Ruidoso Cancer Survivor Selected as Hero of Hope

Sashay Mills-Cardone of Ruidoso has been selected as an American Cancer Society Hero of Hope for 2010. As a Hero of Hope, these cancer survivors have demonstrated a commitment to the fight against cancer through their inspiration and contribution to their local American Cancer Society Relay For Life event.

There are few things more traumatic than hearing "you have cancer." When Sashay heard those word, her only concerns should have been homework and when the next school holiday was. Sashay was diagnosed shortly after her 15th birthday and just before Christmas in 2002. Sashay was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, a cancer originating in the nasopharynx, the uppermost region of the "throat."

Sashay began participating in Relay For Life as a way to retaliate against cancer. She now Relays to prevent others from experiencing what she went through. Now years later and many Relay For Life events later she has many great memories especially about the people.

"It is so rewarding when I meet them again and they tell me 'oh yes I know you, you helped me when my husband was sick or something similar,' " said Sashay. "Feeling like I really made a difference--that I will never forget."

"The only thing scarier than cancer is not doing anything about it," said Sashay, as she sums up her cancer experience and Relay For Life. "Cancer and the Relay For Life have taught me that HOPE is alive and well, even when the patient isn't."

Heroes of Hope will be instrumental in working with the Society to broaden outreach of survivorship throughout the year for Relay For Life as well as share their inspiring stories.