Faith and family have seen Nancy Gallagher of Williamsville through cancer twice. The first time was in 1999. The mother of three was just hitting her stride. With her children grown, she had earned a part in a professional theatre production of "Tony and Tina's Wedding." Toward the end of the show's run in Buffalo, Nancy was tired and weak. Her family doctor ordered a sonogram and Nancy was diagnosed with lymphoma.

"It was a shock," she recalls. "I cried once and then made up mind to fight. I told my doctor, right then and there, I wanted to go to Roswell Park. I have always heard about Roswell's survivors and I was determined to join their ranks."

Nancy was treated with a combination of chemotherapy drugs called CHOP. "It was rough at times," she recalls. "I put my faith in God and knew I was going to be ok."

Nancy's family supported her throughout her treatment. Her 90-year-old mother took care of her. Her daughter Dottie researched and studied the disease – making it easier for them to make decisions. Her sons, Joe and Sean, along with her sister, Gerry, helped with day-to-day activities, such as appointments and household duties. "They were my saving angels," she says.

Nancy made it through and was cancer-free for nearly five years when the disease returned. This time the cancer had spread to the brain. Fifteen rounds of radiation have once again killed the cancer. Nancy continues to be cancer-free.

"I feel so blessed. I am so fortunate to be alive." She now volunteers one day a week at Roswell Park. "I had to give something back. I wanted to give those currently struggling with cancer a smile or a pat on the back and let them know there is hope."

Nancy's message of hope for the holidays: "There are so many of us here who have been     diagnosed with cancer and survived. Stay strong; know there is hope and that you too can survive. Trust in your doctors, rely on your family and friends and your God will see you through the difficult days ahead."