The American Cancer Society honored Chattanooga Bar Association Executive Director Lynda Hood as a 20-year survivor at its 2018 Life Inspiration Awards, held Friday, March 9 at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center.
A well-known community leader and volunteer for many local organizations, Hood was diagnosed with breast cancer after the birth of her daughter, Lauren. She tackled her treatment and getting well “with more than an adequate amount of toughness and grit,” said Jed Mescon, emcee for the ceremony. “And look at her now. She’s truly a role model for cancer survivorship.”
“When we hear the word ‘cancer,’ we’re overcome by fear. But after the initial shock of my diagnosis, I knew I had to fight it with everything I had,” Hood said. “My faith in Christ and the love and support of my family and friends gave me the strength I needed.”
Hood said “a daily dose of faith and inspiration” had a huge impact on her attitude then and continues to boost her outlook today. “My faith gets me through every day because every day is a gift from God, and I unwrap that gift with enthusiasm!”
Hood has served as executive director of the CBA for 24 years.