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own illnesses could not compare.”
And yet, Willie prefers to see the beauty in life, and as she ruminates
about life in the Adirondacks, she can’t help but express sheer joy for the
wonderment of color that abounds in this glorious fall season.
“I just love the vibrant reds, yellows and greens that have emerged,”
she smiled, noting that this engaging natural tapestry provides the perfect
ambiance for the Tri-Lakes Region Relay for Life event, held each September
and over which she has presided for the last eight of the nine years
it has been in existence.
This year’s event was held on September 15th on the Olympic Oval
at Lake Placid. Survivors and volunteers walked the oval in teams for 12
hours to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event traditionally
concludes with a luminary ceremony, with candles lit around
the perimeter of the oval to both honor and remember those who are
fighting and who have lost the battle with cancer. “It’s a very moving
sight to see,” Willie paused, and then continued. “The whole day is like
a country fair atmosphere with vendors, food and games for kids. It’s a
great time for everyone.”
Willie has proven that a positive
attitude graced with unwavering
faith in one’s self are the true
cornerstones upon which winners
like Willie are made. She also draws
upon a seemingly endless reserve
of inner strength and fortitude.
When not spending her days at the hospital or supporting the causes
close to her heart, Willie is the epitome of active living, and most of her
passions center upon outdoor pursuits. “I curl on Sunday nights,” she
noted. “I am on a team and we play from September through early May
competing within the state of New York and up into Canada.”
Willie also enjoys kayaking, canoeing and skiing—especially skiing.
“I am an avid skier,” she lights up. “I ski on average 50 days a year, locally
and sometimes in Europe. Last year I went to Austria.”
Willie also loves to spend time at her small cabin on a lake up
north where she retreats for mini-vacations. “That’s where I find metime,”
she observed. “It’s also a great place to spend time on the kayak
or in the canoe.”
From ER nurse to cancer survivor to outdoor enthusiast to volunteer
to grandmother of four, what more could she possible fit into her agenda
“I do real estate on the side,” she said. “I purchase and rent out various
properties at Lake Clear, Rainbow Lake and Saranac Lake.”
No matter where she goes or what she does, it seems all is right with
the world at the end of the day as Willie settles in for the evening on her
glorious seven-acre spread in a big old farmhouse amidst the majestic
pines. “It truly is a beautiful place,” she smiled. ■
For more information on the Relay for Life, go online at relayforlife.org.
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