Meet Molly Hill

I moved to Seattle from New York City 30 years ago to join the man whom I had dated cross-country for 1 ½ years.  I left NYC on a high note, running in the NYC marathon and hopping on a plane to start my “new life” out west. This man, Andy, became my husband and father of our 3 children. We had 25, wonderful years together before Andy passed away from lung cancer, but not before making a significant and lasting impact in our community. Andy was an 8 year survivor whose miraculous story provided much hope to other cancer patients, and his election to the Washington State Senate provided a platform from which to share this hope.

Andy introduced me and my family to Gilda’s Club when he survived his first bout with lung cancer and was asked to model in the “Surviving With Style” fashion show. Of course the kids and I attended the event so we could see our “favorite Senator” strut his stuff on the runway. I was so inspired and impressed with the event that, when introduced to Anna afterward, I asked how I could get involved with this wonderful organization…..and VOILA! I became the chairperson for the event for the next year and encouraged some of my closest friends to join, as well. The fashion show/gala has been one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling parts of my involvement with Cancer Pathways.  I will never tire of watching the joy on the faces of our models, all cancer survivors, as they walk the runway and share their stories of diagnosis/despair turn to survival/hope, and hearing the encouragement and applause from the friends/loved ones in the room as they cheer them on! One of the largest fundraisers, this event helps fund the many wonderful programs Cancers Pathways offers at no charge, to ensure that no one should have to face cancer alone.

My kids and I are grateful for the support we received from Cancer Pathways at one of the most difficult times in our lives, and we are so honored to be able to give back, now, to others facing cancer. My son, Charlie, has been a counselor at Camp Sparkle for the last 5 years, and continues to grow and delight in the opportunity to provide a healthy, happy day camp experience for kids touched by cancer. I’ve served as a judge in Cancer Pathways’ teen writing contest and continue to be amazed at the ability of teenagers to express some of their innermost thoughts/feelings in a written essay. I’ve participated in several “Cancer in the Workplace” workshops, where HR personnel and social workers hear, first hand, from cancer patients and their caregivers on ways to better accommodate and support those going through cancer in the workplace, and I’ve sat in high school classrooms during our “Cancer Happens” sessions, where teens are educated on cancer reduction life patterns.  These are just a sampling of the many gifts offered by Cancer Pathways in working towards the mission of “facing cancer together”. It gives me great joy to be a part of this organization and to work with the talented board members with whom I serve.

Molly & her son Charlie