Betty Lou Phillips, age 60, sometimes what seems to be so bad can ultimately work for the good. Perhaps that's what best describes her battle with cancer.

"I had prayed a prayer with someone that, whatever it took to bring our families back together, I was willing to face," Phillips said.

Three years ago, Phillips was diagnosed with breast cancer during a routine visit to the doctor. She said the tumors were hidden. In fact, she says it took several mammograms and a sonogram to finally determine that she had two tumors.

Phillips learned that both of her breasts had to be removed and she would have to undergo chemotherapy. Through it all she says laughter was one of the best medicines.

"My son came in and I said, 'come on.... sometimes I know you'd like to pull my hair out.' He said, 'I'm not doing it' and I made him do it and we just got tickled and started laughing," said Phillips.

Phillips said her faith, along with good treatment, has helped her to be cancer free for the past two years.

That's why she's now joining a newly formed group through the American Cancer Society that reaches out to others diagnosed with cancer.

Phillips says although cancer is a battle, she knows first-hand it's a battle that can be won.

"Do not let it blow you out of the water," said Phillips. "Deal with it one day at a time."

Lauderdale County's Relay for Life is May 9-10 at Northeast Recreation Park, off Highway 39, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Funds raised from the event go toward research to try to find a cure for cancer.

Organizers have set a $300,000 goal. WTOK is a sponsor of Relay for Life.
News director, John Johnson, will emcee the event.

For more information, call the American Cancer Society in Meridian at 601-482-0082.