As I See It- Heidi May

 Gurnee’s Heidi May

Odie Pahl

You have heard the saying, if you are given lemons, make lemonade. Well, Heidi May, Gurnee’s Own, did just that in some very important ways. Diagnosed with breast cancer, not once but twice, she found those experiences to be a call for action that continues 14 years later. On July 13^th, the Relay for Life Gurnee/Wadsworth will once again honor the survivors and caretakers of this equal opportunity disease and remember the ones who fought hard, but lost their lives. Heidi is responsible for bringing the 12 hour event to Gurnee and will be walking laps just like she has every year since its inception. However, her community involvement does not stop there and this is why.

Heidi May grew up in the area, attended Warren Township High School, married a local guy, and raised her son and daughter in Gurnee. In 1999, just a couple of days after her 35^th birthday she discovered a lump in her breast. Her doctor wanted to watch it since it was very small to see if it got larger or it was really something serious. Heidi wanted a referral to a specialist for a biopsy. Thank goodness, her determination prevailed; they found she had Stage Three Breast Cancer and recommended a mastectomy and chemo therapy. Her need for a quick response probably saved her life and certainly became the impetus for her healthy recovery.

There was a clinical trial for a new drug and she was accepted. Although she had a severe reaction to the chemo and was almost pulled out of the study, she told the doctor, “to figure out how to get them in me” believing it was her best option. “All I could think about was my second grader and kindergartener and that I needed to watch them grow up”. Losing her hair, she felt like a cancer patient for the first time. Before then, “I was just me”, but after hearing her son reprimand someone, “it is not nice to stare at my mom”, reality set in.

Her last treatment was in June, 2000 and she was invited to participate in the Relay for Life in Libertyville. Sitting at one of the sites, with her bandana covering her still bald head, someone came over to her and asked if she wanted to join in the survivor activities? “I am not sure I am a survivor yet”, replied an ever-practical Heidi and she was reassured she was indeed. Still weak, she did not make it through the night, but the next year with family, friends, and a group of staff members from Spaulding School in Gurnee in tow, she finished the night triumphantly.

Her group of supporters was convinced that a relay was needed in Gurnee and Heidi was the one to make it happen. Once again rising to the occasion, she made it a reality. “All I wanted to do was what that one person did for me at my first Relay…tell them they are most definitely a survivor and let’s celebrate your life”. Besides, all the work it took to bring the Relay to Gurnee and make it successful, Heidi ran for President of the D56 PTO and won. “I was given this second chance and I better make the most of it”.

In 2004, just a couple days before the Relay, biopsy results indicated she had breast cancer for the second time. During the same period, Heidi turned 40 and was almost at her all-important five year anniversary being cancer free. Instead she had a second mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on both breasts. She confided in her husband, Curt, who is her “rock” that she was so disappointed in her body and not making her important milestone. With the help of her loved ones, she made it through Relay and even a surprise celebration. She was back on track.

Heidi May chaired five or six Relays, co-chaired or was on a committee for the rest. She was honored three years ago at Relay for her good works and in 2010 was given the Distinguished Leadership Award by the American Cancer Society. Her daughter is active in her college’s Relay for Life and will be a co-chair next year making this a family legacy. Unbelievably, Gurnee’s Relay has raised over a million dollars, which was possible because of Heidi, family and friends. Yet, she wasn’t done there.

When Gurnee School District 56 needed help passing a referendum for a much needed school building, Heidi again stepped up. She worked tirelessly on committees, strategic planning groups, and eventually ran for the school board. She was the president for the last five years until she retired in May, 2013. Giving her time to community organizations, successfully sending her children off to college, and sharing time with family and a large network of friends, she also remains a sounding board for others going through a diagnosis of cancer. “I always try to help ease fears or answer questions as much as possible”.

When it was suggested that an article should be done about her, Heidi hesitated talking about herself or her volunteer efforts. However, rethinking her stance, she realized that her message was an important one to get out there. She said, “I am one of the lucky ones, my treatments worked and I was given another chance. I am not fond of attention on me, but I want cancer survivors and caregivers to remember they are not alone. I have gotten more involved in the community, because I feel like I was given a second chance, another opportunity to make a difference.”

Lemons, make them lemonade. Words to live by…