One might think two sisters who have been diagnosed with cancer, as well as both of their parents, would be thinking - "Why us?"
But that is not the case for State Center sisters Karla Moore and Karen (Moore) Frohwein.
Frohwein has been diagnosed with breast cancer twice, once in 2008 and again in 2010. Moore was diagnosed with lung cancer last September. Neither have taken the route to feel sorry for themselves.
Article Photos
T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
Sisters Karla Moore, left, and Karen Frohwein, both of State Center, are pictured at the Marshalltown High School track. They are both cancer survivors and will be honorary survivors at the Marshall County Relay for Life at the track. The event will be held from noon to midnight on June 30.
"For us, we just wish that nobody else has to go through this," Frohwein said.
Moore said a key to getting through it is not letting cancer take over your life.
"I just stay positive and have a good outlook," Moore said, who is going through her third round of chemotherapy. "It's a day by day thing and you just keep fighting."
Both have been selected to be honorary survivors for the Marshall County Relay for Life, which will be held from noon to midnight on June 30 at the Marshalltown High School track.
Frohwein attended last year's event and was inspired as she was wrapping up her treatment.
"It was pretty amazing that so many people came out," Frohwein said. "It makes you realize that you are not alone, and the people that work on this are amazing."
As much as the event can be inspiring, Frohwein was equally as boosted by those people who individually sent her a note or visited her while she was going through treatment.
"We need to walk beside people as individuals," Frohwein said.
Moore continues to keep her humorous attitude and even finds the strength for karaoke. On those days when she is not feeling the best, she relies on her sister for inspiration. Frohwein has even provided a selection of hats for Moore to wear as both lost their hair during treatments.
"I love that she can give me helpful hints," Moore said.
The key for Moore is to get something accomplished every day, with her sister being her biggest motivator.
"I tell her to get up every day," Frohwein said.
Their mother, Kate Moore, went through breast cancer and their father, Daryl Moore, died of a blood cancer earlier this year. The sisters will have a support team at this year's Relay for Life known as "No Moore Cancer."