Mary Dunham of Jamestown, NY, prides herself on being role model for her three children. Now that she is facing one of the most difficult challenges of her life, she is a living example of how to conquer cancer even when the prognosis is uncertain. Mary, known to friends and family as "Chicky" is being treated at Roswell Park for metastatic colorectal cancer. "It has been more than a year now and I haven't missed a beat. I simply told my kids they are not going to lose me this year."

That no-nonsense, take-it-as-it-comes attitude has helped Mary through two major surgeries, radiation and several rounds of chemotherapy. Mary thought she might have cancer before her first diagnostic test but delayed seeking treatment while she cared for her husband who was being treated for lung cancer.

When he passed away in 2004, Mary organized a vacation cruise to the Caribbean for her entire family: children, spouses and grand children. She then came to Roswell Park and was diagnosed with locally advanced colorectal cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiation were able to shrink the tumor and surgery removed the rest. With her therapy completed, Mary wanted to give her family another memorable trip. This time, she treated the entire group to a trip to New Orleans. A routine follow-up exam a few months later revealed that the cancer had spread to her liver. She under went surgery again. When cancer again returned to her liver, Mary eagerly agreed to be part of a clinical trial.

"I will try anything that will keep me alive. When this study is complete, I plan to ask my doctors for the next study and then the next study. I have had good results, the tumor is shrinking. These clinical studies give me a chance to stay around and be with my grandkids."

Today, Mary comes to Roswell Park once a week to participate in that study. She makes the most of her frequent visits. A local shopping center and the casino are favorite stops on the way home. She continues to cook every day for her extended family of nine, baby-sits regularly and recently helped organize her 45th class reunion. She plans on helping with the 50th reunion.

"People who see me don't know I have cancer. I look great and for the most part I feel fine, just a bit tired. I think I am going to go on and on." Mary's message of hope for the holiday: "Always put other people before yourself. Have faith in the Lord. Believe in your family and your doctors at Roswell Park."