People battling with cancer enter a difficult journey. Joey Honsey of Emmons began hers 6 1/2 years ago.

Honsey, who owns New Image hair salon in Emmons, was diagnosed with soft-tissue sarcoma in her right thigh on Nov. 12, 2002. Today, though still experiencing side effects from the chemotherapy and radiation she had prior to her surgery, she is now a cancer survivor and this year’s Freeborn County Relay for Life honorary adult co-chairwoman.

“I’m honored to be the honorary adult co-chairwoman because I’m on a mission to help those battling cancer, making sure they’re comfortable and know the outcome isn’t always bad; it can be good, too,” said Honsey.

After Honsey was diagnosed with soft-tissue sarcoma, a cancer more common on the East and West coasts, she began chemotherapy and radiation treatments to slow the growth of the cancer in her thigh. On April 8, 2003, the tumor was removed from her leg and used by doctors for studies to help others with their recovery of soft-tissue sarcoma.

According to Honsey, the doctors told her she had to treat herself as a job. It was her job to take care of herself. Once she said yes to being a study subject, her job became even more important.

The tumor removed, she began her recovery. She had to go to physical therapy to make her mind and body strong again after chemotherapy, and she admitted recovery is an ongoing process for her. The muscles and nerves in her leg are always surprising her, but she is grateful to still have both legs, even if one is weak.

July 9: Registration, 6:30 p.m. @ Fairlane Building

July 27: Survivor Ice Cream Social @ Fairlane Building

Aug. 10: Bank Night, 6:30 p.m. @ Fairlane Building

Aug. 14: Relay for Life, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day

“There are always little things here and there reminding me of my cancer, but I have to remember to be grateful for what God has given me,” said Honsey. “I am able to be with my husband, Dean, see both of our children married, play with our three grandchildren, watch our nieces and nephews grow up and I get to be a senior citizen.”

Since she was diagnosed she feels she has become more spiritual. She believes you have to lean on God when you’re struggling with something outside of your control because he’s the one who’ll guide you through it. Honsey also feels overcoming cancer has strengthened her relationship with her family.

“We’ve all become a lot closer,” said Honsey. “Christmas definitely means a lot more to us now after I was sick because I get to be here every year now.”

After losing a lot of her cancer friends, she continues to support those fighting cancer. This year her husband has a team that’ll be walking all night, and they’ve been selling luminaries to raise money for the Relay for Life event.

“Everybody has their own journey with cancer,” said Honsey. “But you have to have hope, a lot of hope and know that there is going to be bad things in our lives, but God will make you strong. I’m just so grateful to be alive.”