Luckily the Murray mom is getting some help.
May was named the first Think Pink for Life Honoree in 2007, and now Think Pink for Life is taking submissions for 2008. The organization will honor three individuals - one survivor, one patient currently undergoing treatment and one person who has lost a loved one to breast cancer.
May read about the contest in Salt Lake magazine, and decided to share her story. After being diagnosed, she endured six surgeries and eight rounds of chemotherapy. She wanted to share her story with others in a similar situation.
"On the eve of my last chemo [treatment], I decided 'I'm going to put my story on [the Web site] and I'm not going to whine about it,' " May said.
She learned she was selected last October, and has since been updating her progress on www.ithinkpink.org.
In addition to $10,000 to ease the burden of medical bills, May received a one-night stay in a hotel, flowers, jewelry, dinner, spa treatments and dental work, along with other items donated by local sponsors.
The award is the brainchild of Becky Anderson, owner of For Every Body, which specializes in home fragrances. Wanting to contribute to the community, Anderson started I Think Pink to connect those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
Erin Hadfield, public relations manager at For Every Body, said May's story was a contender early on. The selection committee was touched by the fact that May was much younger than the average breast cancer patient, but remained so full of hope for her future. They were also impressed that despite her difficulties, May believed her life was fulfilling even before receiving aid.
"After all she's been through, she needed to be the one who got something back in return," Hadfield said. "It's always just nice to give to someone who is not expecting it."
May's family and the Murray community have helped her through health trials, she said. She has made strong emotional bonds with many neighbors, whom she considers to be some of her closest friends.
"She has to be the most deserving," neighbor Angela Elwell said of May's award. "She is an example of grace under pressure."
For others, May's battle with cancer has helped put their own lives in perspective.
"For her to be so positive through the whole thing gives me more energy," said Anastasia Kontgis. "For her to be able to keep everything under control makes me take a deep breath and say 'OK, I can do this.' "
Now in remission, May returned to her job as a middle-school health teacher this year. She participated in the Race for the Cure in May, and was able to work in her garden again this spring. She is looking forward to spending the summer with her two sons.
I Think Pink looking for contest submissions
This year I Think Pink is offering awards in three categories. One cancer survivor will receive a dream vacation, one current breast cancer patient will receive $10,000 for medical bills, along with extra prizes, and a college student who has lost a loved one to breast cancer will be eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship. Stories must be submitted by Aug. 1 to be considered for the 2008 awards. "An Evening in Pink," an event to honor the recipients, will be held Oct. 1 at Thanksgiving Point. Kevin Sharp, a country artist and cancer survivor, will perform. To submit your story, visit www.ithinkpink.org.
