Lena credits doctors at OSU for saving her life: “I think I was in the right place at the right time with the right doctors,” she said. She is also incrediably grateful for the support she received from her family of union members at MCI. Some of them offered to donate leave time, and a prison bake sale raised $1,800 in donations. OCSEA also helped Lena keep her seniority when she returned to work. “We all work together, and we don’t realize how big of a family we are here until something like this happens,” she said with gratitude.

Lena’s story is especially relevant this month because March is recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. When Lena was diagnosed at the age of 48, the recommended age to start colonoscopy screenings was 50. But, with cancer rates rising, the age for screenings has been lowered to 45 for those with an average risk of cancer. Individuals with a family history of cancer should start even sooner. With that in mind, Lena has a message for all of her OCSEA sisters and brothers: “If you’re eligible for colon screening, you should get one. It's [cancer] out there; it’s happening to a lot more younger people,” she said. 

With retirement planned for next January 2027, Lena’s life has come full circle. She’s a grandma now looking forward to becoming a full-time “nana." And this summer she will watch her youngest daughter Sarah get married, fulfilling a dream that helped motivate her during her grueling battle with cancer. “You’d be surprised what you can do. It’s the will to survive,” she said.