DENVER’S QUILTED NORTHERN SOFT & STRONG® CHAMPION – SALLY COGDILL

Sally Cogdill is a dedicated volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Denver Metropolitan affiliate. After losing her sister to breast cancer and undergoing extensive treatments following her own diagnosis, Sally was determined to offer support for others battling the disease and to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. Here is her personal story:

"Having lost a sister to breast cancer, I knew that I was at a slightly increased risk of getting the disease. As a result, I faithfully had the recommended clinical exams and began yearly mammograms at age 40. My vigilance paid off when a mammogram detected breast cancer in 2002. Knowing you are at risk, however, doesn't prepare you for hearing the devastating words: 'You have breast cancer.'

"I was overwhelmed with the fear that I would suffer the same fate as my sister, and I shed many tears in the days that followed my diagnosis. However, my ray of hope was that the cancer was detected in the early stages, which gave me a 98 percent survival rate. As I began the arduous journey of numerous medical tests, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I found that taking one day at a time helped me deal with the challenges.

"I participated in my first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event 10 months after completing treatment. What an inspiration! I knew that this was an event and an organization I wanted to support. By educating others on the advantages of early detection, I now hope to empower them in the fight against breast cancer."

Sally volunteers for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure by promoting events, selling Komen merchandise and by educating others about breast health and breast cancer at local health fairs. She also serves as the Education Committee Chairperson and devotes her time to training other volunteers. Sally enthusiastically promotes the message that early detection saves lives. Georgia-Pacific is proud to call Sally Cogdill a Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champion.