Beating cancer and celebrating the victory. For Lisa Rucker, it all started with a small growth underneath a crooked fingernail. From there, doctors diagnosed her with melanoma and told her she had only months to live.
Ten years later, Rucker was named Sparrow Hospital's "Cancer Survivor of the Year." She said, "You think about all the things that you're gonna miss out on. You're gonna miss your children growing up, you're not gonna see your grand kids." Some people would have gotten their affairs in order and said their good-byes. Lisa Rucker fought. After several surgeries at Sparrow Hospital her cancer went into remission, where it remains today. She quickly decided she needed to do something. She said, "I want people to live."
To help them, Rucker started volunteering at Sparrow. Her goal wasn't just to give back, she also wanted to show other cancer patients and their families how to fight. She said, "...to get through the pain, to get through the financial crisis."
Rucker made an impression on the Sparrow community, especially the committee in charge of picking the "Cancer Survivor of the Year." Radiation Oncology and Outreach Manager Theresa Puder says the qualities they look for are easy to see in Rucker. "Her name really quickly rose to the surface. We look for cancer survivors that give, that have gone through their cancer struggle and journey and give of themselves."
When the time came to announce the winner, Rucker was more than just honored. She said, "It was shocking to say the least. I just thought I had front-row seats cause I got here early and I really was shocked when they called my name."
