'Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle,' is the quote you will see at the end of high school teacher, Annette’s email.

Diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2009, her women’s intuition had told her that something wasn’t right. Following surgery and chemotherapy, Annette needed a blood transfusion before final radiation treatment.

Watching the Huskers from her chair in the hospital she reflected, “I tried to envision the donor and wished I could have personally thanked them, secretly hoping they were a Husker fan! I wanted the donor to know how tired I had felt when I came to the hospital that morning and how great I felt when I left because of their gift.”

Her experience has shown her that she is truly blessed. “I was never mad about my cancer but rather asked what lessons am I to learn from the journey,” Annette added. Her story has inspired students at her school to donate at their annual blood drive, hoping to help other women in need.