In 1971, I graduated with an Associates Degree in Nursing (LPN), with my specialty in rehab. I found the work very rewarding and inspiring but after awhile the nursing shortage was so bad I had to leave the field because I couldn't keep a baby-sitter. Too often they would expect me to stay a double shift or call me in on my days off. In 1977 I moved to Illinois to work in a Medical Records Department in a new position they called "Tumor Registry." Nobody, particularly my boss, knew what that was. I was fortunate to have to educate myself with the help of the pathologists. In 1983, I was in the first group of individuals to sit for the CTR exam and become certified. I have maintained my certification and powerful interest in the Registry since the beginning of my career. I have been a Tumor Registrar, Cancer Registrar, Cancer Program Administrator, Cancer Program Coordinator, Lead Registrar, and Abstractor. With 29 years of experience I am still learning every day. I think that is the beauty of it all! I am happy to be the President of MICRA, certainly not because it will look good on my resume (it's too long already) but because over all these years I never had the opportunity to serve my profession. The
kids are grown now. I work part-time and I still have passion! On my days at home I enjoy seeing my 4 grandkids (6mo - 8yrs), fishing, reading, spending time with all my dear friends, crafting and rubbing noses with my sweet and patient husband (not necessarily that order).
"Nothing will work unless you do" Maya Angelou