Showing dogs motivates woman fighting cancer

WAUKESHA -- One woman's love of dogs has spanned more than 30 years, but recently, a deadly disease has threatened that passion, and the woman's life.

Sandy Rolling's disposition mirrors the gentleness of the golden retrievers she's grown to love. Over a year ago, Rolling showed off her own canines in events like the AKC Badger Golden Retriever Club Dog Show held at the Waukesha County Expo Center.

Now, running around the ring, showing her dogs, is no longer an option.

Rolling was diagnosed in 2001 with lung cancer.

"I was cleared after four years, and then, this last year, I had a pinch in my hip. I thought I just twisted it, but my cancer had just metastasized to my hip," Rolling said.

The disease and surgery took most of the mobility from Rolling's right food. Chemotherapy took all of her hair, but it's growing back, as is her will to compete and show her dogs in the ring.

"It keeps you going. It's a goal - to get back. This is where my family away from my family is, and all my friends are here and they're great," Rolling said.

Those who know Rolling say she's an inspiration. "Maybe she has a disease that's bad, but she teaches us all how to live," one friend said.

Since FOX6 News last spoke with Rolling, she says a PET Scan has shown a re-occurence of cancer in four places.

Rolling will undergo more chemotherapy at the end of the month.

Rolling's friends continue to volunteer to groom and run with Rolling's dogs in the ring until she gets back to full health.