Staff Spotlight: Allyson Kicmal

The first OVPUE Staff Spotlight is on Allyson Kicmal. Here is Allyson’s story in her own words:

At the beginning of the year, I was diagnosed with stage two non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hearing you’ve been diagnosed with any cancer is tough, especially when you have no predetermining factors like smoking or a family history. Thanks to an enormous support system in my family and friends, I beat cancer and have entered into a full remission. Throughout my battle, I was determined to stay true to myself and remain as positive and active as I could.

I set a goal to run an 8K in March, halfway through my chemotherapy. I ran with friends and family, and completed the 8K three days after my third chemo session. I quickly set another goal to run the 5K Brunch Run and the Wonder Woman 10K. Both events took place the same weekend, two weeks after I completed chemotherapy. With the support of family and friends who ran beside me, I completed both.

The Brunch Run was particularly special for me because it supports the Imerman Angels Group, a Chicago based organization whose mission is to help cancer patients, survivors, and supporters. I have joined this organization as an Imerman Angel mentor. In this program, I will be paired up with others who have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and support them through their process.

Battling cancer has reinforced my belief in the power of a positive attitude and mind set. Throughout treatment, one of my main goals was to take every negative thing that came my way, whether it was a physical change like the loss of my hair, or the internal struggle of low energy, and to find some sunshine in it. Maintaining my positivity and mental attitude has without a doubt helped me successfully beat cancer.

I truly believe that maintaining a positive outlook has been an essential component throughout my treatment, into recovery and as I look ahead. Cancer has no doubt changed my outlook on life, but this has been only one chapter in it, and with a positive attitude there will be many more positive chapters ahead.

Allyson has displayed significant personal strength, courage, determination, and positivity under very difficult circumstances. For her efforts, the engagement committee has awarded her the Power of Positivity prize.

This prize includes a visit to the Bloomington Salt Cave, a certificate to Spaah, and a 5-class pass to Yoga Mala.

Thanks, Allyson, for sharing your story. We’re proud to have you on the OVPUE team! Shine on.