Komen Volunteer to be Honored During Race

For Johns Creek resident Danna Sanders, a breast cancer diagnosis in 2011 turned into a calling.

A recent empty-nester, "I was going to have my second life," she told Patch. But with the diagnosis, she resigned her job with the Centers for Disease control to focus on her health and treatment.

Sanders said she found that during chemotherapy she would feel better around the third week following a treatment.

"I just decided that during my downtime it would be great idea to give back and do something during those times I was feeling better," she said. So she would go into the Komen Atlanta office and work with the grant manager.

Now cancer free, Sanders is a volunteer grant review panel manager, utilizing her public health and communications background for Komen Atlanta.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. During Komen's Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 12, at Atlanta Station in Midtown, Sanders will be honored as the 2012 Quilted Northern Soft & Strong Champion for the event.

“Danna’s story encourages others to uphold a positive attitude in the face of hardship,” said Anna Umphress of Georgia-Pacific, the maker of Quilted Northern bath tissue, in a press release. “She is a true example of a strong woman and we’re proud to honor her this year.”

Said Sanders of the recognition, “This honor has made me realize that although the journey for each individual who faces the fight against breast cancer is different, we all still require a certain amount of strength, courage and grace.”