Patty Cook doesn't feel like a hero, but the American Cancer Society disagrees with her.

The Fenton resident recently was named a Hero for Hope for her involvement with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. In this annual event, volunteers walk around a track for 12 hours throughout the night, a symbol that cancer never sleeps. During the event, relay members take pledges for completing laps. Cook volunteers with the Relay for Life in West County.

"It's great that they honored me as a Hero for Hope, but I really don't think I am," Cook, 56, said. "Anyone who deals with cancer is a hero. I just get to go up on stage to talk about it."

She has a lot to talk about. In 1998, Cook was treated for breast cancer. After 12 years, she faced it again in 2010, resulting in a double mastectomy.

Cook joined 26 other Missouri residents in receiving the Hero for Hope honor. They will travel throughout the state to talk to people about their experiences.

QUESTION: How were you named as a Hero of Hope?

ANSWER: My name was submitted to the American Cancer Society by the committee with Relay for Life. I guess they thought I'd be a good fit because of what I've been through. Cancer research saved my life.

Q: How long have you been with the Relay for Life?

A: Since 2005, about seven years now. After I got cancer, I was looking to get involved in helping fight it.

Q: How did you get involved with the relay?

A: My friend's mother and sister both had cancer and they were in the relay. When I first stepped on the track with the other survivors for the first time, it was just overwhelming. I was aware of what I went through and sharing that with other survivors was incredible.

Q; When you were diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time in 1998, were you scared?

A: I had so many emotions, but mainly I was so angry. I had left my job in construction after 20 years because it was so stressful. I quit smoking and went vegetarian. I was working to lead a healthy life. Then, I got the cancer. I changed my prayers from "teach me lessons" to "get me through this."

Q: Then, when you were diagnosed in 2010, were you discouraged?

A: Not really. I knew I could get through this. I felt differently because I wasn't totally surprised. Once you get cancer, it's always there looking over your shoulder. It's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. This time, I knew what I had to do. That's what I tell people: Concentrate on the positive and do what you have to do.

Q: What kinds of treatment have you gone through over the years?

A: In 1998, I had a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. The second time (in 2010), I had a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, then chemo.

Q: What's the prognosis?

A: As of now, I'm cancer free. Now, my focus is keeping as strong as I can be. My goal is to be happy and live my life. I'm getting married in the spring and I'll be the stepmother of two teenage boys. I also have my business, Life by Design, where I counsel business executives to deal with stress and be more efficient on their jobs. I'm enjoying my life.