ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Today's Everyday Hero isn't letting her battle with cancer get in the way of her passion for helping others.
- Pat Taylor is today's Everyday Hero
- 80-year-old battling cancer spends time volunteering
- Meet more Everyday Heroes
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As many celebrate the spirit of the holidays, 80-year-old Pat Taylor celebrates the spirit of life.
Taylor is a cafeteria volunteer at Pasadena Fundamental Elementary School in St. Petersburg.
"I fold the towels, I do cookes, I do art clubs. They have too much work to do because they're short a person to start with and I do what they can't do," Taylor said.
And she does this all while battling cancer. Taylor was diagnosed in 2004 with ovarian cancer which she has beaten on several occasions, only to return as it has now.
Not only that, Taylor has also had to deal with the death of one of her children. Despite all the pain, physical and emotional, she keeps a positive attitude.
"I love my life. I've got wonderful children, even the one I lost, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends," she said.
"She's always been the most positive person I've ever met. Always positive. Always finds the bright side in everything," Taylor's daugher Susan said.
"I was always upbeat about things. I enjoyed life, I enjoy my life now. Cancer hasn't been a deterrent," Taylor added.
And as for slowing down? Not for Taylor. Along with volunteering five days a week, she has a busy social life — Monday is Mahjong Day, lunch with friends on Tuesdays, Thursday is for golf, and she plays Dominos every Saturday.