Deep in the Permian Basin of West Texas, in the oil-boom town of Iraan, Carol’s family ran the gas station. Grandma Lila Sue pumped the gas. Dad was the mechanic. And Mom did the books. The town was small, but interesting. Carol’s school dances often featured local talent—like the Wink Westerners—who were gigging their way across West Texas with their teenage frontman, Roy Orbison.

Like her mom, Carol was good with numbers. She enrolled in UT’s business school to become an accountant. She married a fellow accountant and Longhorn-John. They raised a family and spent some years living in Dallas and the Northeast. Eventually, they found their way back to Austin.

Not too long after, in 1999, Carol received a devastating diagnosis. She had breast cancer. A successful mastectomy gave Carol back her health. But the Breast Cancer Resource Center is what made her well. The tenderness and support she received from the BCRC inspired her to pass it on. For 25 years, she’s worked hard to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.

As she mentions her various employee, donor, and volunteer roles at BCRC, she points to a photo from ArtBra. It’s an interactive fundraiser that features original, wearable art modeled by breast cancer survivors and clients of BCRC.

“Breast cancer changed my life,” says Carol. “It’s not something that I would wish on anyone, but I have met so many wonderful people and made a number of very special friends who have been a continuing blessing in my life. So, I have never regretted my diagnosis!”

If you’re in her presence, you’ll find it hard to believe Carol is nearly 81. Her light-hearted nature draws you in. She’s got a dry wit and a delightful West-Texas twang that makes any story better. And the glint in her eyes makes her whole face smile.

Beyond all else, it is her passion for helping others that truly keeps her young at heart.