National Cancer Survivor’s Day is June 3

Virginia “Ginny” Kreuzberger has quite a biography. The Woodland Hills mother of seven is also a grandmother of 17, a nurse at Tarzana Regional Medical Center, an actress, a volunteer and an active church member. She’s also a breast cancer survivor with a positive outlook and a love for life.

WELLNESS WINNER—Ginny Kreuzberger will be receiving the Celebration of Life award from the Wellness Community Valley/ Ventura on National Cancer Survivor’s Day, Fri., June 3On June 3, skating star Peggy Fleming will present Kreuzberger, 70, with the “Celebration of Life” award on behalf of the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura in Thousand Oaks. Kreuzberger will be honored during a dinner at the Westlake Hyatt on National Cancer Survivor’s Day.

Kreuzberger credits the Wellness Community with her survival from cancer 18 years ago.

While undergoing chemotherapy she found out about the organization and began attending support groups to learn relaxation and visualization techniques. She’s been involved with the organization ever since, serving on its board and as an orientation leader, introducing new people to the Wellness Community’s services.

“I tell them my story and they can see I’m okay. I always feel 100 pounds lighter after an orientation because I feel I’ve been able to help someone,” Kreuzberger said. “It’s a wonderful service and it’s all free.” Kreuzberger urges women to check themselves every month after having their periods. To do a thorough check she recommends lying on a bed with a pillow tucked under your side. She also recommends doing breast exams while showering in between the more thorough monthly checks.

“It’s important for women to know their bodies, to spend time doing these exams and to do them at the same time every month,” Kreuzberger said.

She was the one who found the lump in her breast six months after having a mammogram and three months after her doctor examined her.

“I don’t know why it didn’t show up. I’m sure it was there,” Kreuzberger said.

Her own mother died of cancer at the age of 32, when Kreuzberger was only 10 years old.

Kreuzberger said she celebrates each day and makes sure to do the things she really loves. On June 26, for the Wellness Community, she will perform with the Prince’s Players, a community theater group.

She’s active in the Episcopal Church in Woodland Hills and teaches childbirth classes at Tarzana Medical Center.

“I plan my time better because life is precious,” Kreuzberger said.

“My husband always asks me when I’m going to retire, but I love what I do.” The Celebration of Life award is new, and Kreuzberger will be the first recipient.

“The Celebration of Life award is our way of honoring the many people in our community who’ve provided assistance to the Wellness Community in so many different ways,” said Keith Gregory, co-chair of the National Cancer Survivor’s Day festivities. “Without Ginny’s help our Wellness Community would not be as strong as it is.” For more information, please call (805) 379-4777.