Cancer is an all-too-familiar foe to Mary Lou Rainwater, Truesdale’s city clerk. Rainwater, a five-year breast cancer survivor, will be the featured speaker at the annual Warren County Relay for Life this Friday, May 31, at the Black Hawk Middle School track. She is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m., following a prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. Several of Rainwater’s family, including her parents, both grandmothers, one aunt and several uncles all died from cancer. Rainwater’s own battle with the disease began with a routine mammogram in October 2008. “A suspicious area was found, so I was sent to a specialist and they said they wanted to keep an eye on it,” Rainwater recalled. “I went back in April 2009 and they found the area had changed.” An ultrasound and biopsy confirmed that Rainwater’s cancer battle officially had begun. Rainwater said her initial reaction was getting mad. “I was taking care of my neighbors and with everything going on at the city, I didn’t have time to fight cancer,” she said. Fear and worry followed. “I have six grandchildren, and I wanted to see them grow up,” she said. After some personal reflection, Rainwater decided she needed to change her attitude. “I decided at that time that this was going to end one of two ways — either I would beat it or I wouldn’t, and it would be up to God. If I didn’t beat it, I have a grandson in heaven and I’d get to see him again, but my plans were to beat it.” The lump was surgically removed and 33 radiation treatments followed. Rainwater’s treatment was followed up with a medication to reduce her body’s production of estrogen to help prevent her cancer from recurring. She said she took her final dosage of the medication last Friday. “Life is good,” Rainwater remarked. “Cancer’s not something I want anyone to have to go through.” However, she said there were positive aspects to the experience. “You meet so many different types of people all fighting for the same thing — to survive,” she said. “And facing cancer opens your eyes and makes you realize what a blessing life is, and it makes you treasure your family, friends and life in general. “It also helps you realize that the everyday problems we deal with aren’t so bad,” she added. “I think that since I’ve faced cancer, I can face anything.” Having a strong support system also is helpful, she noted. “My bosses, my co-workers, my family and my friends were all so supportive,” Rainwater stated. “It makes you realize you’re not alone in this battle.” The theme for this year’s event is “Carnival of Hope,” and Rainwater is the scheduled “Speaker of Hope.” “There is always hope because the American Cancer Society and the medical field constantly are coming up with new treatments,” Rainwater said. “Hopefully, one day we won’t have cancer.” And although Rainwater will be delivering a message of hope when she speaks Friday night, she also plans to urge men and women alike to be screened annually for the various types of cancer to which they may be susceptible due to gender. “Early diagnosis does save lives,” Rainwater said. “I’m living proof of that. “I also hope to encourage people to encourage each other to have annual cancer screenings,” she continued. “Nag if you have to, because it’s so important.” Relay for Life logo