Virginia Rucker - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

In 500 words or less, please describe why you feel you nominee deserves to be honored for the Strength in Pink Award.  If possible, please provide specific accomplishments.

500 words seem so few when attempting to explain why I feel Virginia Rucker deserves to be honored for the Strength in Pink Award.  Virginia is no stranger to the fight against cancer.  She has had the experience of witnessing it first hand through her husband's battle with the disease.  She stood by his side as they endured all the struggles, heart ache and pain that accompanies a bout with cancer.  Not only did she have to go through the traumatic experience of her husband fighting cancer, but she also had to sustain losing him, when he ultimately lost his battle.

Virginia will tell you that It was only the power of God that got her through this valley of her life.  A valley so low that she hoped she'd never have to experience anything like it again, but then the unimaginable happened.  Virginia herself was diagnosed with the disease.  Cancer, a word I'm sure she never wanted to hear again, and this time, it was inside her.  Many people would hit bottom at this point.  I know people that would find news like this as reason enough to struggle to get up in the morning, but not Virginia.  She made up her mind to fight this disease, and fight is exactly what she did.  With encouragement and support from family and friends, Virginia preserved through all the doctor visits, sick nights and chemotherapy.  She also encouraged herself by using the power and inner strength that women possess.  Throughout the chemotherapy treatments she continued to work at her full-time job, which I feel is another amazing fact about this "Superwoman.".  She did not allow breast cancer to stop her or even slow her down.  She gave it everything she had until she heard the word, remission.  It seemed as if the victory was won but sadly Virginia's dreadful cancer relapsed.  Virtually unshaken, she picked up her armor of strength and determination and fought the long battle again.  With this battle also ending in victory, she felt a passion to support and fight for other women affected by this disease.  On several occasions, she has spoken to men and women groups on the importance of annual and self check-ups.

In 100 words or less, please describe an incident involving your nominee in which something he/she did or said serves as the best illustration of who he/she is.

Virginia is a yearly participant in the Susan G. Komen cure for breast cancer walks.  Just minutes before her 2^nd year walk, she had an unfortunate accident.  She broke her ankle.  Still unwilling to quit, she was eager to participate in the walk the following year.  What sets her apart from others is her joy, her unwavering "Happy to be alive" attitude and knowledge of every blessing in her life along with the passion to pass it on to others.  Before leading her favorite son in her church choir, "How Great Is Our God," Virginia testifies of her fight with cancer and how God has never left her and the joy this experience has given her by not allowing her to take a single moment for granted.  She often encourages others to never give up.

What one word best describes your nominee?

Fighter