"Then he said the cancer had started to multiply very rapidly," recalled Gleize. "He told me it had to come out and it had to come out right now. "I wasn't prepared to hear that news," Gleize added. So Gleize underwent surgery to have the cancer removed. The operation was a success. She has been cancer-free ever since. That experience and positive outcome gave Gleize a new focus. It also gave her a personal reason to participate in the annual Warren County Relay for Life event which was held Friday at Black Hawk Middle School. She wore a purple shirt with the word "Survivor" on the back, along with others who have battled and beat cancer at Friday's event. The significance of the past year's struggles have provided her with a unique perspective. "I'm truly proud to be a part of this ceremony," Gleize said. "It's a remarkable event." Gleize was one of about 80 cancer survivors who took part in walking the traditional opening lap around the track. On the second lap, she walked proudly with her caregivers who have supported her throughout the past year. "They've been an inspiration to me," Gleize said. "They've kept me going." The circumstances surrounding the cancer's diagnosis nearly three years ago are nothing short of remarkable, Gleize said. Gleize had gone to her doctor to undergo a test of the aorta. While undergoing an X-ray, a spot was accidentally discovered on the right lung. "That was a miracle right there," Gleize said. "If the doctor hadn't been checking me for the aorta problem, we might never have known about the cancer." The spot was carefully monitored for more than two years, Gleize said. When it began to grow rapidly last year, surgery was required. Since then, Gleize has carefully followed a routine of regular checkups every three months. Every time she has been examined, she has been found to be cancer free. "The best news was that the cancer hadn't affected my lymph nodes," Gleize said. "That was very important in the successful removal of the spot on my lung." Gleize is retired now. She previously worked for two Warrenton physicians. She is enjoying life again. She is happy to make time for important events like Friday's Relay. "The Relay for Life is all about survivors," Gleize said. Two other cancer survivors, 7-year-old Abbigail Lucas and 93-year-old Dorothy Gosney, led the procession in the first lap. Lucas represented the youngest cancer survivor at Friday's event, while Gosney was the oldest. Lucas was diagnosed with medulla blastoma, or brain cancer, at the age of five. She has been cancer free for more than two years. She cut the ribbon at the starting line to began the survivors' lap. A total of approximately 30 teams participated in Friday's event, which ended at 6 a.m. Saturday. Diana Gibbs, a seven-year survivor of pancreatic cancer, issued a challenge to churches throughout the area to become active supporters of future Relay events. "Friedens (United Church of Christ) is usually the only church which takes part in this event," Gibbs said. "It would be so great if all the churches got together to support the Relay. "We could have a competition among the churches to see which one could raise the most money," Gibbs added. "It would be great and it would add a lot to an event that means so much to so many people."