Jennifer's Heroes: Becky Silver

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Updated: 7:44 PM Dec 31, 2009 Jennifer's Heroes: Becky Silver Many people will spend the last day of 2009 recalling their favorite moments of the past twelve months. Others, like this week's hero Becky Silver, will be anxiously awaiting a happier and healthier 2010. Posted: 3:40 PM Dec 31, 2009 Reporter: Jennifer Black Email Address: jennifer.black@newsplex.com Jennifer's Heroes: Becky Silver

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December 31, 2009

Many people will spend the last day of 2009 recalling their favorite moments of the past twelve months. Others will be anxiously awaiting a happier and healthier 2010. For this week's hero, Becky Silver, a local wife and mother of two, 2009 brought with it a life-changing diagnosis that never altered her outlook.

"I've always been a community volunteer and felt that it's important to give back, so we just changed direction," said Silver.

Silver, who was diagnosed with an acute form of Leukemia in May, supports the Virginia Blood Service and the National Donor Marrow Program. Ironically, those precise groups are giving her a second chance on life.

"They told me I had an acute form of Leukemia, I was going straight to the University of Virginia Hospital, and I'd be admitted for a month to start chemo immediately," said Silver.

Since May of 2009, Silver has undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and even a bone marrow transplant. Despite all that, Silver helped organize the 2009 Bone Marrowthon, a 24-hour basketball event at St. Anne's Belfield that helped to raise money and awareness for bone marrow donors.

Becky's community involvement and determination even amazed her husband, Lee.

"Sometimes I was over there thinking, 'Wow, I wish she didn't do so much,' but I also know that's how she copes with the situation. I know that she gets her energy when she feels like she's doing something valuable," said Lee.

During her treatment, Becky learned she might need as many as 120 blood transfusions, so she and Lee helped plot community blood drives.

"She's amazing! I would never want to be in that position, and I don't think many people could handle it as well as she has," said Lee.

Becky says it's simple; she was given an opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons, and that's exactly what she did. Silver, the final Hero of 2009, strives and continues to succeed in finding a silver lining in the most sour of situations.

As always, if you know a hero, send Jen an email ((Jennifer.Black@newsplex.com) and you could see your hero featured on the CBS19 News at 6.

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