One Hometown Resident Is Celebrating Life, By Swimming Laps To Represent Her Age And Being Cancer Free.

Retired police lieutenant Lillian Alex was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2005, with a mastectomy.

On her 47th birthday, she swam 47 laps celebrating 6 months of being Cancer free.

However in 2007 after a suspicious Mammogram on the remaining breast, she had a second Mastectomy.

Now in 2009 on her 50th birthday.....50 laps to celebrate a life free of the stress on breast cancer.

Her husband bill is pool side as well as her daughter Megan, cheering her on to continue on in completing the swim.

Lillian had the support from her family, in going thru treatment of cancer and even now being cancer free.

"It brought us closer together as a family. We did more stuff together as a family. We did more stuff together cause it made life more precious." says daughter Megan Alex

"Just knowing that one of us is dealing with something potentially fatal tends make you stop and think about how precious life is." says Husband Bill Alex

Lillian and bill met in 1981 and were married in 1983. Now 26 years later they have 2 children Megan who is preparing to go to college as well as mason who is also ready to attend college.

When Lillian was weak, her family was strong.

She has been an advocate for others, speaking encouragement to those who have cancer, even modeling clothes for women who have gone thru the trauma of breast cancer. But now she is victorious and shares the celebration of life with others.

Now another accomplishment, completing her 50 laps with her husband bill jumping to her side in support.

Surviving the laps that challenge anyone both physically and mentally.

"When I was declared cancer free, I said wow, it's time to move instead of  having to now focus on getting a life back, now I can celebrate the life that was given back." Says cancer survivor Lillian Alex