WICHITA'S QUILTED NORTHERN SOFT & STRONG® CHAMPION - STEPHANIE SCOTT

Stephanie Scott is the 2011 Quilted Northern Soft & Strong® Champion for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® event in Wichita on Saturday, Sept. 24. Scott is a Committee Member of the local Mid-Kansas chapter and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

Although Scott has been a resident of Wichita for most of her life, her roots are in Arkansas City, Kan. Scott's Midwest upbringing is filled with a rich history and family tradition. She is the third Scott to work in the aerospace industry.

Scott was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. She received the news on the anniversary of her father's passing. He had died from colon cancer just one year before her diagnosis. In addition to six months of chemotherapy and 36 radiation treatments, she also underwent surgery to have 18 lymph nodes removed. Scott will continue with Tamoxifen treatments for the next five years.

Today, Scott dedicates her time to the Mid-Kansas Komen affiliate and serves as the Event Coordinator for Survivor Activities.

"I have the fun job," Scott said. "It's all about parties and the celebration of survivorship! I plan events where survivors can network within the community and, most importantly, come together for a worth-while cause!"

"I was so young when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn't know what was out there and what resources were available. My aunt encouraged me to get a team together and walk in the Race for the Cure. So, I said 'I'll try it!' I went to my first walk, and for the first time I felt a sense of camaraderie. I felt good about it."

Scott says one of the many things she hopes to accomplish through her volunteerism is to help other young women in her community. She stresses the importance of making sure women have access to the right information and knowledge of all the opportunities that are available for women of all ages.

Scott and her family currently reside in Wichita.

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