Alum named breast cancer survivor of the year

Fourteen months ago, Tracie Shelby (BS ’84, MS ’85) learned she had breast cancer — and not just any breast cancer, but triple negative cancer, a rare, aggressive form that is often incredibly difficult to treat. Having already watched her mother fight breast cancer and eventually die of lung cancer, it would have been easy for Shelby to just give up. But with support from her husband, Brian (BBA ’84), she fought hard, undergoing a double mastectomy and hysterectomy.

For her efforts, in October Shelby was introduced at the Grand Old Opry by Good Morning America‘s Robin Roberts as the 2009 Honorary Survivor of the Year by the Greater Nashville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Two weeks earlier, Tracie and Brian (named the Co-Survivor of the Year) had received the results of her follow-up scans, which showed her to be officially cancer-free. Even still, the couple is not done fighting. Their team raised over $10,000 for the Race for the Cure this fall, and she plans to participate again in the future.

Sic ’em, Tracie and Brian!

[A Baylor classmate of the Shelbys shared this story with us through the “Submit Your Point of Pride” button in the top right corner of this page. Do you know of an inspiring story, news item, or just a fun link that makes you proud of Baylor and the Baylor family? Pass it along!]