Cancer survivor named hero of hope

By AMBER DILLEY

Amy Anderson doesn’t consider herself a hero, even though she’s been named a “Hero of Hope” by the American Cancer Society’s Mid-South Division.

“I’m really humbled that I was selected, but I don’t consider myself a hero – I consider myself a survivor,” Anderson said. “I know there are a lot of people who went through a lot more than I did, diagnosed at more advanced stages, but I do feel like it’s my duty to represent, raise awareness.”

Anderson, 35, was diagnosed with early stage invasive breast cancer Oct. 8, 2004, and said that since her treatment began, she’s been involved with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“I Relayed that first year as I was going through treatment and became involved with the local committee last year,” Anderson said. “In addition to the teams I work with, I was asked to help volunteer with the team development committee. I guess I’ve just expanded on out to that, with some of the advocacy programs, spreading awareness and working on legislation to support us.”

Anderson was nominated by Michelle Heil, the Bowling Green ACS representative, along with 25 others from the mid-south region.

“I recently went to a training in Birmingham (Ala.), and we were trained for media events, speaking at Relay and American Cancer Society events,” Anderson said. “We discussed the main platform, issues for the cancer society, research funding, statistics, education programs, services provided by the cancer society and how we can help spread the word.”

Anderson has worked as a guidance counselor for the Barren County School District since 2001.

“This is my third year back at Barren County Middle School,” she said. “I actually worked here previously, beginning in 2001, for three years. I worked here and at Barren County High School as a counselor for both schools, so this is my sixth year associated with the middle school. I had a gap in between. During that gap, I helped start BAVEL (Barren Academy of Virtual and Expanded Learning), and worked with the district on that and then came back full time. All my treatments were over and everything was going well. Everything’s still going well.”

Anderson said she encourages people to pay attention to their bodies and go to the doctor if they notice anything different.

“I was 31 when I was diagnosed, so early detection saves lives,” she said. “I detected my cancer myself and it did save my life, because I wouldn’t have had a mammogram until I was 40 years old. I just really want to share that message with young women to do self-exams and if you have any concerns to go to the doctor and get medical attention. I know that’s true with all types of cancer, that early detection is the greatest weapon that we have in fighting it.”

Anderson added that the ACS funds more than $100 million a year in research.

“Over the last 60 years, there have been more than 20,000 grants,” she said.

Michelle Heil said Relay for Life also contributes a large amount to the funds raised.

“At last year’s Relay, we raised over $190,000,” Heil said.

Anderson said she plans on using her title to make people aware of the help they could give.

“My main goal with serving as a Hero of Hope is to encourage others to get involved, to help raise money, to join the fight,” she said. “Every advance, every dollar raised, every research grant funded may mean saved lives. It may mean a cure someday.”

Next year, the Barren County Relay for Life will be June 12 and 13.

For information on creating a team, contact Anderson at 651-4909 or Angie Frazier at 651-6315.