At one point in her life, Becky MacKenzie balanced cancer, a full-time job and school. College took almost 15 years to complete, but earning that diploma proved to MacKenzie that she can accomplish anything.

Today, she helps monitor state and federally funded elder and disability programs to ensure that regulations are being followed and the programs are effective.

As a member of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network, she also works to pass legislation that helps people with cancer and emphasizes the importance of cancer research funding.

“I feel as though my diagnosis and my college experience provided me with just that, an education and life lessons that no one can ever take away from me—not even cancer. I will be grateful for the rest of my life that I was able to accomplish that,” MacKenzie says.

MacKenzie is a passionate runner who took up the sport after her cancer diagnosis and never stopped. She loves the outdoors and is passionate about snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding. She loves to dive in the springs of central Florida and kayak/paddleboard the beaches, canals and mangroves around Southwest Florida.