Who is that beautiful Blonde? Brunette? Redhead??? Roberta "Mindy" Mindykowski always thought if she experienced a reoccurrence of cancer she would not disguise her condition. "With my first diagnosis of breast cancer, I bought a wig that looked as close to my hair as possible," Mindy said. "I always said if the cancer comes back, I will have fun with wigs and use a variety of looks to provoke questions. That will give me a chance to deliver my message about breast cancer prevention, detection and treatment."

Mindy is a Patient Account Follow-up Specialist with US Oncology Management Company of Florida. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy. She lost her mother to breast cancer and said she felt it was not a matter of whether she was going to be diagnosed with cancer, but when. Although she was frightened, Mindy said she was not angry and made a decision immediately after her first diagnosis. "You can either give up, or you can accept and move forward." Mindy said she decided to live in spite of the cancer.

Always positive, Mindy chose to turn a bad situation into something good and started working as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society. A Reach to Recovery volunteer visited Mindy after her diagnosis. The program matches women who have survived breast cancer with women who are newly diagnosed. Mindy was so moved that she asked to be part of the program. She is now Co-Coordinator of the American Cancer Society’s Pinellas County Reach to Recovery Program, Chairperson for the American Cancer Society Patient Service Committee, Team Captain for the Making Strides Against Cancer walk, a member of the Survivor’s Committee and serves on the Board of Directors.

"It is all about attitude." Mindy says, "Life is 10 percent what happens to you, and 90 percent how you react to it." It is because of this unfaltering bravery, that the American Cancer Society honored Mindy this year with their 2002 Courage Award. Jonathan Bledsoe, Executive Director for the Pinellas County American Cancer Society, said "Mindy is a shining example of courage."  He added, "The award is presented to a select few who show exemplary courage in their battle against cancer, not allowing the cancer to stop their normal routines."  Kim Trott, a friend and co-worker agrees, adding "Mindy encourages everyone she comes in contact with to stay positive.  She is an inspiration to all she meets. Her heart is big and she shares it without compromise." Allen Pittman, Executive Director, states "The way Mindy embraces life and her work is beyond description. She is an extraordinary employee and a warm and generous human being. She is a role model to everyone with whom she comes in contact."

After reaching her six year survivorship mark, Mindy did not expect her cancer to return. However, she recently felt an odd sensation and found a small lump in her upper arm. She immediately saw her oncologist, and although her tumor markers were normal, a biopsy proved positive. Mindy began to fight cancer for the second time. She says she is encouraged by the improvement in cancer treatment in the last 6 years, stating in particular, the advancement in medications resulting in fewer side effects. She says she wants to treat the disease as aggressively as possible and will undergo high dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in the next month. Mindy credits her husband and two sons with giving her love and strength to fight this disease. She says they have been by her side through this journey and her husband is currently being trained to serve as her caretaker through the stem cell transplant treatment. Mindy will stay at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge during treatment.

Mindy’s outlook is extraordinary. She is crusading for a cause and wants to spread the word to all women to educate themselves, perform self-breast examinations and get their mammograms. She also wants to educate the public on the services of the American Cancer Society. Mindy said when her mother was diagnosed they thought the American Cancer Society was only a source of statistical information. Now an esteemed member of the American Cancer Society’s network of volunteers, Mindy is continually spreading the word on the vast amount of programs they have available to cancer patients and their families.

Mindy’s courage award is inscribed In Recongition Of The Inspiration You Have Offered To Other Cancer Survivors And The Courage You Have Demonstrated In Your Fight Against Cancer. All those who have been touched by Mindy’s powerful strength, never ending stamina and gentle compassion agree that she is an inspiration to each and every one she meets.