PHOENIX'S QUILTED NORTHERN SOFT & STRONG® CHAMPION - BONNIE LEE TUCKER

Bonnie Lee Tucker's experience with Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure affiliates in Maine and Phoenix began 15 years ago; and today she continues to accept the challenge to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer. Bonnie, a two-time survivor of breast cancer who was first diagnosed twenty years ago, is a committed volunteer who will be walking among others to celebrate her life and the lives of others who have been affected by the disease. This year Bonnie turned 60 years-old, and she couldn't be more grateful.

"I'm a third generation, two-time survivor, and I have eleven immediate family members affected with this disease. In 1981, my mother died at age 50 when I was only 31. Eight years later, I was diagnosed. Doctors told me I would be diagnosed before I turned 40 years old--I never thought that would be true. With a daughter only 12 years old, I made a promise to myself that I would fight for her and for my future. This year, I turned 60 years old and will continue to fight."

"Recently, I accepted the challenge to make an impact in the fight against breast cancer by participating in this year's Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure to help spread the word and continue to raise awareness about breast cancer. We are fighting against the statistics every day. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and the more money we raise, the more the Phoenix Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure can give back to fund vital breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs in Central and Northern Arizona and to support the Komen Research Grant Program."

"Komen has, and continues to be, a big part of my life as they are good stewards of their funds. I continue to volunteer and support Komen across our great country. My destiny has been set, my hope is that I can do one little thing to make a difference for others."

Bonnie has not only made her mark as the fundraising chair and president of the Maine affiliate race, she has also contributed to the cause in many other ways, creating a T-shirt design for the cause and supporting political efforts and work with Senator Olympia J. Snowe. She has served on the board of the National Grant Advocates as a Survivor Reviewer and speaks out on behalf of Susan G. Komen to continue their efforts and raise money for her local Phoenix affiliate. Bonnie embodies the spirit and enthusiastically promotes the message that early detection saves lives. In keeping with her promise she made to herself, her family and friends, she will be raising funds as an individual for the Phoenix Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Event.

Georgia-Pacific is proud to call Bonnie Lee Tucker a Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champion.