Ten years ago doctors told me I had a 30% chance of surviving five years.

At 19 years old, and in my very busy freshman year of college, I became a Stage III melanoma patient. After under-going a handful of surgeries to remove the melanoma, cells, and lymphnodes, I opted to join a research team out of Santa Monica, California, and put myself through experimental vaccines. I flew to California several times over the course of the years that I was involved in the experiment.

I have been Miss Adams County Fair Queen and Miss Quincy using the platform of “skin cancer awareness and prevention”. I have traveled to many area schools and organizations sharing my story and encouraging people to be “sun-safe”.

I recently returned from Western Illinois University where I had the opportunity to speak to over 100 high school students.

It is my hope that one day we can get this terrible disease under control.
*Pictured with me in October 2010 are my kids Madalyn and Henry. One of
the possible side-effects of my treatments was supposed to be infertility. I am so blessed to have a happy, healthy family.