Darlene Hancock's fondness for inspirational quotes helped her through a cancer diagnosis five years ago.
“Sometimes they give you a different perspective in a positive way,” she said. “When you read one you say, 'I never thought about it that way' sort of thing.”
During a ceremony on March 4, Hancock was introduced as the Grand Falls-Windsor Relay for Life’s community champion.
She hopes her story of survival will help others through a rough patch.
Hancock turns to a quote to describe her goal.
“'Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person',” she shares.
“If I can, in some way through my message, help one person then it will be a bonus.”
The community champion will ring the bell this year on being five years' cancer free.
“I wasn’t going to let it define me,” she said. “It changes you and you learn to appreciate life a bit more. It makes you stronger.”
Hancock has been involved more than a decade with Relay for Life, leading her work team for years. She also sits on the local committee for Ronald McDonald House Committee as its chairperson.
“(The relay) is a fundraiser where the money is going into research,” she said. “It is really important.”
Hancock feels strongly about the relay’s 'Our Vision Is Clear’ slogan this year.
"When your vision is clear, results will appear,” said Hancock. “In the cancer journey, everyone’s situation/diagnosis is unique. Although there’s a fear of the unknown when you hear the words 'you have cancer', you have to create your own vision, be positive and you can achieve what life offers you.
“Keeping your mindset positive as you work out a plan, flourish, and always remember why you started.”
The Grand Falls-Windsor Relay for Life is scheduled for May 30 at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium.