know that you can get through cancer. We have more survivors every day ... So, that's why this year, when I was asked to do it, I thought, 'yeah, I could do that.'"

Support from people on campus helped Reynolds get through treatment. She said, "People from campus - that have had treatments and mastectomies and gone through this whole ordeal - came forward to talk with me. It was very helpful." Noting that it was she who first detected the 5-centimeter tumor during a self-exam, Reynolds emphasized the importance of being proactive. She said, "I encourage women to get regular mammograms, self-exams and check ups. Don't wait until you feel a lump to go." She added that cancer is much more treatable now, especially when it is detected early. The experience of being a survivor of cancer has made her appreciate every day. "Live every day as if it's your last, because you just don't know. Treasure your family, and enjoy life - because it's great. Seriously," she said with a knowing laugh.

Relay for Life is an overnight event that celebrates survivorship and raises money to help the American Cancer Society save lives, help those touched by cancer and empower individuals to fight back against this disease. It is also a time to remember those who have been lost to cancer. For more information about Relay for Life and cancer-related topics, visit the American Cancer Society homepage at http://www.cancer.org Information about Platteville's Relay for Life can be found by clicking on the Relay for Life link under Most Frequently Viewed Pages and entering Platteville's zip code in the pink box that appears on that page. Other questions about the event may be directed to Patti Mitch, Help Desk manager, at (608) 342-1698 ormitchp@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Helen Reynolds, coordinator, Advising and Career Exploration Services, (608) 342-1906,reynoldsh@uwplatt.edu or Patti Mitch, Help Desk manager, (608) 342-1698, mitchp@uwplatt.edu. Prepared by: Kate McKinney, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, mckinnka@uwplatt.edu