JACKSONVILLE'S QUILTED NORTHERN SOFT & STRONG® CHAMPION - RHONDA GAUGER

Rhonda Gauger was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 35 and knows that her monthly self-breast exam saved her life. Without this routine exam, the lump she found -- but was missed by her physician and the mammogram he ordered -- would have taken her life. At the time of Rhonda's diagnosis, the breast cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes. Thirteen years later she is alive and well and making sure women and men understand the importance of regular check-ups.

"With no family history of breast cancer, I was surprised by the diagnosis and knew nothing about the disease. My children, who were very young at the time, gave me the incentive and strength I needed to endure the treatments and continue fighting through the side effects and pain."

"After my experience with breast cancer, I felt it was my job to educate those around me and in my community about the importance of early detection and the need to be diligent with the three recommended exams: monthly breast self-exam, annual clinical exam by a physician and annual mammograms. Today, I try to involve anyone I can whether it's my Chorus and Band performing at area cancer events, my students participating in the M-Line (Mammogram Hotline) that funds mammograms for those who can't afford one, or raising money for 'Buddy Bucks.' Every little bit will help us find the cure."

"A year or so after my treatments finished a friend of mine invited me to participate in a Northern Florida Race for the Cure event. I was overwhelmed and yet felt empowered to be surrounded by so many women and men, especially seeing all the women wearing pink hats. That was 10 years ago."

Rhonda's passion to find a cure has rubbed off on her husband and daughter too. Where Rhonda is, they are too. At the race on Oct. 24, both will be standing right by her side, handing out pamphlets or talking with people about early detection.

Rhonda is a veteran volunteer with the Northern Florida affiliate with more than 10 years of service. Her days are filled as an elementary music specialist at Hickory Creek Elementary School in St. Johns County, Fla. The school consistently delivers some of the highest scores on standardized achievement tests in the state.

Georgia-Pacific is proud to call Rhonda Gauger a Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champion.