It’s been a long five years for the mother of 11-year-old twins, but she’ll take it over the alternative anytime.
Kelly LeRoy, 53, of Excelsior Springs is a five-year survivor of breast cancer. She and more than 140 other survivors planted trees in Zion, Illinois to mark the milestone.
LeRoy – she graduated high school here as Kelly Lake in 1981 – traveled to the Celebrate Life event on June 10 with her daughters, Jennifer and Rachel.
LeRoy’s husband, Tom, works at Watkins Mill State Park in Lawson.
Celebrate Life is sponsored annually by Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which provided treatment for LeRoy after her cancer was diagnosed.
Ironically, LeRoy says, it was apparent good health that led to her diagnosis in May 2010.
“I had no issues,” said LeRoy, who is employed locally by Magna Seating. “I thought, ‘I’m looking good, I’ll go and get checkup.”
She intended the exam as a precaution since she planned to take advantage of her employer’s membership benefit with Anytime Fitness.
“I have always been into fitness and stuff,” said LeRoy.
After a basic exam and several tests, an ultrasound discovered what was eventually found to be a malignant growth in one of her breasts.
To read the rest of this story, please see the Tuesday, July 5 issue of The Standard!